In an interview with Hortonworks co-founder Arun Murthy, John Furrier quipped that open source data companies are earning what amounts to a “rounding error” relative to heavy-hitters like IBM and EMC in terms of revenue.  While such companies aren’t generating big profits, Furrier adds, nevertheless, “the disruption you’re providing in their market is significant.” In short, businesses don’t need big profits to do big things. In a similar vein, a recent BLUE infographic, “How Small Businesses Are Competing with Big Brands” explains how small companies are leveraging technology to enhance their online presence, develop sincere customer relationships and seek funding to build a quality brand that rivals even the biggest billionaire enterprise.

If “big” means “illions,” according to the study, only 0.1% of companies will reach $250 million annually in revenue and only 0.036% will reach $1 billion.  However, in the new digital economy, you don’t need “illions” in capital to lead a profitable venture. With 91% of American adults active on social media outlets, networking sites are an inexpensive, yet powerful way to engage clients. 50% of small businesses developed new client relations through social media and 85% of consumers like receiving digital responses to their concerns. Small businesses are also shifting their focus to inbound marketing leads, which cost 61% less than outbound leads.

Customers are often drawn to small businesses because they feel they offer more personal attention. 59% of consumers try new brands for better customer experiences and 70% are willing to spend more with businesses with stellar customer service.

To meet operations costs, small businesses can apply for a wide array of grants ranging from $500 to over $1 million. The U.S. government awarded over 3,000 grants to small businesses in 2011 for a total of $1.6 billion in funding.

Small businesses should also stay creative when it comes to providing and receiving goods and services. 63% of small businesses have partnered with others and 76% considered joint ventures beneficial. 450,000 businesses bartered goods or services in 2010. BLUE’s key advice to small businesses: “Stay agile, learn something new everyday.”