Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google are not successful because they’re big. They’re big because they’re successful.

I’ve already had a few relatively animated discussions with intelligent folks about whether small businesses can learn anything from The Gang of Four. I say yes.

That doesn’t mean that you or I can buy DoubleClick or Zappos. We can’t.

Simon Says

But aren’t there other companies out there that complement your products and services? Aren’t they’re ways to work together short of an expensive and highly public acquisition?