What is smAlbany?
smAlbany is many things to many people. In my experience as a business owner and a resident over the years, the term has evoked both limitations and possibilities, as well as challenges and opportunities. smAlbany is …
- A name that’s been coined by some residents and outsiders over the years to describe Albany and the Capital District, with connotations that range from the playful to the pejorative (It’s in the Urban Dictionary and I’ll save some smAlbany jokes for a later date.)
- smAlbany is a trade show for small businesses in the Capital District that we at Liberteks.com sponsor each year (this past July we drew nearly 400 attendees in our 4th year).
- It’s also a state of mind, in my opinion, where we can experience what I like to call “smAlbany moments” — where the connectivity of the people and locations in our environment bring forth a richness of value and significance for which we are especially fortunate.
In effect, what we at Liberteks.com decided to do was to take the negative associations of the “smAlbany” moniker and turn it into a positive. Courageously, we would take a lemon and make it into lemonade. We argued: The relative “smallness” in size of the region – I like to think it’s right sized, but poised for logical growth under the proper circumstances – makes for deeper, richer, more personal business connections, and even more importantly a better quality of life when we finished work and go home to our family and friends. Our “perceived” weaknesses and “smallness” may ultimately be our greatest strengths.
Our goal — in our continuing efforts—is to promote our businesses and our region through our smAlbany efforts, our activities in the community and media, including this blog. While the focus is on small business, we’ll also follow the activities of the larger businesses in the area, the development of our technology sector — will the Tech Valley movement come to fruition? – and also the government sector and how public employment affects the region (both the pros and cons).
Borrowing from the famous Albany author William Kennedy, I write this blog “not as a booster of Albany, which I am, nor as an apologist for the city, which I sometimes am, but rather as a person whose imagination has become fused with a single place…” We’ll do it with humor, and with information and insights, that we hope will be meaningful for you.
The best way to get over and erase the negative side of the smAlbany image is to stop being so self-conscious and sensitive of our hometown and instead show pride in our region, focusing on the all of the positives we possess, and the growth we have in store potentially.
I will continue these postings, and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Larry– you have a very thoughtful take on what smAlbany means … and you’re right… we DO have to stop being self-conscious or even embarrassed by our region. There is a lot going on here and plenty to be proud of! How about the new mcdonald’s coffee ads where local trivia from the 518 area is a feature? C’mon, lots of people really do pride themselves on being from smAlbany– they just have to admit it and be proud.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Larry…
I took a quick look and immediately realized that the blog merits much deeper consideration and thought on my part. My gut reaction is that it needs some earthy examples of real life, day to day, business dynamics, related to simply existing and then, ultimately thriving within the smAlbany microcosm. Generalizations just won’t do. It needs to be visualized through the prism of actual experience, preferably delivered in a manner that is amusing and captivating. If you are able to make that happen. Project the essence of smAlbany as a true collection of experiences and stories, defining what it means to surf, swim or sail the unique currents that define the smAlbany business environment. It must be interesting, entertaining and captivating.
And then…people need to know it exists. Marketing…..
Craig
October 9th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Thanks Larry,
The articles were interesting and thought-provoking.
I started one recently myself that is accessible from our website http://www.efcpart.com
Talk to you soon.
Sam
October 9th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Thanks for letting me know about your blog, Larry.
Its great to share information this way, so putting helpful links in your blog, plus bulleted statements with succinct points, will help readers who have limited time (and what small business owner has extra time??!) find one or two take-aways from your message. Photos, logos, and pictures keep it lively.
And by the way, I write a blog (for fun, but it has been wonderful at attracting clients, too) for the Times Union. Follow the link in my signature below.
Have a restful weekend,
Rachel
October 9th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hi Larry,
Thanks for sending the email to your blog.
It looks good. Welcome to the blogosphere.
I invite you to check out mine as well www.wordofmobile.com
I am working on some smalbany issues so I may be calling you about them in the next couple of weeks.
I have some hints for your blog if you like.
Just let me know if you are open to them.
Thanks,
D
October 9th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Larry,
You are right! smAlbany is too often a pejorative term. I’ve looked around at several major metropolitan areas of the US over the past several months, and I have not seen anyplace that compares more favorably than Albany, over all. The boosters cite our high art-to-population ratio, well educated citizens, and much more. But when we compare our real life experiences to places such as Philadelphia, LA, Seattle, and others we discover that our medical situation is just as good, our traffic is better, and we have a great deal of potential.
The one drawback is our winter weather. I don’t like snow. But on the other hand, the predictable snow beats the unpredictable earthquates of SoCal.
Let’s boost smAlbany!
October 9th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Larry,
I like the look and feel. It’s uncluttered and easy to read. What tool did you use to make it?
October 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Peter
We use WordPress as our tool. I’m curious if it matters whether you use wordpress.com or download the software? Maybe you have experience with this that you would share. Also does it matter if we use an old version of WordPress and what does “Akismet is not active” mean?
Larryz
October 9th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Your post resonnated with me on several levels, notably regarding the “makes for deeper, richer, more personal business connections, and even more importantly a better quality of life when we finished work and go home to our family and friends.” This is precisely one of the chief reasons my family and I have moved to the area (and that my wife grew up Loudonville and has longed to move back to the region). Moreover, there is clearly tremendous growth potential in the area, and new capital to support this growth. The risk, from my perspective, is bowing to growth for growth’s sake without regard to what makes the region special in the first place; namely the thriving small business community. It is incumbent on the business community to preserve the best of smAlbany while safeguarding against the risks of losing our identity as the region realizes its growth potential.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I applaud your work to promote the positive aspects of the central capital district. The negative SmAlbany mindset reminds me of things I have read about the attitude shared by some in the Buffalo-Niagara Frontier about the so-called sad state of the arts in that region. As in Albany, the arts there are alive and well, and while promoting and branding regional assets in both regions certainly needs improvement, we know–as you do–that countering the negative mindset is a critical element of preserving and “selling” the cultural identity and assets of a region. Our commitment to promote the greater recognition of artists and galleries of regional art in Upstate New York through our free website directory listings is just starting in these two metropolitan areas, and I am realizing that we have our work cut out for us. Your discussion is most revealing and the points you make will help us to reach artists and encourage them to achieve greater recognition for themselves, their locale, and their work.
October 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi Larry, reading your blog makes me realize I miss seeing you on a regular basis as we did with BNI and BRAG,
I was impressed with and concur with your wise words.
Let’s make it a point to get together real soon.
Your friend,
JR
October 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Larry,
Excellent job! I grew up just north of New York City and attended college in smAlbany. I appreciated what the big city had to offer but enjoyed the fact that I could get much of the same experience, on a slightly smaller scale here, but also be closer to the natural beauty of the capital district, hiking, skiing, fishing etc. Now that I am a parent I appreciate even more the types of things smAlbany has to offer, mainly a safe place to raise a family. The opportunities are no less than in other parts of the country, just look at the local colleges, Siena, RPI, Union, U Albany, Saint Rose, excellent schools graduating the next generation of scientist, engineers, accountants, teachers and small business owners. I do agree with Roger’s take on the winters here in smAlbany but there is something special about the first snow of the season and something even more special about the last one!
Looking forward to more of your insightful perspectives.
October 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Larry:
Your blog looks very good. It’s thoughtful and very well written which is the exception to most blogs. I’d never heard of “smalbany” - I’ve heard it called other things but this is a discovery. Writing about it seems a good idea.
Best regards,
Jonathan
October 10th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Larry, The Capital Region needs more Larry Zimbler’s. Your drive and dedication to small business practice should be applauded. I look forward to attending smAlbany in 2010.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Hi Larry,
I have always been impressed with your views…just about on any subject!
You are a creator of value…I appreciate that!
October 13th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Larry — Good post. We need to portray a positive image of smAlbany. Keep up the good work!
October 13th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Hey Larry,
Nicely said!
I especially liked “right sized, but poised for logical growth under the proper circumstances – makes for deeper, richer, more personal business connections, and even more importantly a better quality of life when we finished work and go home to our family and friends. Our “perceived” weaknesses and “smallness” may ultimately be our greatest strengths.”
I really enjoyed your blog and look forward to you sharing more of your insights about our SmAlbany!
October 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Larry I love the blog and you writing style.
I also believe it is a great idea to embrace the term smAlbany. There is no better way to take the sting out of a mean-spirited nickname than to wear it proudly.
As for the “smAll” label … there are an abundance of examples in life that remind us not to make assumptions based on size or other outward features.
I will always remember this quote from Yoda in Star Wars –
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not.”
Yoda, the master of all Jedi, was also the smallest Jedi.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Th time is right to copyright SmAlbany. As positive our relationships are we should always be bringing in others to the SmAlbany State of Mind (apologies to BJoel).
October 13th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for inviting me to comment Larry.
Your post is thought-provoking.
There are most definitely many talented people in this area, many of whom I have had the distinct honor of calling friends, colleagues and clients. To overcome the sometimes slow and myopic smAlbany mindset, it may take a little bit of shake-up and many more positive blog posts, comments and dialogue like this.
Kudos to you Larry and all!
October 13th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Larry, it’s very clear why you are very successful. Your passion, creativity, and the ways you help others is exactly what is going to grow the smAlbany concept. My seat belt is on and I look forward for the ride..
October 13th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hi Larry:
I moved to Albany about 2 years ago, from the booming, gridlocked city of Los Angeles– a place I dearly love, but which had become absolutely unlivable for me. I find Albany’s size to be a great advantage. Not only can I get everywhere in minutes; I already have a greater sense of community here than I ever felt in LA. And, as a sole proprietor (I’m a marketing copywriter), I’m finding Albany to have a talented,dynamic business community.
Now if you could just do something about those winters…
October 14th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Larry-
smAlbany used to be the term that I used to describe the nature of IT in the Capital Region. This term has now grown to include TechValley and has drawn a major chip fabrication plant and well as advanced nano-technology.
This area has a lot to be proud of technologically as well as culturally. The business climate is remarkably stable for Companies that strive to provide excellent service and the people in this area still are loyal to trusted partners.
I believe the Local IT Companies are:
*Small enough to still care and provide a personal touch while providing a level of customer service that escapes larger (outside of the region) companies
*Big enough to be excellent leading edge sources for innovation and support.
Steve Nolan
October 14th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Larry, we need more event and good press on Albany. I am sorry I missed your event; it’s very difficult to get people out but you and your staff did a great job. Again, we need ways to share business knowledge and help businesses grow in our fair city.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Larry,
I definitely appreciate this post. The monaker “smAlbany” has always offended me to a certain extent. Even though most people use it in a playful way the term denotes an amateur mentality of our businessmen and women. I’ve found from doing business in Albany for two years now that the companies, organizations and professionals that work in Albany are anything but amateur.
I look forward to future posts. For more on me as a professional check out my signature.
Thank you,
October 28th, 2009 at 6:21 am
Hi Larry, the longer I spend time with the business people in Albany the less I think of them as “smAlbany”. I think we need to have more events for business people so we can share the “largeness.”
November 17th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I think you should add a “resources” page which lists your favorite technologies for small businesses. I also think you should add a categories index and a search field to your blog. I believe your visitors will find your blog when they are searching for a particular topic. Other than those three suggestions, I think your blog will serve as a valuable resource to small (but growing) businesses. I wish you the best of luck and success with your new endeavor.
Sharmil McKee,
Business Attorney
McKee Law Office,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 20th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
[…] You know, the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about, so I wanted to thank everyone who read or replied to my smAlbany blog postings. […]
November 25th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I have grown up in Colonie, built a business in Latham. I agree with you that
our town is just the right size. We all need to embrace what we have and continue to grow as a community and in business. We are surrounded by wonderful resources. Sometimes I believe we need to take a breath and appreciate all that Albany and our surrounding areas have to offer.
Keep up the good work and spread the word! We all have much to be Thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:16 am
smAlbany is rich in history, natural beauty, educational institutions, and opportunities to personally do business with the movers and shakers. As a business community we need to actively press all layers of government to streamline their operations. I repeatedly hear from newcomers how hard it is to do business in NYS due to the multitude bureaucracies. I was even told by a doctoral candidate that he has lived in numerous states and never had such a hard time anywhere else getting a driver’s license. We are poised to grow but need to facilitate the day-to-day tasks which welcome our new businesses and neighbors.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:52 am
You truly make it look so fabulous with your presentation, but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too rarified and very broad for me. I am looking ahead for your next post; I will try to get the flow of it.
-Bob-
Thanks for the post.
Trying to be uber-practical for you; I see you have a site which promotes local outdoor activities. If we skip to a related comment from Skip (on smAlbany: An Idea and a Mission blog post) I see two people who should meet. I recommend:
A service schedule may grow for day trips with mass transit. smAlbany is small enough where a goal such as this can we proved as a successful concepts in just a few meetings.
- Larryz-
February 9th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I need to say, politics and religion provoke the very best and also the worst in folks. The very best because both can lead to people being incredibly self-sacrificing, the worst because both can result in amazingly inflexible and difficult action. I’m not having a go at you, this comments just made me realize this, so thanks for that.
March 12th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
www.larryzimbler.com is the best. Thank your for this article. I enjoyed it very much.
AAA Toronto Payday Loans 1172 Bay St #101, Toronto, ON M5S 2B4 (416) 477-2817
July 28th, 2010 at 9:32 am
[…] Pastor Goes to smAlbany… Posted on July 28, 2010 by Alan Rudnick No, it is not the start to a lame joke, but I served as a panelist at smAlbany.smAlbany is a yearly small business put on by Liberteks.com. This year was the 5th Annual smAlbany Small Business Expo. smAlbany focuses on the technology aspect of networking, business, and career development. I quickly discovered that smAlbany is a pejorative for Albany, NY – “small-bany” The urban dictionary even has an entry for it. […]