Often the successful ones were small and lean: They didn't have corporate overhead to cover.

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These small operators combine a lean operating ethic and a toolset designed to make a profit on that last bit of juice.

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In other words, LEAN leaders think big, build small and iterate cheaply until they get it right.

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There is probably a role for a small, lean, efficient government agency dedicated to disaster relief, and in particular to provide temporary respite from federal regulations such as Davis-Bacon.

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He learned, for example, than when tables for two are set with small votive candles, "it makes you want to lean in and talk softly, " he said.

WSJ: Pop-Ups Are Taking Over the Kitchen

Looking to stay lean, a growing number of start-ups and small firms are turning to crowdsourcing for a variety of one-off jobs, from simple data entry to software testing, Website design, advertising, marketing, or research and development.

WSJ: Small firms, Start-ups Drive Crowdsourcing Growth

Small businesses that are still healthy and credit worthy are busy right now trying to (1) get as lean and efficient as possible, and (2) build fortress balance sheets.

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