Small business owners optimistic
October 31, 2008 by ShannonCherry
Filed under Business
A new survey shows that small business owners are optimistic – but realistic – about business growth during this economic downturn.
Intuit’s lastest Small Business and the Economy survey found that more than 80 percent of the business owners surveyed see opportunities for their businesses. And 64 percent expect to grow.
More than 67 percent are worrying, however, about how they will get new customers and clients. And more than half (60 percent) are planning to reduce costs.
And for the second month in a row, the Small Business Optimism Index has actually gone up, signifying that small business owners are feeling more optimistic.
I’ll admit, I am probably with these folks. I think things will be fine, but know that getting new customers is going to be tougher than ever.
So what do you think?
I think this economic downturn is sobering but you can’t let fear or a “what if” syndrome get the best of you. We’re still moving forward with our startup http://tastynectar.com and praying for the best.
Hi Shannon,
In hard economic times like these, its better to keep looking forward. Small businesses are the businesses that are (unfortunately) the ones getting squeezed out. The only thing we can do is think positively and channel our energy towards our business endeavors (and some biz dev doesn’t help either….)
Violet
It’s all about preparation. For some, this may actually turn into a boom, you just have to be clever with your planning.
I run a job recruiting business, and I have to say that it’s definitely a tough market out there. With a tough economic climate, there are more job seekers than ever out there than ever, but at the same time, there are fewer jobs to go around.
This is especially tough for recruiters like me who specialize in the engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors. Outsourcing is definitely a challenge, and with manufacturing and construction giant Caterpillar laying off workers left and right, the squeeze keeps getting tighter.
Nevertheless, we have an economy that is slowly rebounding, not to mention the construction boom expected once the infrastructure repair and building starts with the economic stimulus.