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Survey Says: Hiring Fears, Cloud Computing, and All Things Social
New surveys reveal why hiring remains sluggish, how Twitter can boost your bottom line, and more.
Posted 6/ 3 10 at 3:00 PM | Business Trends, Technology, Money, Advertising & Marketing, Sales, Management, Leadership, Taxes & Accounting, Online Business
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What can help a business grow right now? Bringing in new employees often leads to bringing in new revenue, but a new survey shows most entrepreneurs are still leery of hiring. If you're seeking greater efficiency with a smaller staff, cloud computing might be a solution -- but another poll shows most entrepreneurs are still hazy about the benefits of a digital cloud. One growth tactic that's a bit easier to put into practice: social media. If you still haven't gone social, some new findings may convince you of why you should. Here's a closer look at some of the latest small-business surveys.Small Businesses Wary of Hiring
I recently cautioned that the war for talent was heating up, but apparently it hasn't caught fire among small-business owners just yet. According to the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index conducted in April, small businesses remain hesitant to bring new employees on. Asked if new tax credits for hiring unemployed workers would spur hiring this year, 52 percent said "very unlikely."
That's not to say entrepreneurs don't want to grow their staffs -- 34 percent said they are hiring fewer employees than they ideally need. Why? Eighty-one percent are afraid revenue will not be strong enough to justify new hires, while 65 percent are concerned about the cost of providing health insurance.
I understand why business owners are concerned. If you've had to lay off employees once, you never want to do it again. So if you're not confident enough to hire full-timers, what about giving freelancers and independent contractors a try? There are more of them out there than ever -- and, increasingly, it's an avenue small businesses are pursuing until the economy fully turns the corner.
Entrepreneurs Hazy about the Cloud
Are you confused about cloud computing and whether it could help your business? You're not alone. In a new survey by Verio, 72 percent of respondents said they know the same as, or even less than, they did last year about cloud computing solutions.
That's despite the fact that 30 percent of small and midsize businesses want to minimize technology costs, and more than 50 percent want to be able to share IT resources. If they knew enough about cloud computing technology and understood its benefits, nearly 30 percent of respondents said they would implement a cloud solution within the year, and 13 percent said they would do so within three months.
The good news is that technology companies keep adding to their cloud-based products. The new version of Microsoft's Office 2010 is loaded with Web apps. Telecommunications company Cbeyond now provides a cloud-based "virtual receptionist." Last month AT&T launched cloud-based small-business services that can be accessed via computer or mobile phone. And just this week, HP announced its intention to invest more heavily in cloud-computing solutions.
I have to confess, I can relate to this survey. I know about these various new offerings because my company is likely going virtual -- and we're turning to the cloud to make the transition smoother.
Consumers Don't Trust Companies -- Unless They Get Social
Still not convinced social media can help your business? A new study by customer engagement company Alterian reveals just 6 percent of U.S. consumers trust advertising, and the same puny percentage believe "what the company says about itself." In contrast, 35 percent of consumers who use social media believe that companies participating in social media "are genuinely interested in them."
I hope you don't need more convincing that social media really can work. I've found new business partners, opportunities, and clients by using Twitter, , LinkedIn, and the like. If your business isn't yet part of the community, get online and find out what consumers are saying about your business. Engage in the conversation, learn what customers really think, and you'll gain a new understanding of what they're looking for and how your business can meet their needs.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva and read more of her insights on her blog, SmallBizDaily.com.
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Do you REALLY want to know what is going on?? or do you prefer to wish, and dream that everything is peachy and those mean old business people should start handing out paychecks??? Here is the scoop. We found that we had to downsize...To do that we elininated the WORST employees.. You know them, the ones that really aren't concerned with the health of your company,,, take days off because their lives are not fitting in well with the job. Most likely when you interviewed them, they asked very quickly about the amount they would receive, instead of informing you of their abilities. They were brought up thinking that YOU started the business just to give them a job.. The remaining workers were a bit more appreciative of still having a job and they worked even better than before......Productivity up,,, payroll down,,,good business!!! Now, we are scared to death of all the NEW things that our government is proposing all in the name of helping those unemployed workers and we want new direction in the form of rewards for work and NO rewards for non work....Sooner or later some must get out of the cart and help to push it,, the load is getting too heavy for the pushers....Remember this, young people.. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MUCH I PAY YOU>> WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT I GET FOR THE AMOUNT I PAY YOU!!!!
So true Jim, you sound like a old timer who's been there, done that...I am currently contemplating staff reductions, furloughs, and the like to make it worth my while to stay in the black...regards, Mario
Jim: I had a bad employee quit because I questioned the sales she was taking for commission. I was correct that they were not her sales. She quit and filed for unemployment and the state granted her 3800. because I questioned her too often? She was terrible, brought no business in and was so lazy. What to do? Why is it that people feel they should get paid for just showing up?
Mr Rodgers did it!!! Before you laugh at me think...Although he lived only a few miles from where I grew up and overall he was a wonderful guy,, he kept telling all the kids that they were special,,, just because they were alive..Problem is,, they believed him....You CAN become special, and certainly life all by itself is wonderful and special, but in order to BE special you have to do something with that life...Too many little birds just raising their beaks and demanding mommy to put some food into it...Works for a while, but mommy bird WILL kick the little ones out of the nest and guess what???? They manage to fly on their own!!!! Pretty novel idea huh?????????