Study: There’s Never Been a Better Time for Entrepreneurship

I believe in calculated risk-taking. As we navigate our way through a changing economic landscape, the benefits of entrepreneurship – perhaps for the first time ever – often outweigh the risks. If you understand your customers and can identify their needs, there exists countless opportunities for the daring among us to capitalize on unmet market demand by launching our own endeavors.

As an experienced entrepreneur, I believe there has never been a better time to get in the game and start your own business, and if you’ve already done so, no better time to invest in powerful resources. Now is the time to be bold!

Small Businesses Are Resilient and Optimistic

Earlier this year, my company Schedulicity conducted a nationwide survey of the small business owners who use our service, the goal being to capture their priorities, attitudes and perceptions regarding the economy, hiring expectations, marketing goals and general business performance. We received more than 1,200 responses, the majority of which reflected an optimism we haven’t seen for several years. Small business owners are confident and ready to take the plunge and invest in their businesses.

Among respondents, a remarkable ninety-one percent (91%) indicated they expect their business to perform better this year and beyond than it did in 2011, while only two percent predict negative business growth. For comparative purposes, small business owners were asked to assess their 2011 business results. Fifty-one percent (51%) rated last year’s business performance as better, or much better, than expected; 34 percent (34%) reported earnings were on point with expectations; and a minimal 12 percent (12%) reported a worse-than-expected business performance in 2011.

Clearly, business owners are poised to turn a new leaf, but what does this confidence mean for their business plans?