The news in 2009 wasn’t good and you felt it. In a report released by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) the optimism index dropped 0.8 points, making November the sixth consecutive month the index has been below 90. It’s a good report, you can read it here: NFIB Small Business Economic Trends
What’s driving this crisis in confidence? Simple – buyers aren’t spending like they used to. Headcounts are down – 21% of small businesses reduced their workforce last year (4.2 workers on average). Capital expenditure plans are pessimistic as well – the percentage of businesses planning to make capital expenditures also fell to a 35-year low: 16%.
Hang in there – there is a bright spot. Government agencies are spending, especially the Federal Government.
Today is the day to start developing new customers and new leads. We’re not suggesting that it’s easy. Selling to new customers is never easy, and the Federal Government can certainly be a tough sell. But it’s still a new customer.
Worth it, if you ask us.