So we’ve turned the corner into 2012 and have a fresh new twelve months to imagine, invent and make happen.
I think it’s going to be a crazy year (crazy in a good way for small business!) and believe we are only limited by our own thinking.
So on that note, I went cruising around the web to see what others were thinking about this year. Here’s what I found.
- USA Today Small Business writer Steve Strauss says the cloud will finally come into its own. That means more and more small business will accomplish tasks online without involving the hard drive on their computer. I think this is a really smart move for small business owners and a great way to manage cash flow.
- Over at About.com, guide Darrell Zahorsky says that there will be a small business revolution, but it won’t be driven by a single demographic. Each group, young and old, will bring value to the business space. Boomers with their experience and wisdom and the younger generation with their tech savvy skills.
- There will be a divide between social media “haves” who use the channels strategically and “have nots” who are a bit scattered and ad hoc in their approach in 2012 according to Laurie McCabes SMB Technology predictions. There will be opportunities here for consultants and social media management tool providers.
- If you are in a rural area, the outlook is good according to Becky McCray at Rural Community Building. The spread of online reviews makes every business a local business, which will be a boon to those who provide terrific products and services.
- Business News Daily reports that small business will need to watch out for the “big companies” who will be digging deeper into smaller markets and may encroach on the small business “territory.”
- Over on Small Business Trends, writer Barry Moltz says small business will need to really laser in on the pain in order to get others to buy. Carrots dangling improvement just won’t be enough.
Well, there you go. What do you think will be a small business trend for 2012? I’d love for you to let me know in the comments.
About Denise O'Berry
Thanks for the shout out!
You’re welcome Laurie. Glad you took the time to compile a trends list so I could point people to it.
Hi Denise – great post!
Another interesting one for small business owners is the realisation (finally) that they need to embrace the web! In our 2011 Business Monitor Special report on online business trends, it revealed that 57% of small business owners don’t have a website – and of these 45% don’t intend on getting one in the next 12 months.
Interestingly, a few short months have changed these results dramatically – a study in the last week by Dun & Bradstreet now reveals that 56% of small business owners think that online will harm their sales – forcing them to consider their own online strategy.
Here’s to 2012 being the year of an online boom for SME’s!!
Thanks Emma. That is an interesting survey. It still amazes me that so many small business owners have yet to embrace the online space. But you’re right — they have finally realized that if they are not where their customers are, they are going to be missing out on a ton of business. Appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts.