14 DAY TRIAL // No less than 60% of entrepreneurs in the United States are convinced that 2009 will be at least on par with 2008, according to a survey commissioned by Microsoft Office Live Small Business and Elance to Decision Analyst. Microsoft indicated that, despite the economic downturn, the level of optimism was high among small business owners in the U.S. On top of the 60% of respondents indicating that they actually looked forward to 2009, another 37% expressed belief that they would be able to survive the global financial tsunami with their business relatively intact.
“There’s no doubt that small businesses are facing some pretty significant challenges right now, and while belt-tightening is necessary in tough economic times, staying visible in the marketplace is also absolutely critical,” Michael Schultz, director of marketing and product management for Microsoft Office Live, revealed.
No less than 86% of entrepreneurs asserted that they would rather continue to run their own business than work for a company. Schultz advises small business owners that increased market visibility can be just the thing for fending off the negative impact of the global financial crisis. Microsoft is, of course, offering free websites to small business via Office Live Small Business, as a way of attracting new customers.
“A Web site is one of the most effective and economical tools for connecting with new and existing customers, and setting one up with Office Live Small Business is fast, easy and free. And now, by teaming up with Elance, our customers have direct access to a large pool of talented, skilled professionals in a wide range of disciplines, including Web design, who can help take them to the next level and stay competitive,” Schultz added.
In addition, the Redmond company stated that the survey found that marketing expenses would continue to be high throughout 2009. “Small businesses are always striving to get more done with less,” Brad Porteus, CMO of Elance, stated. “With the Elance and Microsoft alliance, businesses constrained by budget, time and particularly lack of Web expertise can now more easily than ever find the talent they need to boost their Web presence and get work done.”