Small to Midsized Businesses Optimistic About 2011

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Heading into the new year, a majority of small to midsized businesses (SMBs) are optimistic toward 2011 and planning moderate changes, according to a survey of more than 1,000 SMB decision makers. With 84 percent of the SMBs surveyed predicting that sales will increase or remain the same, many businesses are looking to hire new employees and/or upgrade technology.

The survey, conducted by Zoomerang, an easy & cost-effective online survey tool for SMBs, and GrowBiz Media, a SMB content provider and consultant, provides insight into how the current economy is impacting business decisions of companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.

As a result of the positive outlook anticipated by the majority of respondents, 25 percent of those surveyed indicated they are planning to hire new staff in the next 12 months.

"With more than 27 million small and midsized businesses in the U.S., the optimism expressed in the survey could result in the creation of millions of jobs," said Alex Terry, General Manager of Zoomerang. "In the past few years, businesses have adapted by finding more cost effective solutions, but businesses are telling us that 2011 will be a year for some increased investment."

In addition to hiring new staff, small and midsized businesses are preparing to update their technology infrastructures. Among the top three areas of focus for businesses are software, hardware and the company's website, which were indicated 29 percent, 24 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

"These results indicate that we're finally ready to bounce back and invest in our businesses, which will naturally lead to economic growth," said Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media. "I am optimistic that America's entrepreneurs will once again lead the way, as we head back to prosperity."

For more information on the survey and its results, visit http://www.zoomerang.com/smb-business-survey-results-2010/ to view the report in its entirety.

About Zoomerang

Zoomerang was introduced by MarketTools in 1999 as the world's first Web-based survey tool. Zoomerang surveys and polls are fast, easy-to-use and powerful. Millions of individuals and thousands of businesses, non-profits and educational institutions trust Zoomerang to help them make more informed decisions with minimal cost and effort. Zoomerang provides customizable survey templates for the most common questions including customer satisfaction, meeting feedback, product feedback, event planning, online voting and hundreds more. Zoomerang customers can take advantage of Zoomerang Sample, a panel of more than 2.5 million consumers ready to take surveys, and professional services including expert survey design and survey programming. For more information, visit www.zoomerang.com.

About GrowBiz Media

Content and consulting company GrowBiz Media helps marketers, media companies, government agencies and other organizations effectively reach the small and midsized business audience. Rieva Lesonsky, founder and CEO of GrowBiz Media, was formerly the editorial director of Entrepreneur magazine and has been part of the world of entrepreneurs for nearly 30 years. GrowBiz Media's blog, www.SmallBizDaily.com, provides resources, inspiration and information to help entrepreneurs start and grow their companies. For more information, visit www.growbizmedia.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Zoomerang

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