Small Business Outlook for 2014

small BUSINESS PULSE SURVEY based on benchmark survey 2013 THE ALTERNATIVE BOARD The Business Owner's Strategic Advantage CURRENT OUTLOOK 44% of TAB 69% 58% Members added full-time employees in 2013, compared with 25% of of U.S. of U.S. business owners stated that the economy has improved over the last year, compared to non-members business owners 64% of TAB reported an INCREASE in Members 60% profits in 2013 increased in 2012 profits in 2013 Compared to 56% of Anticipated Increased Expenses Businesses anticipate the largest expense non-members increases in 2014 to be: 81% 43% i 28% Employee Salaries Employee Benefits of ALL business 76% of TAB owners Sluggish Demand Members consider anticipate an increase in sales revenue Health Insurance their Peer Board to and be their most valuable source for Consumer in 2014. business advice Confidence Optimism towards their business is are considered the biggest threats to small businesses the highest it's been at any point in the last TWO YEARS n LinkedIn remains the leader in social media outlets for small businesses Higher grossing businesses place a higher priority on operational challenges. For full survey results, please click here! Lower grossing business owners are primarily concerned with marketing effectiveness %24