Survey: Small Businesses Make Noticeable Post-Recession Changes
The Growth Coach Franchise 'Business Barometer' Points to Specific Behavior Modifications

DEERFIELD, IL, January 06, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A majority of U.S. small business owners have changed the way they think about and operate their companies as a result of the recent recession, according to a survey conducted by The Growth Coach, a business coaching franchise system which serves several thousand small business clients annually in more than 150 markets across North America.

Based on survey responses of The Growth Coach franchise system, 95 percent of business coaches reported that their small business clients (defined as less than 100 employees) have made overall expense reductions, while 80 percent implemented a workforce reduction and/or a hiring freeze.

Other post-recession behavior modifications were highlighted. Another 80 percent of survey respondents reported that their small business clients were now more focused on achieving better results and receiving a higher return on investments (ROI). Owners are questioning every expense and demanding better ROI validation before spending their cash.

Other indicators that small business owners have learned their lessons, modified their mindsets, and implemented noticeable changes to their day-to-day business operations include:

• Wiser sales and marketing investments (77.5 percent)
• Better focus on all-around productivity (77.5 percent)
• Better budgeting and planning process (70 percent)
• Changes to leadership and management approach (67.5 percent).

In addition, 85 percent of business coaches surveyed reported feeling that the recession has fundamentally changed the way their small business clients view and think about their businesses, while 75 percent believe the recession has had a positive effect on the way their clients now think about and operate their small businesses.

"As a fast-growing, prestigious business coaching franchise, it's important for us to periodically take the pulse of the small business community that we serve," said Daniel Murphy, President and Founder of The Growth Coach. "This survey validates our theory that the recession has created humility among small business owners and opened up their minds, making them more receptive to working with business coaches to grow their businesses and stay ahead of the competition. Given all the recent challenges, small business owners are searching for better ways to manage their businesses and lives as they want greater success and fulfillment. That's a very positive outcome."

The Growth Coach utilizes its signature Strategic Mindset group coaching process, one-to-one coaching, telecoaching, and other related services to help clients reach success in business and in life. All initial coaching services come with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. The coaching process helps clients gain clarity, strike a balance between their personal and professional lives and close the performance gap with ongoing action plans and accountability. For more information, please visit www.TheGrowthCoach.com.

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