Gallup Small Business Poll

[don]

PRINCETON, NJ -- U.S. small-business owners who aren't hiring -- 85% of those surveyed -- are most likely to say the reasons they are not doing so include not needing additional employees; worries about weak business conditions, including revenues; cash flow; and the overall U.S. economy. Additionally, nearly half of small-business owners point to potential healthcare costs (48%) and government regulations (46%) as reasons. One in four are not hiring because they worry they may not be in business in 12 months.

Companies typically hold back on hiring when the economy is weak and when their operating environment is not providing sufficient revenues or cash flows. This appears to be the case right now, as the economy has been weak for more than four years. Less typical is for many owners to point to such things as potential healthcare costs and government regulations.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/152654/He...nomy%20-%20USA

[wayiwalk]

Re: Gallup Small Business Poll

Actually am hiring (well, did add 2 employees last fall) but I would have answered "yes" to the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th questions. Like it or not, my profit margins don't allow me to afford healthcare for my employees (most of whom work part time by choice).

Not being in business in 12 months may be the case because profit margins will not justify tying up my capital anymore. I keep telling myself, it is worth it to "hang in there" as other companies drop out, but the income (this is a side business) is not worth the time/trouble at the moment.

[lektrode]

Re: Gallup Small Business Poll

....keep telling myself, it is worth it to "hang in there" as other companies drop out, but the income.... is not worth the time/trouble at the moment.

+1
the boatbiz (mine anyway) is in same straights

if it wasnt the general blowout of the economy crushing peoples retirement plans and if it wasnt the tsunami taking out 3 full marinas worth of boats, or 4-5bux/gal diesel, its the buracracy messin with peoples heads = stop spending on the boat...
"recovery" ?
uh huh...
sigh....

[doom&gloom]

Re: Gallup Small Business Poll

+1
the boatbiz (mine anyway) is in same straights

if it wasnt the general blowout of the economy crushing peoples retirement plans and if it wasnt the tsunami taking out 3 full marinas worth of boats, or 4-5bux/gal diesel, its the buracracy messin with peoples heads = stop spending on the boat...
"recovery" ?
uh huh...
sigh....

My boat is a Boston Whaler 19' Outrage. It sits on a trailer in my driveway where I pay no moorage fees, and the design is one of minimal upkeep. I choose such a boat purposefully because the weather in the NW sux, and boating is usually a good weather, summer pastime for a few hours at a stretch.

I am always amazed at all the money tied up in boats that just sit and sit and sit at marinas around here. Some of them may move only a few days a year, yet the owners pay maybe $300+/mo for a slip, plus if they are on payments maybe another $3-600/mo. The reality of boating around here is rarely the same as the dream. And we have the most boats per capita in the whole country I am told!