Australian businesses owners are optimistic about out-performing the economy, with technology helping to boost their productivity, a new survey has found.
The 2010-2011 Vodafone SMB Survey found that 72 percent of SMB owners around Australia are more optimistic about their own business than the economy. While 45 percent said that they were concerned about the economy, a remarkable 35 percent of SMB owners claimed that the GFC did not impact their business.
The results indicate that Australian small businesses are feeling optimistic, resurgent and ready to grow, says General Manager of Business Sales at Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) Michael Cheshire.
“The Vodafone survey reveals that the Australian spirit of entrepreneurialism, mixed with our unique blend of optimism and self-belief is alive and well,” Mr Cheshire said.
The survey also found that over 60 percent of respondents felt that technology has had a positive impact not just on their lifestyle but in helping them achieve the work-life balance. Almost half of the respondents felt technology provided them with greater flexibility and a quarter felt it increased productivity.
The survey indicates a strengthened demand for mobile voice and mobile broadband products, according to Mr Cheshire.
“We know that flexibility and mobility continue to be vital requirements for SMB owners. In 2009, VHA saw a staggering 133.7 percent increase in customers using mobile broadband and a 201 percent increase in customers using the internet on their mobile handset, demonstrating that customers are doing more and more on the move,” Mr Cheshire said.
“The survey provides a unique snapshot of the concerns facing SMBs, an often overlooked but significant part of the Australian economic landscape,” added Mr Cheshire.
