Do you dream about your business while you sleep? If so, you're not alone. According to results of the 2nd annual small business study
conducted by office supply giant, Staples, 51 percent of those surveyed said that they “sleepwork” (i.e. dream about work), and nearly 70 percent
of those “sleepworkers” report they wake up and put their “work dreams” to action.
The survey results also showed that the term "time off" is pretty much an oxymoron for small business owners. A whopping 98 percent of U.S. small-business owners
and managers said they work during their time off – including nights, weekends and vacations – and nearly 54 percent expect to work even harder in 2008 .
Other interesting results include:
* The car remains a favorite place to work, with 72 percent saying they make business calls while driving and nearly 40 percent saying
they get their best ideas behind the wheel.
* Slightly more than 38 percent cannot remember the last time they took a vacation.
* If given a choice, nearly 52 percent said they would accept comparable business results in 2008 if they could have twice as much free time,
while 48 percent said they would work even more hours if they could double their company’s sales.
* More than 84 percent said they have not yet incorporated “new media” (blogs, podcasts, virtual meeting software or services) into
their business activities.
* Fifty-two percent make New Year’s resolutions for their business. Of those, 58 percent said they resolve to increase business, while
only 21 percent said they want more time off. Thirty-five percent said they want to increase profits/eliminate debt.
The Internet poll – which surveyed 300+ small businesses with no more than 20 employees – explored what is causing the insatiable
need to work, as well as the obstacles preventing these hard-working Americans from enjoying their free time afforded by previous generations.
The results revealed organization and teamwork are the top factors why owners and managers are working so many hours. Nearly 70 percent
admitted they do not have a written business plan. Almost three-quarters consider themselves organized, but only 33 percent said they complete
the tasks on their “to-do” list each day. Slightly more than two-thirds said they feel constantly challenged by not having enough time to get work
done and nearly 44 percent said customer fulfillment takes up the majority of their time while at work.
Looking ahead to 2008, when it comes to key issues and politics, more than half of those surveyed said they have already started looking
at the presidential candidates’ positions on small business. Almost 32 percent said the price of gasoline is the most important issue for them
next year, with nearly 18 percent citing taxes as their hot-button issue.
The survey was developed by Staples and conducted by Decision Analyst, Inc. in Arlington, TX.
Staples, Inc. is the world's largest office products company. More information is available at www.staples.com.
www.businessknowhow.com
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