Almost half of the nation’s small-business owners said their top challenge is staying ahead of rapid changes in technology, according to a new national survey by Microsoft Store.
More than 30 percent of small-business respondents said they are likely to turn to familiar sources (a family or close friend) for technology guidance or help with their computers, email or software. About 26 percent said they have a formal relationship with a support or service establishment.
Nine out of 10 small-business owners said they are planning to hire 1-2 new employees next year. The survey also found that 37.6 percent of small-business owners are looking to introduce a new product or service into the market, while 35.7 percent are planning to execute a new marketing strategy.
Results from small businesses in the Mountain region:
• More than half of small-business employees work off-site, remotely or on the road daily.
• More than 70 percent do less than 20 percent of their work on mobile devices.
• Seven out of 10 small-business owners say they have a good work-life balance.
Mountain region states include Nevada, as well as Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
Microsoft Store surveyed 1,300 U.S. small-business owners with no more than 200 employees to gain insights into their challenges, opportunities and aspirations. Locally, Microsoft Store is in the Fashion Show.