Technology Is Helping, Hindering Small Firms in 2012; Wellness Programs Being Adopted by Small Businesses; Unemployment Rate Down; Small Firms Planning More Promotions;  

Technology is playing a far greater role in small business operations and marketing.  However, some companies are using technology to replace personal communication channels.  This can lead to confusion in the marketplace.

At the same time, so-called place-based marketing, using in-store video monitors as promotional centers is taking off.

As the cost of healthcare benefits continue to rise, smaller firms are turning to wellness programs to help improve worker health outcomes and reduce premiums.

Editor note: We are currently conducting a reader survey asking respondents what are your most pressing information needs.  As a result of analyzing early returns we are stepping up coverage of emerging trends and online marketing.  We are asking all readers to participate in the study with three respondents each winning a $50 American Express gift cards.  To participate in the survey click here.

President Obama is trumpeting the first drop in unemployment numbers in months.  It will help his re-election campaign but many small business leaders are not totally convinced. But there is additional good economic news.

In a study done for Valpack, 55% of small and medium size businesses surveyed reported their business had either already recovered from the recession or they expected to recover within the next 6 months. 

And those numbers are even more encouraging for businesses with 20-99 employees, as 62% reported recovery now or within six months according to the recent survey conducted by Research Now, an independent market research firm. 

Business is picking up on Main Street.  In response, businesses are thinking about what tactics to use to grow their business – advertising, promotions, staffing and more.

• 31% said they planned to hire additional staff (a 5% increase over 2010) 
• 15% said they planned to hire temporary help
• 37% said they planned to expand their product/service offerings  

Another straw-in-the-wind is the fact Americans appear to be saving more while consumer spending is up.

However, the retail sector announced nearly five times as many planned layoffs in January as in December, due to restructurings, store closings and other cost-cutting measures, according to the Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

We are conducting our annual reader survey and ask you to tell us what information needs you would most like to see. Three respondents will each receive a $50 American Express gift card.  Take the survey here.

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