Small Business Survey Results: Business Plans & Marketing Plans

This is the fourth installment in a series of posts focusing on the results of our recent small business survey. Please note that this is not a scientific poll. Please also note that response totals may not be recorded at precisely 100.0% due to rounding.

Respondents were asked whether, in light of the current state of the economy, they were increasing, decreasing or maintaining their marketing / advertising / public relations efforts.  The results were as follows:

• Increasing:  25.0%
• Maintaining current level:  60.7%
• Decreasing:  14.3%

When asked whether or not they have and use a written business plan, respondents answered as follows:

• We have a written business plan, but rarely review it:  26.3%
• We have a written business plan and review it regularly:  35.1%
• We do not have a written business plan:  36.8%
• I don’t know whether or not we have a written business plan:  1.8%

When asked whether or not they have and use a written marketing/communication plan, respondents answered as follows:

• We have a written marketing/communication plan, but rarely review it:  8.9%
• We have a written marketing/communication plan and review it regularly:  33.9%
• We do not have a written marketing/communication plan:  55.4%
• I don’t know whether or not we have a written marketing/communication plan:  1.8%