Upwind in the Storm:
CDW Report on Small Business Resilience
The CDW Report on Small Business Resilience examines management and information technology (IT) infrastructure factors that contribute to business resilience against the backdrop of the current recession. It also examines the steps small businesses are taking to lessen the economic downturn’s impact, including staff reductions, saving money during good times, adjusting marketing investments and cutting expenses quickly.
- 79% of small businesses are taking concerted steps to mitigate the recession’s squeeze on profits
61% Reduced operating expenses (other than cuts in staff, salary or benefits)
35% Reduced marketing spending
30% Cut staff
22% Cut capital spending other than information technology
20% Reduced staff benefits/compensation without layoffs
14% Invested in new technology systems to increase efficiency
12% Cut information technology (IT) spending
11% Reduced new product or service development efforts
- Three-quarters of all small businesses believe a six-month leave of absence of their top executive would risk their company’s ability to operate
62%
of small businesses do not have a knowledge management strategy or are unsure if they have one
- Many small businesses are also operating without a marketing plan or defined budget, increasing business risk
- Many small businesses also do not protect themselves adequately against common IT security threats
- Define Operational Plans and Budgets
- Identify business goals and available/needed resources/investments
- Protect Against the Unexpected
- Implement a knowledge management system to ensure that essential information, company procedures and best practices are on file and accessible, even if you lose key employees or partners
- Reinforcing Your Infrastructure
- Use a company-wide computing network to preserve, protect and control vital information resources
Organization Size:
- 50% 1-19 employees
- 50% 20-99 employees
- 64% More than 10
- 17% 5-10 years
- 19% Less than 5 years
