This weekโs KeyBank Commercial ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ท๐ฆ๐บ offers a clear (if sobering) snapshot of the small business landscape as we approach Q4:
๐ซข 23% of SMB owners say theyโre in โsurvival modeโ and are more focused on getting through the day-to-day than long-term strategy.
๐ซข 46% say their business underperformed this year compared to expectations.
๐ซข And yetโฆ 40% are cautiously planning ahead, building cushions and seeking advice.
Itโs a moment defined by uncertaintyโbut also resilience.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐โ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ?
๐ Inflation and rising costs remain the top concern (50%)
๐ญ Tariffs are forcing 25% to raise prices
๐ป Cybersecurity threats (especially payment fraud) are now a top fear for 41%
๐๏ธ 72% are worried about upcoming federal policy shifts
Despite it all, 80% say they feel confident making informed decisions, though they admit to second guessing along the way.
๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด:
โ๏ธ Seeking professional advice: 1 in 3 want more guidance on cash flow, planning, and taxes.
โ๏ธ Building resilience through self-care: Yes, 30% say a good nightโs sleep makes them feel more confident as leaders.
โ๏ธ Staying lean and strategic: Tightening expenses, rethinking pricing, and staying close to the customer are top priorities.
๐ค ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐น๐ถ๐๐๐’ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐:
The reality is that many of these โsurvival-modeโ SMBs are still buyers, but theyโre just more selective, more focused, and more cautious.
If you reach them early (๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฌ: ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ญ๐บ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ด) and align your messaging to:
– Help them manage costs,
– Navigate policy change, or
– Streamline operations
โฆyouโll be far better positioned to earn their trust and long-term business.
Crosslists Data can help you find those businesses at the moment of formation. A time when relationships are still fluid and theyโre open to new vendors, platforms, and advice.
โ Are your customers feeling confident, cautious, or a mix of both?
Let us know how you’re seeing this show up on the ground.
Professionals focused on information management and digital transformation often engage with AIIM: https://www.aiim.org