Nerd Stalker

New Survey Data from SCORE shows 37% increase in small businesses employing gig workers Image courtesy of Pablo by Buffer New survey data from SCORE shows small businesses’ increasing reliance on part-time and gig workers this holiday season. Small business owners reported a 37% increase in hiring gig workers over the past six months (more than any other type of worker), citing specialized expertise and temporary/seasonal needs as top reasons for hiring this part-time or temporary help. This infographic below accompanies the latest installment of SCORE’s  Megaphone of Main Street  data report series , which presents original, statistically-significant survey data on the American small business landscape.

SCORE Releases Infographic on Video Marketing for Small Businesses Image courtesy of SCORE Who isn't trying video today. Barrier to entry is as simple as a smartphone but what videos should a small business focus on? Businesses are creating cost-effective promotional videos in a range of categories, including explainers, product demos and testimonials, and these videos are performing well with customers on small business websites and social media pages. Below are some stats on videos that can help you tell your story.

Small Businesses use Collaboration Tools to Grow Faster and Turn Higher Profits  Want to know collaboration tools we use? This post is prompted by the inforgraphic below from  SCORE , the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Score has published an infographic showing how small businesses that use online collaboration tools see 26% faster growth and 21% higher profits. Among businesses with fewer than 100 employees, 12% currently use online collaboration tools, while 17% plan to use these tools in the next 12 months. Businesses with 100-1000 employees are using collaboration tools at an even higher rate, with 28% currently using them, and 35% planning to use them in the next 12 months. 

SCORE says almost half of small businesses are creating over 3 jobs Closing out National Small Business Week, we found that,  SCORE , the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, has published its inaugural “ Megaphone of Main Street: Report on America’s Small Businesses .”  Originally collected data and focusing on small businesses, the survey data was collected from 18,000 respondents in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., representing small businesses of varied sizes in a broad coverage of industries. SCORE has collected this data annually for eight years through its annual Client Engagement survey, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. However, this is the first time that selected statistics (showcasing small business owners’ experiences and sentiments in fiscal year 2016) will be shared with the general public. Check out the infographic below.

SCORE Shares Growth Industry Statistics for Budding Entrepreneurs Industry Growth Statistics to Consider (photo courtesy of SCORE) Our friends at SCORE , in partnership with  The Deluxe Corporation Foundation , the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, has gathered statistics into an infographic which identify today’s most promising growth industries for entrepreneurs looking to start a successful small business. Now, before you get excited and rush off,  i ndustry growth is just one factor in choosing the best industry for a new small business . Other important considerations can include target market, location and competition.  Do some homework and enjoy.