FRONT LINES

{FEBRUARY 2015}
The Hot List

Info Bites to Fuel Your Business

1
LOOKING UP?

The National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index is at an eight-year high. The December 2014 index rose 2.3 points to come in at 100.4.

Here’s how the major components break down.
Job creation 15% (up 4 points)
Job openings 25% (up 1 point)
Capital spending plans 29% (up 4 points)
Sales expectations 20% (up 6 points)

Of the 25% of business owners surveyed that reported having open positions, 43% said they had few or no qualified applications for the positions.

2
RESOLUTION REDUX

Lose weight. Exercise. Call your mother more often. All excellent New Year’s resolutions. All probably discarded by now (except that last one, hopefully). There’s still time to call a do-over regarding resolutions—but this time focus on your business. According to Entrepreneur, the following are the four goals every small business owner should have for 2015.

✔ FOCUS ON YOUR EMPLOYEES
Happy employees make a business more productive, and keep morale high. Ask them about their long-term goals, and do what you can to get them there.

✔ TALK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS MORE
Doesn’t matter if it’s one-on-one, focus groups, or surveys. Customers’ needs and wants change, and you need to stay abreast.

✔ EVALUATE YOUR STRESS LEVEL
Living in a constant work mindset, working too long, and trying to please everyone carries a negative effect over time, both physically and emotionally. Plan some “you” time, even it’s one afternoon with no appointments, or setting aside time to go to the gym.

✔ PLAN AHEAD FINANCIALLY
A solid plan includes a budget, forecast, and goals. Set goals and track them.

3
MALL BLUES

Since 2010, more than 24 malls have closed, and an additional 60 are at risk. The ones falling first and fastest? The middle- and working-class malls with faltering mid-tier retail chains like Sears and JC Penney as anchors. Almost 1/5 of U.S. malls have a vacancy rate at 10% or higher. What’s working? High-end malls. With income inequality continuing to impact retail, and with stores designed for the top 5 to 10% of consumers, they are reportedly thriving.

Sources: New York Times, Green Street Advisors