CINCINNATI, OH – A majority of U.S. small business owners have changed the way they think about and operate their companies as a result of the recent recession, according to a survey conducted by The Growth Coach, a business coaching franchise system which serves several thousand small business clients annually in more than 150 markets across North America.

Based on survey responses of The Growth Coach franchise system, 95 percent of business coaches reported that their small business clients (defined as less than 100 employees) have made overall expense reductions, while 80 percent implemented a workforce reduction and/or a hiring freeze.



Other post-recession behavior modifications were highlighted. Another 80 percent of survey respondents reported that their small business clients were now more focused on achieving better results and receiving a higher return on investments (ROI). Owners are questioning every expense and demanding better ROI validation before spending their cash.



Other indicators that small business owners have learned their lessons, modified their mindsets, and implemented noticeable changes to their day-to-day business operations include:



Wiser sales and marketing investments (77.5 percent)
Better focus on all-around productivity (77.5 percent)
Better budgeting and planning process (70 percent)
Changes to leadership and management approach (67.5 percent).


In addition, 85 percent of business coaches surveyed reported feeling that the recession has fundamentally changed the way their small business clients view and think about their businesses, while 75 percent believe the recession has had a positive effect on the way their clients now think about and operate their small businesses.