Understanding Micro Business Survey

 

Our biannual survey takes the pulse of our solo and micro business community. From growth plans to business challenges, marketing to money, workstyle to lifestyle, Understanding Micro Business reveals emerging trends and identifies what makes this key business sector tick. 

Download your pdf copy of the 2010-2011 survey findings here. 

Understanding Micro Business, 2010-2011 was generously supported by Intel and first published at the end of April 2010. It involved 1,330 members of our community.

Here's a snapshot of the areas covered by the survey:

Survey methodology 

Demographics  

• Gender
• Age
• Income
• Location

Business Information

• Industry
• Nature of business
• Selling capabilities
• Use of outside help
• Challenges
• Future Plans 

Characteristics, habits and behaviours 

• Love, life and money
• Internet, phone and computer issues
• Purchasing decisions
• Networking style
• Website development and usage

Download your pdf copy of the 2010-2011 survey findings here. 

Anatomy of Australia’s micro business owner

While the world of micro business is tremendously diverse, with no such thing as a ‘typical’ business, let’s have a crack at outlining the anatomy of Australia’s micro business owner.

Here are seven key findings from the survey:

1. We’re experienced. Of the 1,330 survey participants, 46% fell into the 40-54 age bracket, with a further 36% in the 25-39 range.
2. We’re established. 57% have been in business for over three years (the majority of this group over five) with a further 23% in the 1 to 3 year range.
3. We’re doing okay financially. Those in the $104-$129k bracket are double the national average and top bracket personal incomes are four times the national average. That said, the constant battle of finding new clients/customers was still identified as the biggest challenge.
4. We work from home, solo. Around 70% operate from a home base and do so as a lifestyle choice. Two thirds of us are the only person working in the business. 51% of us do not have children living at home with us.
5. Most of us sell services. Over 50% sell services only, versus 10% selling products only. The remainder sell both.
6. We talk to each other. While online social networking is on the rise as a way to generate new business, traditional word-of-mouth marketing is still  the best source of new business for a staggering 85% of us.
7. We’re happy and optimistic. Eight out of ten respondents are happy in their work, optimistic about the future and enjoying running their own show.

Once again, a big 'thank you' to our wonderful community. Your help is invaluable to us both in terms of shaping Flying Solo’s future and spreading the word about Australia's largest business sector.

From where we’re sitting, the future looks bright!

If you would like to discuss any aspect of survey, please make contact.

Copies of the 2008 survey can be downloaded here.