New Survey Reveals Trends in the Home Based Business Industry
A Home Business Article Contributed by Cassandra l. Keller
New Survey Reveals Trends in the Home Based Business Industry
According to a recent study by the National Foundation for Women Business Owners, technology is helping to boost growth in the home based business industry. The report was based on responses by 500 home based business owners, male and female. The survey was performed in five Midwest states and sponsored by Ameritech.
Key Results of the Home Based Business Survey
While the survey revealed several key characteristics of home based businesses, some of the interesting results showed that 40 percent of men and women owners utilize the Internet. Even more importantly, the survey revealed the use of communications technology and computers is allowing home based businesses to join as "virtual corporations." In fact, according to the NFWBO report, more than 150 of the businesses surveyed have acted as a virtual corporation at least once.
The survey also revealed that the two main restrictions in gaining technology tools is money and time.
Technology Being Utilized Based on the Home Based Business Survey Results
The five states surveyed were Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In the results, 37 percent of home based business owners reported technology as one of the most important concerns regarding their business.
In the survey, nearly half of the business owners said they had plans for increased growth and they will be increasing their technology.
The report found that home based business owners that are women are just as likely as men to use a wide range of technological tools. Of those surveyed, 93 percent use a personal computer or laptop for their home based business. Sixty-two percent have a fax machine, more than half house a modem and 53 percent have a CD-ROM. Additional technology being utilized by the majority of home based business owners surveyed includes cell phones and answering machines. Also, 31 percent reported the use of a pager.
Communication Services Being Utilized Based on the Home Based Business Survey Results
In the survey, more than half of the home based business owners reported that they use call waiting. Just under half said they house multiple phone lines, voice mail and a separate line for a fax or modem connection. Thirty percent said they have the ability for conference calling on their phone and more than a fourth of the business owners reporter the use of caller ID or call forwarding.
The End Result of the Home Based Business Survey
Ultimately, the study shows that men and women utilize technology in the same manner. This is an important step in understanding how women are increasing their presence in the home based business industry and thus molding its features.
For more information on how women are changing the mold for home based businesses, visit the National Foundation for Women Business Owners' home page: http://www.nfwbo.org or call 301-495-4975.
"Making Connections: The Use of Communications and Computer Technology by Home-Based Businesses in the Midwest, " is available for full review by the NFWBO. It can be purchased for $40. Contact the above number for more information.
