No Half Measures for Business Owners Using the Web
Thousands of small business owners across the UK were keeping in touch with customers and suppliers via social business networks during the Bank Holiday, with many set to continue using the web to communicate remotely during the Half Term break.
Surrey, UK (PRWEB) May 29, 2009 -- Following an online poll conducted last week by popular social business network Ecademy which revealed that almost 90% of respondents planned to work during the Bank Holiday, the site reported that it received 75% of its normal working day traffic on Monday 25th May 2009, meaning that thousands of members from the UK continued to stay logged on despite the Bank Holiday break.
With pressures mounting on small business owners as the recession continues, Penny Power, founder of Ecademy, believes that the more businesses than ever are utilising the power of online networking to expand and grow, whilst maintaining the flexibility needed to base work around their changing lifestyles. And with the Bank Holiday marking the start of Half Term, Power predicts that many more business owners will be looking to the web as a way to continue working whilst caring for school-aged children.
"Having started my business ten years ago whilst raising three young children, I know first hand how stressful it can be when you are running your own business and juggling family commitments. And with many trying to keep household expenditure, such as childcare, to a minimum, we are finding that more business owners than ever are looking for ways to continue business as usual whilst managing increasing family commitments" explains Power.
Ecademy's online poll revealed that just 11% of respondents had planned a work-free Bank Holiday, with several explaining that many of their clients were abroad and so the Bank Holiday had little impact on their current working patterns. Many others commented that it gave them valuable time to catch up with work and prepare for the week ahead, but that they would split the time between work and family-centred activities.
"What is clear from our members is that the web provides them with the opportunity to conduct their work at locations and times which best fit with their current lifestyle. For some this is working evenings and for others it is simply the ability to work in the comfort of their own home or in the company of family. The current economic situation has added much pressure to smaller businesses for whom cash flow is critical to survival and so finding ways to keep motivated and productive, whilst keeping stress levels at a minimum is clearly an added bonus," explains Power.
Editors Notes
Ecademy connects business people all over the world. It is a self-development, business and branding tool, which enable business people to achieve immediate visibility. The relationships, advocates and knowledge subsequently shared through the network provides individuals with the credibility they need to grow their business.
Ecademy's core intention is to help business people to be more successful and promotes the values of a business community who no longer wish to be broadcast to, but demand engagement and conversation
Founded in 1998 by husband and wife team Thomas and Penny Power, Ecademy is privately owned and sustains itself through subscription, with only ten percent of Ecademy's revenue coming from advertising and partnerships. The Ecademy business model is a classic example of a 21st Century business, operating virtually, with minimal operational costs.
For more information visit www.ecademy.com
For press information, hi res images or to arrange an interview please contact Rebecca King on 01603 283 506.
###
|
