2012- The most wonderful year ahead for SMBs

BANGALORE, INDIA:

December truly is the most wonderful time of the year for small business owners. Besides the spurt in shopping activity, it's the time when business pundits provide predictions for next year's trends.

Following are the major predictions:

Volatility ahead : Economic uncertainty will remain the big issue for every small business owner. Winners will have flexible long- and short-term plans so they can shift gears quickly.

"Right-time" multichannel marketing :  Watch for new tools that will help business owners better analyze complex customer behavior and comments on various social-media platforms.

More cheap online ads :  Marketing will center around a move to low-cost online tactics such as paid search.

Customers in charge :  More businesses will involve customers directly in merchandise and marketing decisions

Also read: India hydraulics components mkt attracts MNCs

Mobile purchasing grows : Those retailers not optimizing their website for mobile phones need to start as soon as possible.

Credit gets easier : Business owners may finally get the capital they need

Services head offshore : Service-sector businesses will be in demand overseas

Daily deals die down : The daily-deal space is oversaturated with competing offers.

Retail-format experimentation picks up : From pop-up stores to smaller-format Wal-Marts to food trucks, expect more retailers and restaurateurs to experiment with their store layouts.     

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