Top Business Trends for 2007

Top Small-Business Trends for 2007 as stated by Vistage, the world's largest CEO membership organization:

1. Increased Globalization


2. Heightened M&A Activity


3. Increasing divide between Baby Boomer and Generation Y workers

The above trends revolve around cost cutting, increasing profitable growth, and human capital.

“The global economy is increasingly being fueled by small businesses,” said Rafael Pastor, Vistage CEO and Chairman of the Board. “In 2007, more small businesses will not only experiment with global opportunities, but significant percentages of their growth and ability to compete will depend upon it.”

Vistage sees many of its members in the $50 - $100 million range either recently having gone through a merger or acquisition, or are anticipating one. In fact, a recent poll of Vistage members revealed that more than 50 percent are considering a merger, acquisition or both in 2007 as a way to help their businesses grow.

With staffing the No. 1 concern of small and medium-sized businesses executives, a new challenge will impact their ability to hire and retain skilled employees in 2007: a clash between work styles and expectations of Boomers vs. Gen Y. In many cases, Boomer executives are not creating work environments that fit the Gen Y mindset. Other Boomers are actively seeking out and catering to younger, less experienced employees because of their creativity, knowledge of new technologies and different viewpoints on business.

These trends are based on feedback and issues raised by Vistage members. Vistage International has more than 13,000 members worldwide who meet regularly to discuss their most pressing business issues and opportunities.

Vistage Reveals Top Business Trends for 2007. [Press Release]

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