After Strong 2014, Execs See Even Better 2015
Sunny Sentiment
76% of survey respondents said their companies met or beat revenue targets in 2014, and 71% said business conditions will improve in 2015.
Distinguishing Factors
43% said sales and marketing efforts will emerge as a top determination of success for this year, while 34% said the success of new products or markets will.
Global Perspective
41% expect their companies to derive more than 20% of revenues from outside their home countries in 2015, compared with 34% that did so last year.
Adding to Head Counts
77% expect their companies to increase their workforces, compared with just 2% who are anticipating reductions.
How Many Jobs?
62% of survey respondents at companies expecting to expand said that staffing should increase by more than 20%.
ISO
95% of survey respondents overall said finding workers with the right skills is challenging, up from 87% in 2013.
Demand for STEM Skills
66% said science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are critical for their organizations’ success, compared with just 31% who cited sales/marketing.
What Attracts Potential Employees?35% said brand perception is a key selling point in recruitment, while 30% cited employee equity and 18% said it’s personal growth opportunities. (Only 7% cited salary.)
Environment for Raising Capital
While 49% said their companies successfully raised private capital last year, 81% indicated that the current fundraising environment is challenging.
Deal-Killers
38% said that the lack of an adequately developed business will result in a failure to raise capital, and 26% said risk aversion among investors will create an obstacle.