The quarterly Vistage Confidence Index is now available.
More than 1,500 Vistage members surveyed in the Q1 2013 Vistage CEO Confidence Index reported an improved economy and brighter prospects for their own firms despite recent cutbacks in federal spending.
Similarly, small business owners who took the March WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Survey reported growing strength in the overall economy and have become increasingly confident that their firms would continue to benefit from the ongoing economic expansion. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index was 104 in the March 2013 survey, up from 101.4 in February, reaching the highest level recorded since the survey began last June.
Below are some key highlights from the Q1 2013 Vistage CEO Confidence Index (all members surveyed):
- 49% of CEOs think that economic conditions have improved compared with a year ago, up from 35% in Q4 2012.
- 68% of CEOs anticipate their firm’s sales revenues will increase in the next 12 months.
- Just 11% of CEOs found it easy to find people with the right skills to drive their business growth, while 75% found it difficult to find qualified talent.
- 16% of CEOs believe the sequester will adversely impact their business.
- 82% of CEOs expect U.S. fiscal uncertainty will continue throughout the year.
The initial results of my Pivot are excellent. I feel I have much greater clarity regarding the next 3-5 years.. 