Growth is on the horizon for American medium-sized companies, suggests a new survey, and experts say this indicates positive things for job seekers and the economy in general.
A recent survey of mid-market executives found that they are more positive about the health of their businesses and more optimistic about their future growth prospects than at any time in the past three years. The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of CIT Group Inc., a leading provider of financing for the mid-market, in an effort to stay closely connected to the trends affecting these businesses.
“Mid-market companies are important contributors to a healthy economy,” says Jim Hudak, president of CIT’s Commercial Financing division. “We are encouraged by the survey results, which show that a large majority of their leadership expects their companies to grow and invest in the year ahead.”
The majority of executives from the surveyed medium-sized companies say their company’s health is strong (84 percent), that their company is better today than it was a year ago (70 percent), and that their company 
has experienced increases in sales (77 percent), demand for products (76 percent), and customers (73 percent) in the past year.
As a group, these executives are satisfied with the current state of the economy, and their perceptions across all three economic fronts – local, national, and global – have become increasingly positive since 2015.
Mid-market executives also foresee a brighter future, with a large majority expecting growth in the next 12 months through geographic expansion within the U.S., product diversification, broadening the scope of their products and services, and expansion into adjacent markets. Additionally, 81 percent expect to hire additional staff in the next 12 months, and 93 percent plan to invest in their businesses in 2018.
Despite their overall optimism, mid-market leaders are concerned about issues such as data security, inflation, and the challenges of hiring and retaining talent. Ongoing economic uncertainty also remains a concern, though to a lesser degree than in 2016.
Whether you are someone in the market looking for a new job or wanting to grow your business, the survey results indicating an optimistic mid-market are good news for your business and career goals.
Source: StatePoint