Pew Study: Small Business Most Trusted “Institution”
Trust Congress?
Sorry, that institution got among the lowest ratings in a Pew Research Center study that was recently released. The Pew Center polled Americans to determine who they trusted least and who they trusted most.
Small business owners - you should be proud. America trusts YOU most.
More than churches, our President, labor unions, the Federal Government, small businesses reign supreme in the eyes of the American public.
Here’s a ratings chart that shows the results:
|
Positive
|
Negative
|
Other/ Don’t know
|
||
| Small business |
71
|
19
|
10
|
|
| Technology companies |
68
|
18
|
14
|
|
| Churches & religious orgs |
63
|
22
|
15
|
|
| Colleges & universities |
61
|
26
|
13
|
|
| Obama administration |
45
|
45
|
10
|
|
| Entertainment industry |
33
|
51
|
16
|
|
| Labor unions |
32
|
49
|
18
|
|
| Federal agencies and depts |
31
|
54
|
16
|
|
| National news media |
31
|
57
|
12
|
|
| Large corporations |
25
|
64
|
12
|
|
| Federal government |
25
|
65
|
9
|
|
| Congress |
24
|
65
|
12
|
|
| Banks & financial inst |
22
|
69
|
10
|
|
| Pew Research Center March 11-21. Figures may not add to 100% because of rounding | ||||
Just edging out Congress as the least trusted institution are banks and financial institutions. I figure it’s the mortgage crisis and recent bail-out ballyhoo that has so terribly tarnished the perception of banks, coupled with the lack of lending at this critical juncture for Americans.
It’s good to be SOLID when it comes to reputation and perception on the street. It’s a big help when us little guys and gals go toe to toe with the behemoth corporations and compete with our service and product offerings.
Be proud to carry the small business torch, folks - not only do you live it, but America “gets it.”

May 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
[...] Pew Study: Small Business Most Trusted “Institution” Published: May 12, 2010 Source: StartupNation Blog Trust Congress? Sorry, that institution got among the lowest ratings in a Pew Research Center study that was recently released. The Pew Center polled Americans to determine who they trusted least and who they… [...]
May 19th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
If small business are really the darlings of consumers then these recessionary times should be great for small business marketing.
Unfortunately not all small businesses are taking advantage of these stats do in large part to lack of funds. So what is the answer?
Intersting post, I enjoyed reading and pondering it’s significance although I am studing it in light of my strategic intiative. I am struggling with what tactics would actually take full advantage and not bomb out as I can’t afford the failure at this time.
Any ideas? I would find a follow-up to this very interesting and enlightening for small biz.
August 16th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
[...] Pew Trust – “Small Business Most Trusted! http://www.startupnation.com/blogs/index.php/2010/05/12/pew-study-small-business-most-trusted-instit... [...]