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Pew Study: Small Business Most Trusted “Institution”

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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:

PUBLIC’S VIEWS OF INSTITUTIONS
 
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.”

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Comments

  1. Storytelling Social Media Marketing PR Business & Technology Curated Stories May 13, 2010 Says:

    [...] 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… [...]

  2. Scott Says:

    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.

  3. Small Business Resources : The Succession Planner Says:

    [...] Pew Trust – “Small Business Most Trusted! http://www.startupnation.com/blogs/index.php/2010/05/12/pew-study-small-business-most-trusted-instit... [...]

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