5 predictions made by small business leaders for 2025

Many of the small-to-medium business respondents say they’re worried about their competition and need differentiators to gain customers. “We are in a small market that is very competitive with many contractors in the space,” says one respondent who runs a plumbing and mechanical services business.

Other small businesses echoed similar sentiments. “We are a service comprised mostly of manual labor, which is difficult to demonstrate to customers and differentiate ourselves from the competition,” notes a respondent who owns a moving company business. 

That frustration was shared by many respondents, some of whom said their challenges are exacerbated by economic and market conditions like interest rates and “fluctuating industry trends,” as described by a respondent who runs a truck accessory and vehicle upfitting shop. 

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Small businesses also face sales challenges around sales cycles and processes. Many business owners say they have to deal with long sales cycles, so they can’t rely on impulse purchases. Instead, they need to be strategic and make sure they target busy decision-makers at the right times. 

CallRail’s Convert Assist further helps you tailor conversations with prospects by offering smart follow-up. The feature automatically generates ready-to-send messages based on prior calls. You’re able to quickly engage with leads in personalized communications that help distinguish your business from your competitors. Additionally, Convert Assist’s real-time call coaching feature also helps you train sales staff to close more deals. It immediately provides call tips that users can act on right away.