I'm going to guess that would apply to both onstaff or outside accountant. Tied as the top influencers with each mentioned by 36 percent of respondents were websites of specific software companies and service provider's/hosting provider's website. Right behind those at No. 3 was industry analysts, websites or blogs, cited by 35 percent. Thirty-one percent listed at IT consultant who worked directly with their company and at No. 5 was advice from a business consultant, the choice of 28 percent. There were a lot of findings about how SMBs feel about their business prospects. But I am reminded by a recent webcast in which Intuit CEO Brad Smith said he discounts business confidence surveys because 50 percent of small businesses fail each year "and they all believe it will be the other guy.”