Seismic report shows economic conditions are negatively impacting revenue goals

Changes in the global economy can create unwanted noise for business leaders trying to get their act together. In 2025 the volume was turned up to (at least) 11. Companies have been confronting the increased uncertainty brought by tit-for-tat tariffs, the impact of still “sticky” inflation, and something of a realignment in the global world order. A new report from sales enablement platform Seismic, in collaboration with Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, got a gauge on how these factors are impacting revenue teams.

From micro to macro

The report surveyed 315 executives on their top barriers to meeting revenue goals. Tied for first place was macroeconomic uncertainty and increased competition, both at 48%. Following this, 38% of respondents said it was a lack of coordination across revenue-focused teams, while 37% said it was the absence of skilled talent and staffing shortages. The current economic climate is considered especially treacherous. Nearly two-thirds said the economic landscape has negatively impacted their ability to achieve revenue goals. Accurately forecasting revenue has also become more difficult as a result, said 70% .

Alignment is your friend

The report warns against fragmented GTM strategies, underscoring the importance of alignment in the world of revenue enablement. While AI is a natural conduit to that end, the teething problems of teams adapting to new technologies are still evident.

When asked about specific revenue enablement tech problems, more than half of respondents said their organizations were using too many disconnected revenue tools, while 52% cited poor use of AI and machine learning.

There’s acknowledgement of the general gap in alignment. Most respondents (90%) said collaboration across revenue functions is highly important, though only 37% said their organization is highly successful at doing this. The big picture? Your GTM team has work to do yet, especially in this economy.