Feeling optimistic yet?

The newness is beginning to wear off and you've likely made the final touches to your business plan for the year. Feeling optimistic about the year? Didn't think so. Today, Business Week recaps the findings of several small business surveys conducted at the end of 2008. Their conclusion? Most small business owners continue to struggle with the current economy.

Not a huge surprise. However, the article also mentions that some business owners are beginning to see the positive. How might you catch the wave of business buoyancy? It's a new year, which means a new start. Drew McLellan suggests contacting some former clients to gain insight into what is good and bad about how you do business. If you're feeling exceptionally optimistic, put a little hope in the stock market. Typically the market performs better in January and the impending stimulus package may be swaying small business owners to the positive side.

Also, the new administration seems to show strong governmental support of entrepreneurship. The new head of the SBA and leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship all have hard-hitting agendas for assisting small businesses, creating jobs and stimulating growth.

A little optimism can go a long way. If you're looking for more reasons to stay positive in the down economy, tune in January 12th at Noon CST to a live discussion with John Jantsch and Seth Godin on the Natural Advantages of Small Businesses in a Down Economy.

About the Author: Kara Krautter