All kidding aside, things have been tough for businesses, especially small businesses during the past several years. Funding is tight―okay, really tight. Government at all levels seems to be staying up at night thinking of new ways to make “doing business” more difficult, and consumers are more reluctant than ever to spend. This is the toughest economic environment that most of us have seen in our working lifetimes.

During the research for our recently released book, Let Go to Grow; why some businesses thrive and others fail to reach their potential (Palari Publishing, 2011), we spoke with more than 100 small and midsize business owners. We discovered that it is possible to have a profitable, growing business in this economy, but you need to be willing to take a close look at how you are managing your business. Focusing on four key steps can help you to have a breakout 2012!