2008, a year of near economic collapse in the U.S., is not so long ago. American citizens in some sectors are still reeling from the great slump in the housing market, the widespread loss of jobs, and the ongoing outsourcing of work overseas, among other catastrophes.

When it comes to our economy, unrest and uncertainty seem to be its calling cards. In such a climate, it’s easy for us entrepreneurs to focus on the negatives, mostly that consumers don’t have any money to spend on our goods and services.

But what about focusing on the positives?

Kiplinger reported at the end of last year that "Consumers are finally loosening the purse strings." Couple that good news with Time magazine’s January announcement that 2012 is "The year of the entrepreneur."

Learn How to Close the Gap Between Prospects, Patrons, and Profits