According to the new “Business Minds Survey,” conducted by Best Software in late November, 2004, small and mid-sized business owners have a positive outlook for 2005.

The Business Minds survey was completed by 680 businesses that have up to 100 employees and $25 million in annual revenue. Overall, SMBs view 2005 business prospects with optimism, according to the survey that found 68% expressing confidence and only 17% expressing concern. Asked if their outlook has improved since the November presidential election, 46% indicated that they now have greater confidence for the new year, while 31% were unchanged and 23% expressed greater concern.

The Best Software survey found that business minds are resolved to decrease costs (56%), tap into new markets (42%), and focus more strongly on marketing and sales processes (40%). Twenty-three percent also flagged making more personal time a priority in 2005.

Read the press release with more detailed survey results at www.bestsoftwareinc.com/newsroom, review white papers for small business improvement at www.bestsoftware.com/newsroom/white_papers.cfm, or visit www.nfib.com for info about the nation’s largest small-business advocacy group, The National Federation of Independent Business.