Talking about how to make this your best year ever might sound audacious, but there's no time better than to think grand thoughts. Just as fire forges iron, businesses can use the current economic climate to make them stronger, leaner and more efficient.

It's easy to become overwhelmed at the thought of how much needs to be done. One of the best things you can do for yourself as a solo practitioner, small business owner or entrepreneur is get used to having a "to-do" list that is always full. But some things inherently float to the top. The following is a list of 7 ways to begin.

1. Adopt the right mindset. This month's case study will help you get clear on what direction you want to go in 2009. Our guest talks about how entrepreneurs are, by nature, always interested in starting something new. He talks about how you can use this to your advantage.

2. Take stock of where you've been. What worked best for you, in terms of marketing your company? Did you launch a blog? Begin an e-mail marketing campaign? It's time to build upon the results of success. How can you take what worked last year and take it to the next level?

3. Position yourself to move to the next level. Most business owners don't think big enough. Need an outside opinion? It may be worthwhile to get some outside help to guide you. But think about the ways you can get even more exposure for what's already working for you. You might take your successful blog and submit it to a powerful network of blogs in your industry to super size your rewards. Or join with other businesses in your industry to create a dynamic e-zine with huge distribution. Thing big!

4. Stop doing the things that don't work. Whether it's attending a networking event that seems to be more taxing than result-producing or firing some of your clients, look for ways to free up your time and energy.

5. Do the most impactful things first. Start with revenue producing and credibility enhancing items to get the fastest results.

6. Don't do everything yourself. You can hire a virtual assistant. Get a recommendation from a colleague or find one at a membership association or through sites, such as elance.com. Remember it's costing you money to do maintenance items. If you free up your time, you can focus on money-making activities of your business.

7. And finally, remember, it's all about your customer or client. During this time of economic challenges, customers want to hear from you more, not less. This is the time to focus on the value you bring to the table. How do your products or services help solve your customer's pain or challenges? We're living during remarkable times when the way we do business is being transformed. No industry is immune. But what will always endure is providing value for our customers.