A survey conducted by polling firm Zoomerang and media-services firm GrowBizMedia, found that small businesses, despite being impacted by the economic conditions in 2011, are keeping a positive outlook as they head into the New Year.

During a four-day period, 1,003 small business decision makers answered survey questions about their results for 2011 and projections for 2012. The group’s majority (64%) had businesses with 10 or fewer employees. While most were optimistic about business for 2011, less than 50% responded that their year-end goals were on track.

But, there is good news! 40% of small business owners stated that they remain “optimistic” or “very optimistic” about their opportunities for business growth heading into 2012. In addition to marketing and sales, 22% of businesses plan on investing in Technology/IT in the coming year. By investing in technology, many companies can improve efficiency and processes by automating tasks such as folding invoices, stamping letters and document output. This frees up employees to focus on more important business tasks.

The SMB’s views on social media as a necessary part of a small business’ marketing mix for 2012 were also interesting to discover. While 40% of small business owners plan on using social media in the coming year, 25% don’t have confidence using social media tools.

Five key takeaways from the survey:

• Customer or client growth is the #1 priority for small businesses in 2012.
• Companies agree that one way to achieve the growth is through new hiring especially in Marketing, IT and Sales.
• Social media and business development positions are cited as the most likely to be added.
• Social Media was listed by 11 percent of respondents as the primary way they will attract customers next year.
• The top 3 ways to attract customers for 2012 will be word of mouth, repeat business and advertising/marketing.

The survey confirms what most small businesses know works best in this financial climate: business as usual with no grand plans to change any business activity dramatically in 2012. Small businesses remain positive and plan on growing their business through sales and marketing, as well as investing in technology. The survey also provides solid evidence that social media has become an integral part of growth plans for small business in anticipation of the economic recovery.

To see the full survey “SMB Business Perspectives: 2011 Results and 2012 Projections,” click here.