As we slowly lumber out of the recession and evaluate the landscape for 2011, there is much to be thankful for.  Without question, it’s been a rough couple of years, and many business owners and employees alike have been faced with the most difficult decisions of their careers. 

Turn this perspective on its side, though, and it’s possible to see a world of increased opportunity. While credit can still be a challenge to obtain, many businesses are actually sitting on a higher cash balance than they have historically.  Back in June, WSJ.com’s Justin Lahart reported that “The Federal Reserve reported Thursday that nonfinancial companies had socked away $1.84 trillion in cash and other liquid assets as of the end of March, up 26% from a year earlier and the largest-ever increase in records going back to 1952. Cash made up about 7% of all company assets, including factories and financial investments, the highest level since 1963.”

Caution and risk adversity have prevented (or delayed) investments in the business.  Small business owners have been “hunkering down”, waiting for confirmation that the recovery has taken hold.  As you consult your crystal ball for 2011, consider a couple of strategic investments with growth in mind:

1.    Marketing and Advertising – Often among the first expenditures reduced in times of financial stress, these investments are crucial for businesses seeking to surge ahead through the recovery.  Keep your focus sharp and invest only if you will be able to calculate your return on investment, but do start investing.

2.    Employees – If you have talented, loyal employees, who have stayed with you for a year or two without a merit increase, consider your motivational plan for next year.  According to The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), most employers are planning modest increases in 2011 (less than 3%).  About half of the companies surveyed were planning on a yearend or holiday bonus.  If you don’t have the cash for financial rewards, consider intangibles like work/life balance opportunities, increased autonomy or training on a new responsibility, or increases in allowable time off.

Celebrate your successes – truly enjoy and communicate the things that are going RIGHT.  An increased focus on the positive may just result in increased satisfaction and productivity and therefore more reasons to celebrate next year.