SmallBusinessNewz

Intuit, the makers of Quickbooks, Quicken, and TurboTax, are doing their part to keep small business owner morale high.

Over the last couple months they have discussed study results indicating strong growth for small businesses over the coming decade as well as an optimistic outlook for small business artisans.

Now Intuit is referring to a survey it conducted, which found that nine out of 10 small business owners in the U.S. are finding opportunities for their businesses in the current recession, and three quarters of them are expecting growth.

 "Small business owners are extremely adaptable and nimble individuals. Faced with climbing gas prices and tightening credit standards, they continually prove to be the driving force of our economy," said Rick Jensen, senior vice president of Intuit's Small Business Division.

"It is their unrelenting passion for serving their customers that enables small businesses to innovate and ultimately succeed in the face of any challenge the market presents them," added Jensen.

It is this passion that many of the survey participants cited as what will help them achieve growth, along with putting their customers first.

In fact, 63% of the participants named customer retention as their top priority. Next was focusing on finances.

Customer retention seems like a good candidate for top priority. After all, you won't have a business without customers.

Just remember that once you hook them in, don't ignore them, don't annoy them, treat them right, and give them a reason to come back.