Discover's Small Business Watch monthly index suggests small-business owners are becoming increasingly less confident in the economic conditions surrounding the general economy and their own business. "The mood remains cautious as fewer small-business owners feel like economic conditions for their businesses are getting better. The mood could change either way depending on holiday receipts," said Sastry Rachakonda, director of Discover's business credit card.

The index also polled 1,000 small-business owners to find out their biggest reason for becoming entrepreneurs. The top responses were to become their own boss and have more flexibility. Among businesswomen, 32 percent chose flexibility over being independent (17 percent), while 27 percent of men chose being their own boss, compared with 24 percent opting for flexibility.

To find out what other areas men and women business owners differed on, check out the rest of the survey results.

Chances are you've been inundated with lists of resolutions and forecasts for 2008. Now the National Venture Capital Association offers predictions that could help you in the coming year. The association asked its members to make predictions for the venture capital industry in 2008 in its annual survey. VCs predict high growth in the CleanTech sector, an improving IPO market and a decrease in venture firms. Other areas of growth to watch out for include media and entertainment, biotech and internet-specific companies. "For venture capital firms, 2008 will be the year we begin to see larger funds raised at a faster pace, as many firms in the industry will focus on sectors that have increasing capital requirements such as life sciences and clean technology," said Mark Heesen, president of NVCA.

When it comes to the economy, VCs are skeptical about 2008. Of those surveyed, 60 percent believe the economy will decline this year, while 21 percent say it will remain the same, and 19 percent say it will improve. Respondents also predicted the country's next president, with 39 percent forecasting Hillary Clinton will be elected, followed by Rudy Giuliani (21 percent), Barack Obama (16 percent) and Mitt Romney (11 percent).

According to research firm Basex Inc., 2008 is already being dubbed the "year of information overload." Basex says the pressure of responding immediately to e-mails, text messages and instant messages costs the U.S. economy about $650 billion in 2006. Apparently the human brain isn't able to handle the constant interruptions and still remain focused. Johnathan Spira, the lead researcher at Basex, recommends resisting the urge to respond immediately, and to learn the difference between getting things done efficiently and pestering co-workers with e-mail overload.