You set your hours, you choose your colleagues and you control your brand. Though entrepreneurship definitely has its upside, it can also be a rude awakening for those who don't have a realistic understanding of the challenges that come with being your own boss.

It's December, which means small business owners have a lot on their plates. While I'm sure everyone is feeling the pressure of holiday crunch time, entrepreneurs are also trying to manage the flurry of activity that comes at year end. My advice? Despite the chaos, take some time to get organized and start thinking about what lies ahead. Conquering these small tasks now can make a big difference in the new year:

Failing to plan means planning to fail. When you make the time to educate yourself and prepare appropriately, you'll find it that much easier to stay ahead in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

The pitch you spent days or weeks preparing for is over. You think you made a good impression. After scanning the room and looking for feedback from your prospective clients, you get no sense of whether you have won the business.Thank them for their time, shake hands and make a decisive but gracious exit. The real test begins.