As a small business owner, your expertise may not lie in technology, but you must stay up to date with the current tech trends to ensure a successful business. Just about every individual in the world has access to some type of technology, so it’s safe to say that you have at least a working knowledge of current tech trends. However, there have been many new advances in technology over the past few years, so there may be some trends you may have missed. Here are six trends to know about today.
#1: Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that includes any type of machine (e.g., computers, smartphones, etc.) that performs problem-solving tasks, learns from previous experiences, and other human-like activities. Machine learning is one of the most common types of AI that can be found in use among businesses because it processes and learns large amounts of data quickly. The amount of data consumed and analyzed by these machines is too much for humans to consume, analyze and process in the same amount of time the machines can. AI is also constantly evolving to make both business and daily tasks easier.
#2: Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a function of AI, as AI systems can recognize cyber threats that can harm your business. When a threat is detected, AI systems can sift through your data systems to find the source of the threat, and use this knowledge to prevent a future threat. Businesses need to have an increased focus on cybersecurity as cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new ways to hack into systems and steal sensitive information. Unfortunately, more than half of all business owners don’t think that they’ll be a victim of a cyberattack.
#3: New Digital Marketing Techniques
Digital marketing is any marketing that is done online, including content marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing. Another form of digital marketing, known as affiliate or influencer marketing, is also becoming increasingly popular. Influencers, or people who have a large and engaged following on social media, can help you market your products and/or services, especially if you offer them some kind of incentive, such as a free product/service or a commission on the sales they help make. This form of marketing can cost business owners little to no money at all.
#4: Online Shopping
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced much of the world to shut down, many people turned to online shopping as a way to get almost everything they needed. Because of this, eCommerce (online-only) businesses were not hit as hard as brick-and-mortar businesses and were able to remain successful. This prompted many businesses to offer a way for their customers/clients to receive their products/services in a new way. Product-based businesses started offering online ordering and contactless delivery, while some service-based businesses were able to offer their expertise remotely.
#5: Remote Onboarding
While on the topic of remote services, technology clearly enabled many businesses to continue operating during the pandemic, but it also allowed many people to continue working remotely. Many people still choose to work from home today, and many businesses have adopted the hybrid working model by allowing their employees to work both in-person and remotely. Thanks to advances in technology, employers can both onboard and train their remote workers with ease. In most cases, new hires who work remotely can gather just as much information as they would onboarding, training, and working in person.
#6: Upgrades in Software
To keep up with the ever-changing demands that the pandemic brought along, business software had to be upgraded to meet these demands. This includes software features such as improved customer relationship management, eCommerce solutions that allow business owners to open and run an online business, updated Human Resources solutions to help onboard and train remote employees, and enhanced cybersecurity to prevent cyberattacks. This ties directly to AI and all other tech trends in business that have helped many businesses remain successful over the past few years. Working with a company like GSI can help you stay up to date with all of the latest tech trends in business.
In today’s digital world, it’s impossible to run a successful business without technology, but it’s also hard when you’re not up to date on the latest trends. Technology is constantly evolving to give everyone a better experience, whether it’s for business or daily use. If you’re wanting to be a successful entrepreneur, you must stay on top of all the latest tech trends in business.
