Top 7 Small Business Technology Trends For 2022
1. Decentralized Operations
Even before the start of the pandemic, many businesses were realizing the benefits of nixing their brick and mortar offices in favor of adopting remote operations. you'll partially return to in-person operations with a mix of remote workers and on-site employees. Or maybe you'll find that a completely decentralized office actually makes more sense for your company.
Businesses will rely heavily on cloud-based programs and data storage. Additionally, finding remote human resources technology will be key to maintaining a solid foundation of employees. This includes software for advertising open positions, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding in addition to software that allows you to keep track of your existing employees, the hours they work, and the benefits they use.
2. Technology-Assisted Client Interaction
While small businesses often rely on their high-quality, person-to-person service models to compete, they've had to adapt to less personal customer interactions and tech-assisted transactions to stay relevant against
a backdrop of enterprise-level companies that were able to make the
shift to offering no-contact services much more quickly.
As we all know the power of eye contact, facilitating these meetings will help maintain the personal relationship and open communication with clients. With the ease and convenience of tech-assisted transactions, your clients will likely continue to use these services long after the need for no-contact service disappears and the world returns to normal.
3. Gig Economy Growth
Gig economy workers comprise an estimated 36% of the workforce in the United States, and if the gig economy continues expanding at its current rate, it's estimated to overtake 50% of the country's workforce by 2027. You may need to consider adapting your business model to offer increased flexibility and benefits to your employees. This could mean taking steps to actively improve your company's culture, offering desirable employee benefits/rewards/recognition, and being open to the idea of employees working from home at least part of the time.
A growing gig economy means you can outsource parts of your company that are not related to your primary function. This includes marketing, accounting, human resources, logistics, and more. As the gig economy continues to grow (and it should, barring any prohibitive regulatory changes), be prepared to harness its potential and grow your business along with it.
4. Artificial Intelligence and Automation
We all know the benefits of automation in your small business: higher productivity, cost saving, increased compliance, better financial insight- the list goes on. Whether you have an AI bot respond to basic online inquiries or adopting software that automates data collection and entry, AI will have an ever-increasing presence in small businesses in 2022.
By reducing the time employees need to complete their work, as well as the number of employees needed on each task, automation and AI translates to more hours focused on doing work that drives profit. Your employees will be able to focus on high-level work that drives your business forward.
5. Advertising + Connecting Digitally
Businesses are finding it's more important now than ever to find creative ways to break through the digital noise and keep your brand relevant. This year and further into the future, advertising models will continue to shift toward digital media, social media advertising, and influencer marketing as well.
Don't be afraid to get your feet wet and invest in a marketing social media marketing campaign. Entry costs are low, and you might be surprised at how effective this advertising model can be. In addition, these digital communication tools are a great way to keep your current client’s informed of your current business operations, relay supportive messages, and provide upbeat content during a tough time.
6. Software Integration
As small businesses increasingly adopt new technology tools, there will be an increasing need for software integration. What does this look like? Software integration is the process of bringing various software systems together to make one unified system. Just like you have different employees bring different skill sets to work together- softwares integration is the same thing.
Technology integrations allow for more data in your accounting system, more quickly, eliminating errors, and at a lower cost than with manual processes. Here are a few of our favorite apps that can integrate with QuickBooks (from bill payment, to time tracking, to expense management and payroll.)
7. High-tented Cybersecurity
Cyber attacks put businesses at risk of incurring financial losses and reputational damage when your personal information and your client’s personal information are exposed. As more and more business functions move online and into the cloud, cybersecurity becomes increasingly important.
Take these steps now to strengthen your business's online security- this will not only help protect your employees, but also your client’s information
- Update your software regularly.
- Invest in end-to-end encryption software for online and point of sale transactions.
- Provide regular employee training regarding the recognition of online scams, phishing, and malware.
- Implement security protocols and processes for passwords and physical security on-site.
- Hire an IT expert in your business or a consultant to assist you throughout the year.