SMB Technology Trends Every Small Business Should Prioritize This Year

Jan 22, 2025

As we kick off 2025, technology is still at the heart of small business success. The right tech can help you increase efficiency, save money and fend off competitors, but with so many options out there, it’s hard to know where to focus. You don’t want to focus on the wrong SMB technology trends or invest in something that doesn’t yield a viable return for your company and your people. That’s why we’ve cut through the noise for you.

We’ve narrowed it down to three key tech trends every small business should pay attention to: sustainability, AI and smart tech planning. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re real opportunities for growth and improvement. We’ll break down each trend, explain why it matters, and show you exactly what you can do to take advantage of them this year.

#1 Making Your Technology Greener

Sustainability is a global movement that’s growing fast, and lots of small businesses are getting on board. As the world focuses more on the environment, you might be wondering: how can my business make a difference? The good news is small changes can go a long way.

Why Sustainability Matters for Your Business

You don’t have to make huge investments to be more sustainable. There are plenty of small changes that can make a big difference, and many of them even save you money in the long run. Here’s how you can get started:

Move to the Cloud

Cloud computing lets you store data and run software without needing big, energy-hungry servers. By making the switch, you’re not only saving space and reducing your energy use, but you’re also gaining flexibility and security. In fact, studies show that cloud services can reduce energy consumption by as much as 45% compared to on-premises infrastructure.  

Use Energy-Efficient Hardware

If you’re still using older computers, printers or servers, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. Newer devices consume less power and are often built with the environment in mind. Plus, they perform better and have a longer lifespan, which can save you money over time.

Reduce Paper Usage

Going digital can help reduce your paper waste and improve your overall workflow. Try to go paperless where possible. This could mean switching to digital invoicing, using electronic signatures, and sharing documents online instead of printing them. Going paperless can even benefit your cybersecurity by reducing the risk of a data breach and making data protection and disaster recovery easier and faster – win-win!   

Recycle Old Tech

When it’s time to upgrade, don’t throw out your old tech. Look for ways to recycle or donate old computers and devices. There are plenty of programs that will take your outdated tech and put it to good use.

At HOCS Consulting, we can help you assess your current tech setup and suggest practical ways to make it more sustainable. That could involve moving to the cloud, upgrading to energy-efficient devices, or improving your digital processes. As a managed service provider, we’re experienced and knowledgeable enough to help you become more sustainable in any way you need.

#2 Using AI to Your Advantage

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for big corporations anymore. In fact, it’s quickly becoming a staple for small businesses, too. AI tools are more accessible than ever and can make your team more efficient, help automate tedious tasks, and even provide valuable insights that can improve decision-making. But for all this goodness, it’s important to only use AI in ways that can directly benefit your team.

How Can Small Businesses Use AI?

Here are a few ways AI can make a real difference for small businesses in 2025:

Automating Repetitive Tasks

AI tools like Microsoft Copilot help automate everyday tasks such as scheduling, responding to emails and drafting reports. This can free up your employees to focus on more important, strategic work. For example, Microsoft Copilot can help with summarizing meetings or formatting an Excel sheet, which means your team doesn’t have to waste time on repetitive chores.

Improving Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots can help handle customer inquiries, making your customer service more responsive without requiring extra staff. These chatbot support services can be set up to answer frequently asked questions, schedule appointments or even process orders, allowing your team to focus on more complex tasks, with no negative impact on customer satisfaction.

Data Insights and Decision-Making

AI tools can analyze your business data and offer insights that might be difficult to spot manually. These insights can help you make smarter decisions about everything from inventory management and operational efficiency to marketing strategies.

If you’re curious about how AI could help your business, we can assess your current tech and help you figure out if tools like Microsoft Copilot or other AI solutions are a good fit for your team. We can also guide you through setting up these tools while making sure your data stays secure.

#3 Getting Your Technology Ready for Growth

As a small business, you might have big plans for growth this year; be it increasing your client base, launching new products or expanding your team, but growth doesn’t just happen. It requires the right technology to support it.

How Can Your Technology Help You Grow?

To meet your growth goals, your business needs technology that can scale with you. Here are some things to think about:

Is Your Tech Scalable?

If you’re planning to expand, you’ll need scalable solutions that can grow with you. Cloud services are a great example of this. Unlike physical servers, the cloud lets you store data and manage processes without worrying about running out of space or resources.

Can You Automate Processes?

Automating tasks like payroll, inventory management and customer support can help you run your business more efficiently as you grow. Automation tools reduce manual work and save time, allowing you to focus on other things.

How Secure is Your Data?

As your business grows, you’ll handle more sensitive data, from customer information to financial records. It’s important to have strong cybersecurity measures in place. Make sure your security systems are up to date and that you have data management policies in place.  

At HOCS Consulting, we’ll work with you to make sure your technology is ready for whatever growth you have planned, whether that involves setting up scalable cloud solutions or updating your cybersecurity.

Conclusion

This year is shaping up to be an exciting year for small businesses, with plenty of opportunities to use technology to your advantage. By focusing on sustainability, adopting AI tools and making sure your tech is ready to support your growth, you’ll be well-positioned for success – minus the tech downtime.

If you’re ready to make sure your technology is on track for this year, reach out to HOCS Consulting. We’ve been working with small businesses like yours for over 30 years. We understand the challenges you face and know how important it is to make tech decisions that work for your specific needs. Speak to a member of our team to find out more about our managed services.   

FAQs

How can I make my business more sustainable through technology?

Moving to the cloud, using energy-efficient hardware, going paperless, and recycling old tech are all simple ways to reduce your business’s environmental footprint.

What is Microsoft Copilot, and how can it help my small business?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI tool that helps automate tasks, improve productivity, and provide valuable data insights. It’s great for small and medium sized business owners looking to streamline daily tasks for everyone on their team.

Do I need to upgrade my technology if I want to grow my business?

If you’re planning for growth, it’s important to make sure your technology can handle the increased workload. Cloud services and automation tools are great ways to scale without adding extra complexity.
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