Trends Worth Your Attention
1) AI Inside the Apps You Already Use (Not Just a Chat Window)
Over the past few years using AI has usually involved opening a separate tool, typing prompts, and copy-pasting results back into your document? In 2026, that’s changing. AI is baked right into the tools you already rely on.
Think:
- Email drafts that sound like you
- CRMs that suggest follow-ups
- Project tools that turn meeting notes into task lists
- Accounting apps that flag odd transactions and suggest categories
Why it matters: You’re not adopting a whole new platform, you’re unlocking features you probably already have. Lower effort, faster wins.
What to try:
Before you flip the switch, talk to a trusted IT provider or knowledgeable IT team member. Security and configuration steps need to happen first to keep confidential data safe.
Time Investment: Light. You’re already in these apps, just enable the safety settings and start trying out the features.
2) Automation Without the Headache (Finally)
Gone are the days of hiring a developer or wrestling with endless integrations. Now, you can describe what you want in plain English and let modern automation handle the wiring.
Imagine giving your tech tool an instruction like:
“When someone fills out our contact form, add them to the CRM, start a project, and remind me to follow up in three days.” Test, tweak, done.
Why it matters: All those “we should automate that” ideas finally move out of the someday pile.
What to try:
- Pick one low-risk, repetitive task
- Use dummy data or a test environment for your first run
- Don’t rush—check results carefully
- Start small and you might be amazed by the results
- Schedule a quick quarterly tune-up; tools evolve, and a regular check keeps things humming along nicely.
Time investment: A few hours upfront for testing pays off over time.
3) Security Basics: From Nice-to-Have to Non-Negotiable
You don’t need a massive security program, but you do need the fundamentals.
Why it matters: Being “careful” isn’t the same as having controls in place.
Start here:
- Turn on MFA for business accounts (email, finance, files, anything sensitive)
- Back up data and test a restore (a quick dry run beats hoping a restore will work when you experience a crash)
- Write down some policies: who can access what, how you share data, and what happens if a device is lost, what is allowed, and what is not.
Time investment: A couple of focused hours now, plus light check-ins during the year.
Trends You Can Put Lower on the List (For Most Teams)
1) The Metaverse/Virtual Reality (VR) for Everyday Business
VR shines for niche use cases like 3D design, walkthroughs, and training. For everyday meetings? A solid video call still wins.
What to do: Keep an eye on it if you’re in architecture, real estate, or design. Otherwise, this technology is a low priority until you see clear use cases in your industry.
2) Accepting Crypto Payments
Unless customers are asking for it or you’re solving real cross-border payment pain as part of your business. Crypto often adds volatility, fees, and extra accounting steps.
What to do: Stick with current payment methods. If genuine demand shows up, revisit this with your accountant and payment provider.
The Simple Rule
The best tech is the kind your team actually uses. In 2026, start with AI features already in your apps, try out some automation, and lock in your essential security basics. Put VR and crypto toward the bottom unless they fit your niche.
Need help sorting out what’s worth your time? Book a free 10-minute Discovery call below.
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Because the best tech trend is the one that makes your life easier, not more complicated.