13 Technologies That Will Change Small Business

When you’re a small business owner, your ability to adapt to the marketplace dictates whether you’ll sink or swim. You have to meet demand without losing too much money or biting off more than you can chew. Maybe that’s why so many small business owners resist adopting new technologies – especially if their business is running just fine (for now).

“I’ve found that many small business owners, once they’ve found strategies that work for them, tend to drag their feet on new technology,” Brian Carter, author and CEO of The Carter Group, told G/O Digital. “They can mistakenly assume that since one strategy has always worked before, it will always work in the future.”

Though small business owners might be hesitant to change their ways, the world is changing quickly – and so are the expectations of customers. From customer service to data-driven advertising, consumers have new expectations about the companies they support with their hard-earned cash.

According to Forbes, consumers want to work with brands that are more accessible, easier to navigate, and customizable. Essentially, they want brick-and-mortar brands that mimic the smooth, targeted experience of online shopping.

In 2017, technology will make adapting to these new consumer expectations easier – but only if you’re ready to change the way you think about work. Here are 13 disruptive technologies that will impact small businesses this year – and how you can use them to improve the customer experience for your company.