Business Technology Trends August 2022

The rain dance finally worked; the children are back at school and gas prices are coming down - YAHOO! As we wind down summer and head into fall we are noticing these small business technology trends. More companies are focused on E-Commerce, Alternative Payment Methods and Customer Service needs to be more personalized and empathetic. 

E-Commerce as a hybrid shopping model is here to stay. The pandemic shifted the brick & mortar mindset to shopping online, curbside and delivery services;providing the flexibility and convenience that consumers want. Small businesses should make sure that their website is mobile friendly with an easy to use interface for choosing and buying products or services. Most consumers want to shop local and support their neighbors. Making it simple will provide that positive experience customers seek. 

Alternative Payment Options again the pandemic disrupted how people paid for goods and services when many businesses refused to take cash and moved to contactless payment methods. We are seeing more small businesses adding mobile pay, cryptocurrencies, mobile wallets and wearable devices as payment methods. Consumers want to be able to pay with their devices and not carry cash or credit cards. 

Customer Service Experience (CX) We are seeing a shift in customer service experience expectations. “Customers want empathy; that comes from understanding them and speaking directly to their needs and concerns while being clear about the business's purpose and vision across all forms of operations, communications, and practices.” Customers also want website communication options: chat, email and phone to reach a business or their customer support team.                                                                         https://www.paychex.com/articles/management/small-business-trends

Technology should make people's lives easier and drive efficiency. Let’s talk about your business technology strategy. Never call an 800# again - call me!