2021 is quickly coming to an end, and before we know it, 2022 will be here. 2021 was another year where the United States economy and small businesses everywhere worked hard to regain some type of normalcy since the pandemic began. Throughout the disruptions, we saw several small business trends and ideas emerging that will likely continue into the new year. What kind of trends should you keep on your radar in 2022? Let’s look at four small business trends that we’ll see in the year ahead.
Small Business Ideas for 2022
Over 30 million small businesses employ over 60 million people in the United States. Although the pandemic hit small businesses hard the past two years, experts theorize that 2022 will see a massive recovery because more businesses are hiring. As a small business owner, it’s vital to stay ahead of the curve and study the trends expected to impact small businesses the most next year. Here are the four most significant trends and how your small business can make them work in the new year.
Communication technology will continue to flourish.
The future of small businesses is technology. Zoom meetings and Microsoft Teams are now the new normal, but before COVID, very few businesses adopted such technologies. In today’s world, staying socially connected is paramount for success, and to do so, innovations and advancements must be welcomed with open arms. If you haven’t already implemented some of the tech opportunities, take some time to try out these new applications at your business so you can meet the demand of your employees (and customers).
E-commerce will continue to thrive.
Many new business models sprouted since the onset of the pandemic as companies across the country had to adapt to survive. One of those changes was a boom in e-commerce endeavors. An e-commerce business exists primarily online. When COVID forced many companies to shut their doors, many pivoted and began offering their goods and services through an online store. E-commerce is notable because customers can easily (and safely) shop from home, while business owners don’t have to worry about operating a brick-and-mortar location. An e-commerce business cuts overhead costs and streamlines many processes; that’s why we don’t see this trend going anywhere anytime soon.
Cashless payments will become the standard.
If you still operate a brick-and-mortar business, a trend we see only evolving more is the inclusion of cashless payments. While credit and debit card use still dominates the small business world, many owners are including contactless features, like tap to pay. Some businesses are even offering cashless payments including mobile or digital wallets or payment apps. We only see this trend blossoming in the coming year, and as technology advances, you’ll want to incorporate cashless payment options to keep your customers happy.
The hybrid work model and freelancing will become norms in the workplace.
According to the Harvard Business Review, the number of freelancers has increased from 7.3 million in 2019 to 10.9 million in 2020. That’s almost a 50% increase, and that number is expected to rise even further. If you’re wondering how freelancers can benefit your small business, think about how hiring a specialized individual for a project can reduce the costs associated with hiring a full-time employee.
Remote work will be just as prevalent in 2022, offering several perks for employers and employees alike. Because it was so popular the past few years, we see this trend sticking around next year.
The Future of Small Business
When developing your strategies and tactics for the new year, a crucial point to keep in mind is that your employees and customers are the most important theme. Take some time to listen to the needs of your employees and make them happy. With happy employees comes even happier customers and clients. If you’ve been searching for small business coaching near me, stop your search now and contact the experts at FocalPoint Coaching today. We can help you run your business instead of having your business run you.