Every January, the internet explodes with “must-know” tech trends promising to change the world. But if you run a small business in Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, or anywhere in the Red River Valley, chances are you don’t care about the metaverse—you just want your systems to work, your data to be safe, and your staff to stay productive.
Let’s be real: most tech trends are hype. But a few will make a real difference in how small businesses operate in 2026—especially if you’re trying to grow, improve security, or finally fix that IT bottleneck that’s been slowing you down.
Here are three tech trends worth your time—and two you can confidently ignore.
Trend #1: AI Is Built Into the Tools You Already Use
What’s happening: In 2026, AI isn’t something extra you have to learn. It’s quietly being embedded into everyday tools like Outlook, QuickBooks, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace. That means the software you already use is getting smarter—and doing more for you.
- Outlook will draft responses to emails.
- QuickBooks will flag odd expenses.
- Slack will summarize long conversation threads.
- Excel will turn rough notes into usable task lists.
Why this matters to small businesses: You don’t need to “adopt AI.” You just need to start using the smarter features already included in the software you pay for. It’s a low-effort way to get real efficiency gains without adding new tools or training.
What to do now:
When your software prompts you to try a new AI feature—say yes. Give it two weeks. If it saves time or improves accuracy, great. If not, turn it off. No harm done.
Time investment: Almost none. You're already using these tools—just get more out of them.
Trend #2: Automation Without Needing a Developer
What’s happening: In the past, automating business tasks meant hiring a developer or learning a complex system like Zapier. But in 2026, many tools let you simply describe what you want, and AI builds the workflow for you.
Example: “When someone fills out our website form, add them to a spreadsheet, send a welcome email, and set a follow-up reminder.” AI takes it from there.
Why this matters to small businesses in North Dakota and Minnesota:
You can finally reduce repetitive tasks—without hiring staff or losing hours of your day. Whether it’s handling client intake, scheduling service calls, or organizing invoices, automation gives you back your time.
What to do now:
Pick one task your team repeats weekly. Try using a built-in automation tool (like Microsoft Power Automate or Google AppSheet) to set it up.
Time investment: 30 minutes to test your first automation. Then it runs in the background.
Trend #3: Cybersecurity Rules Are No Longer Optional
What’s happening: In 2026, small businesses face real consequences for poor cybersecurity. New laws, tighter insurance requirements, and higher expectations from customers are putting serious pressure on business owners to get protected.
Why this matters: If your business gets hacked and you didn’t have basic protections in place, you could face fines, lawsuits, or denied insurance claims.
What to do now:
At minimum, make sure your business has:
- Multi-factor authentication on all accounts
- Regular, tested data backups
- Written cybersecurity policies (and staff who follow them)
These aren’t nice-to-haves—they’re essentials. At IMS, we help our clients implement all three as part of our managed cybersecurity services.
Time investment: 2–3 hours to implement. Peace of mind: priceless.
Trend to Ignore: The Metaverse and Virtual Reality for Business
Why you can ignore it: Unless you’re in architecture or interior design, your team doesn’t need to meet in a virtual reality office. VR headsets are still expensive, uncomfortable, and unnecessary for day-to-day operations.
What to do now:
Skip the hype. If VR ever becomes truly useful for small businesses, you’ll hear about it from your peers—not tech blogs.
Trend to Ignore: Accepting Cryptocurrency Payments
Why you can ignore it:
Crypto might sound futuristic, but for most small businesses, it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Volatility, tax headaches, and very few customers actually wanting to use it make this a low-reward, high-risk option.
What to do now:
If someone asks, “Do you take Bitcoin?” just say no—and offer the standard payment methods that work for your business.
Bottom Line: Focus on What Actually Helps Your Business Grow
As a small business in Fargo, Moorhead, Wahpeton, or anywhere nearby, you don’t need to chase every tech fad. You need tools that:
- Make your operations smoother
- Protect your business from cyber threats
- Save your team time
- Help you scale without adding more stress
At IMS, we cut through the noise to help small businesses across the region use technology that actually works—for your goals, your team, and your bottom line.
Want help navigating 2026 tech trends?
Let’s take a look at your current setup and identify what’s worth exploring—and what you can skip. No pressure, no jargon, just honest advice from a partner who’s been supporting small businesses for over 20 years.
📅 Schedule your free consultation
📞 Call us at (701) 364-2718
🌐 www.imsnetworking.com
Because the best tech trend is the one that makes your life easier—not more complicated.
