Out with the man bun and in with the slicked back undercut! Just like the latest hairstyle fads, some technologies come and go, and some are here for keeps. One thing’s for sure – you don’t need a crystal ball to predict that technology will play a pretty big part in the way you run your business in 2017. Here’s our top tips on how to stay ahead of the game and milk those tech trends for all they’re worth.

Grownup games

Remember the whole Pokémon Go craze? Think it was just a game? Think again. Call us cynical, but Pokémon was essentially a giant social experiment designed to help the digital technology powers-that-be figure out how to drive more traffic to your business (and eventually sell that knowledge back to you). Expect plenty more where this came from – and get ready to jump on the bandwagon as soon as it arrives to increase foot traffic and get the word out about your business.

 Snapstafacegram

Social media changes the face of our digital reality every day. 2016 was the year of Snapchat, largely thanks to Snapchat Filters which transformed our selfies forever (flower crowns and kitten ears, anyone?). Instagram continued to be a must-have tool for creative types and entrepreneurs, and tried its very best to beat Snapchat at their own game with Instagram Stories. This year, keep your eyes peeled for the next big thing in social, and be ready to get inventive with competitions and content.

Sharing is caring

The “sharing economy” might sound like a buzzword, but it’s actually a concept that’s as old as time itself. Ever since the paleo diet was trending the first time around, humans have shared their own resources with their neighbours, friends and guests. These days, the household names like Uber and Airbnb make it easy to share what you have with a stranger from the other side of town – or the other side of the globe. Haircut for some homebrew, anyone?!

On the move

Mobile technology is not a trend. It’s here for the long haul, or at least until we have all transcended reality and become space-travelling holograms. If you’re not already ticking all the boxes of your mobile strategy, it’s time to get a move on, stat. We’re talking mobile responsive emails, online booking, and an app to help promote your business. It’s not rocket science, we promise – in fact it really is just good old fashioned common sense, but with an exciting new twist.

Want to find out more about the latest business technology trends? Call Shortcuts today on 1300 667 374 or visit www.shortcuts.com.au/cutthroat