Kwik Kopy Australia, a leader in print, design and large-format marketing solutions, is giving away a transformative opportunity for small businesses to elevate their branding. Starting 3rd February, five lucky small businesses will each win a $5,000-worth branding facelift giveaway as part of Kwik Kopy’s Australia-wide giveaway. As a way of showing their support for local businesses, Kwik Kopy will also provide $500 vouchers as weekly prizes.

The promotion will run for eight weeks, and small businesses are encouraged to submit their entries at WeMakePossible.com.au. To qualify, entrants must share why they believe their business deserves a signage facelift. Each of the five lucky major prize winners will receive an updated branding package that includes large-format materials, such as custom signage, event displays, window decals, office wallpaper and more. The major prize winners will be announced at the end of March.

These prize provisions put forward Kwik Kopy’s commitment of making possible, allowing small businesses to maximise their exposure with professional and up-to-date collateral that attracts their respective target audiences.

Making first impressions last

Installing a visually appealing storefront can go a long way by establishing the legitimacy and credibility of a business. It is an important element that drives interest and foot traffic, leading to revenue generation. As Kwik Kopy comes with decades of experience in large-format printing, they are highly familiar with how the right branding elements can strengthen the reputation of a business.

“A strong first impression makes all the difference for small businesses. It can give them that distinct edge compared to their competitors,” shares Panteha Jadidi, National Marketing Director of Kwik Kopy Australia. “We want to equip small to medium enterprises with the right tools for a brand refresh and to garner their market’s attention. We are excited to see how these facelifts will positively impact their businesses.”          

Importance of effective branding

Businesses can win a combination of small and large-format marketing collateral that go beyond storefront aesthetic appeal. Kwik Kopy will bring its expertise in ensuring the new branding provided establishes a renewed connection with the winners’ customers.

Part of effective branding includes consistency in visual elements to establish an identity. It also communicates to customers the purpose and values of a business. When these are effectively achieved, relationships are built on a foundation of trust with the customer first in mind. Standing out with proper branding allows better visibility and more opportunities to be remembered.

Opportunities to win

Aside from the major prizes, Kwik Kopy’s promotion will also provide smaller prizes with a total worth of $12,000. During each week of the promotion period, Kwik Kopy will randomly select three local businesses to each receive a $500 voucher – totalling 24 vouchers that are up for grabs. Winners will be revealed on Kwik Kopy’s social media channels weekly, so entrants should consistently monitor.

Kwik Kopy Australia has been committed to supporting small businesses for over 40 years. This giveaway is an opportunity to create a community spirit among entrepreneurs and help businesses thrive.

A vocal champion of the power of effective networking, renowned businessman Mark Bouris is among a bevy of mover-shakers backing Boa App – a relatively new and free-to-join networking platform that’s revolutionising the way business owners connect and collaborate.

Fostering productive networking opportunities for businesspeople is at the very heart of Boa’s mission, with a surging community of its members set to participate in a series of networking ‘chapters’ being rolled-out this year across the nation.

With each chapter to comprise a small group of local and likeminded businessowners who’ll have access to monthly networking events, helpful resources, and a private in-app community of peers to cultivate support and spark new ideas, Boa’s first chapter is the Inner Circle.

The Inner Circle will be officially launched on 19 February in Sydney, with a group of Boa’s most highflying guests – such as Zoe Marshall (arise), Jane Lu (Showpo / Shark Tank), Sally Obermeder (SWIISH) and Jeremy Cabral and Fred Schebesta (Finder) – to attend the Inner Circle launch party at Bondi Icebergs.

“The Inner Circle is the first of a series of chapters we’re truly excited to introduce this year because we know these easy-to-join groups will serve to support businessowners in so many ways – from creating human connections to solving challenges and fuelling success,” explains Boa App general manager, Kirsten Scott.

“We’re currently calling for members who are interested in leading local networking chapters as presidents. Importantly, the initiative is deliberately conscious of our members’ busy schedules, and our chapters are designed to be just as enjoyable as they are impactful,” adds Ms Scott.

No longer a mere convenience but now considered a cornerstone of successful business, professional networking apps are big business today, with the global professional networking apps market expected to reach a market size of more than AUD100 billion by 2030[i].

“Most Australian businessowners don’t have access to quality networking. Boa App is breaking down barriers to make premium networking accessible and free for everyone,” says Yellow Brick Road founder and Boa App investor, Mark Bouris.

“Until now, networking has always been reserved for the rich and privileged in Australia. We want to democratise access for all businessowners – big, small and irrespective of gender, age and background. This is a very important mission, and Australia has always been the place of opportunity irrespective of class or birthright, and Boa is bringing that fabric back,” adds Mr Bouris.

BOA App is the brainchild of business networking entrepreneur and Club of United (CUB) founder and CEO, Daniel Hakim.

To learn more about Boa App, visit Boa.App.

Mark Bouris’ Top Ten Tips for Effective Networking:

• Show Up and Be Present: Networking is a skill you develop by being in the room. Commit to attending events and be present – phones down, focus up.

• Lead with Curiosity: Don’t jump straight into what you do – ask questions and take a genuine interest in others. People connect with authenticity, not rehearsed pitches.

• Know Your Value: Have a clear understanding of what you bring to the table and be able to articulate it simply and confidently. A sharp elevator pitch always leaves an impression.

• It’s About Relationships, Not Transactions: Forget quick wins – networking is about building long-term, meaningful relationships that bring value over time.

• Listen More Than You Talk: The best networkers are the best listeners. Be engaged, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and let others share their story.

• Follow Up with Purpose: Networking doesn’t end when the event does. Follow up with a quick note or invite for coffee to continue the conversation and nurture the connection.

• Be a Connector: The best way to build trust is to help others. If you can connect someone to an opportunity, a person, or an idea, you’ve already added value.

• Have a Strong Online Presence: Networking continues beyond the room. Ensure your LinkedIn and socials reflect who you are and what you do – it’s where connections go to learn more about you.

• Show Consistency: Networking success comes from consistency. Keep showing up, keep adding value, and your network will grow organically.

1. Be Yourself: People connect with people, not titles. Be authentic, relaxed, and open – your best connections will come when you’re just being you.

[i] https://www.htfmarketintelligence.com/report/global-professional-networking-apps-market

monday.com has released the findings of its 2025 World of Work Report, revealing an interesting snapshot of how businesses worldwide are navigating technology adoption, work management and AI integration. 

The research surveyed more than 3,500 employees (including 401 Aussies) across seven countries. Uncovering significant gaps and trends that impact workplace productivity technology adoption: 

• The usability gap in work management tools; 82%  report using work management software, yet larger enterprises see lower utilisation rates (71%), signaling a disconnect between access to tools and implementation.
• Leaders are embracing software, contributors are skeptical: Only 78% of individual contributors feel comfortable using work management software, compared to 90% of managers and 94% of senior executives.

AI adoption and resistance 

• AI resistance is highest among larger enterprises: Nearly half (45%) of employees at the largest enterprise companies indicate no AI usage whatsoever. Over half (52%) of larger organisations’ primary concern is a lack of trust in AI’s safety and security.
• Smaller businesses see AI differently: A third of smaller companies (33%) perceive AI is a fleeting technological trend, contributing to the general hesitancy.
• Sales and customer support lag in AI adoption: Sales (51%) and customer support roles (40%) have significantly lower levels of openness and usage of AI.

You can find the full global report here.

As the festive season wraps up, Australian retailers and companies are shifting their focus from holiday sales to addressing the challenges of post-holiday debt and capitalising on the early-year sales period. 

With household budgets tightening and consumer confidence fluctuating, many companies are turning to innovative strategies to maintain cashflow and drive revenue growth. 

New research from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission shows Aussies will have spent on average $800 each to fund gifts, holidays and celebrations with just 29% managing to stick to a budget. 

“Retailers are navigating a complex landscape. Post-Christmas is not just about clearing stock but also leveraging insights from the holiday season to fine tune customer experiences and loyalty programs,” says Maurice Zicman, Vice President Business Development at TP, one of the global leaders in customer support.

“However, the rising cost of living has left many households cautious about discretionary spending in January and February, posing challenges for retailers looking to maintain momentum,” adds Mr Zicman. 

“The companies that succeed will be those that invest in data-driven strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations.” 

“A strategy that we see being used is the use of and reliance on flexible payment solutions. The use of ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) services surged during the holiday season, with projections indicating sustained demand for 2025.” 

“Retailers are partnering with BNPL providers to ease immediate financial strain on customers, making it easier for them to shop without adding to their credit card debt,” says Mr Zicman. 

Companies are using a number of strategies to ensure success and momentum to combat post-holiday debt: 

• Data-driven personalisation: Retailers are leveraging customer data from holiday purchases to tailor marketing campaigns, with a focus on personalised offers and discounts. 

• Loyalty programs: Enhanced loyalty initiatives are being deployed to retain customers, offering exclusive perks and early access to sales. 
• Omnichannel integration: Businesses are doubling down on their digital presence, ensuring seamless online and offline shopping experiences to capture a broader audience. 

• Workforce optimisation: There’s a growing trend among retailers investing in scalable customer service solutions to handle post-Christmas inquiries. This ensures they can meet demand spikes without compromising service quality. 

“The post-Christmas period is also a key time for clearance sales, which not only help offload excess inventory but also draw in bargain-savvy shoppers,” says Mr Zicman.

“Additionally, many retailers are introducing subscription models for year-round revenue, capitalising on the growing trend of subscription box services.”

“Retailers must be agile and proactive. The post-holiday period is a time to recalibrate, innovate and strengthen customer relationships to drive sustainable growth.” 

“As Australian businesses navigate the economic uncertainties of 2024, their ability to adapt to consumer behaviour and market trends will determine their resilience in the months ahead,” says Mr Zicman.

For sole traders, there’s plenty of pressure when it comes to taxes. Collating income sources, managing deductions correctly, and filing a tax return can be challenging and stressful without the necessary skills and time. We look at sole trader tax trends.

The rise of advanced technology, AI-powered tax tools, and increased scrutiny from the government are heavily impacting how sole traders manage their obligations and complete their tax returns as we move into 2025. 

Here are some sole trader tax trends we’re likely to see in the coming year and beyond.  

1.Increased ATO scrutiny 

In 2025, small businesses and sole traders will likely find themselves under increasing scrutiny. Data has shown that unpaid tax debt for small businesses grew to $35.6 billion in 2024. It’s also been revealed that the tax gap for small businesses is 12.6%, a contrast to the 4.2% gap for larger organisations. 

Deputy Commissioner, Will Day, stated that the gap exists due to mistakes, deliberate tax evasion, and some small businesses behaving opportunistically. 

In light of the deficit, the ATO has vowed to put pressure on small businesses to meet their tax obligations and file their returns correctly. That means sole traders and small businesses are under pressure to get it right at tax time. 

2. AI-powered accounting 

The rise of AI is impacting almost every industry on the planet. When it comes to taxes, AI tools are already beginning to streamline the tax process, helping sole traders to more efficiently manage their tax affairs, and this is likely to increase further in 2025 as the technology becomes more sophisticated.  

TaxLeopard, for example, partnered with leading Generative AI incubator, InnovateGPT, to build a Smart Tax Assistant for sole traders. The AI-powered tech will offer on-demand, tailored, real-time accounting and tax assistance to sole traders ensuring they receive expert advice when they need it. 

3. Digitisation of tax management  

Traditionally, sole traders managed their tax affairs on paper, including manually updating and tracking physical logbooks, balance sheets, receipts and more – which was time-consuming and left plenty of room for inaccuracies and sometimes important paperwork was lost. 

While a shift to a completely digitised ecosystem won’t happen next year, we’ll move one step closer to it. Innovation in digitised tools that enable sole traders to do everything from log expenses and digital receipts to automatically track payments, income and tax deductions, is booming in Australia.

2025 will be the year digitisation of finances and accounting truly makes its mark, with a much wider cohort of sole traders adopting all-in-one tax platforms that look after it for them, often for a lesser fee than hiring an accountant. 

4. Gig economy workers become tax savvy

2024 was a significant year of change for the gig economy in Australia, effectively making gig workers’ role as sole traders for tax purposes more pronounced. 

From July, The Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR) came into effect for transactions made through electronic distribution platforms (EDPs) for the supply of services such as asset hire, performing tasks, and food delivery – extending from taxi travel, ride-sourcing and short-term accommodation already listed. 

This increased the types of gig economy workers that need to log their transactions accurately, including tracking invoices, payments, and expenses, and submitting BAS and annual statements in a timely and accurate manner.

As we move into 2025, gig economy workers will become more tax savvy, and the companies who hire them are already partnering with digital tax platforms to help their gig staff automatically and simply manage their accounts. 

2025 is going to be the year that sole traders truly come into their own with managing their finances. Whether it’s traditional businesses, or new-age entities like gig economy workers – the adoption and innovation of tools that simplify the management and logging of their taxes will continue to grow. This is particularly true as the ATO clamps down on small businesses and sole traders to get their taxes right. 

Sole trader tax trends By Selda Kaplan, CEO and Co-Founder at TaxLeopard

Imagine this. A potential customer searches for your small business online, but they are met with outdated contact details, mixed reviews or worse, no reviews at all. Within moments, they have moved on to a competitor. Managing your online reputation is about seizing every opportunity to build trust, credibility and a loyal customer base.  Here are my top five strategies every small business owner should use to keep their reputation shining.

1. Claim and update your online listings 

Consistency is key. Your small business information must be accurate across all platforms, including Google My Business, social media, and industry-specific directories. Inconsistent or outdated listings can confuse potential customers, damage your credibility, and negatively impact your search engine rankings. Regularly updating your small business name, address, phone number and other critical details ensures that customers can easily find and trust your small business.

When you take control of your online listings, you are creating opportunities which add value to your small business. Every accurate detail acts like a breadcrumb that leads customers directly to your door. Never underestimate the power of being easy to find.

2. Encourage and manage customer reviews 

Positive reviews are invaluable for establishing trust and attracting new customers. Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and make it easy for them to do so. When a negative review does appear, respond promptly and professionally, demonstrating that you value feedback and are committed to improving. This approach not only helps resolve customer issues but also shows potential clients that your small business cares.

Every review, positive or negative, is a chance to showcase your small business’s values. How you respond tells customers who you are. Think of reviews as conversations; they allow you to engage directly with your audience, fostering a stronger sense of trust and loyalty.

3. Monitor your online reputation regularly 

Staying on top of what is being said about your small business online allows you to respond quickly to any inaccuracies or complaints. Set up alerts for mentions of your small business and frequently check platforms like Google Reviews, Facebook and Yelp.

Waiting too long to address an issue online is like leaving your shopfront window cracked. Proactive monitoring is your first line of defence in maintaining a good reputation.

4. Optimise your website and listings for local search 

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a game-changer for small businesses. Ensure your website and online listings are optimised with relevant keywords, accurate location details and customer-focused content. This boosts your visibility in local search results, helping your small business stand out to nearby customers who are ready to buy.

SEO is the new high street visibility. If your small business is not showing up in searches engines, it’s like locking your doors to potential customers who are actively looking to engage.

5. Consistently create engaging content 

SEO shouldn’t be the only motivator for content creation; it’s a powerful tool for managing your reputation. Regularly update your blog, social media channel, and other platforms with valuable content that showcases your expertise and connects with your audience. Engaging content not only attracts traffic but also helps establish your small business as a trusted voice in your industry.

Content is your opportunity to lead the conversation about your small business. When you share insights, solutions, and stories, you not only boost engagement but also create a narrative that draws customers in and sets you apart from competitors.

Managing your online reputation isn’t a set-and-forget task; it’s a process that requires consistency, attention and adaptability. Taking control of your digital presence can be the difference between attracting loyal customers and losing them to competitors. Remember, every review, listing and piece of content is an opportunity to shape how your small business is perceived. By embracing these strategies, you are not only maintaining a reputation, but you are also building a legacy of trust and excellence that will set your small business apart for years to come.

By Greg Nicolle, Head of Small Business Success, Thryv

Adobe has announced new innovations in Adobe Premiere Pro (beta) designed to empower filmmakers at all levels, whether they’re an aspiring student, indie filmmaker, documentarian or industry veteran. Adobe also announced an additional $5M investment in the Adobe Film & TV Fund to support underrepresented creators and filmmakers in finding career opportunities on-screen and behind the camera. The Adobe Foundation is supporting the Los Angeles creative communities impacted by the recent wildfires with a $1 million charitable grant. 

The new media intelligence and search panel in Adobe Premiere Pro (beta) addresses a monumental pain point for video editors by letting them quickly locate the perfect film clip from massive libraries of files – a frequent inconvenience that previously meant sifting through gigabytes of files in search of a specific clip. Premiere Pro (beta) also now offers new AI-powered caption translation that automates the often expensive and inefficient process of multilingual caption generation, helping video pros effortlessly connect with audiences worldwide. 

“We’re passionate about empowering filmmakers to tell their stories and realise their creative vision,” said Ashley Still, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Adobe Creative Cloud. “These innovations will bring time savings and career support so they can focus on inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide.” 

Adobe and the Adobe Foundation announced its expansion of the Adobe Film & TV Fund, committing an additional $5M in 2025 along with research and product to support new opportunities in career advancement through fellowships, funding and in-kind donations. Group Effort Initiative (GEI) is also joining the Adobe Film & TV Fund, offering mentorship, training and career programs for the next generation of editors, marketers and creatives. 

New Premiere Pro, After Effects Enhancements and Frame.io Camera to Cloud Expansion Address Top Community Requests, Transforming Post-Production 

Premiere Pro’s latest updates help filmmakers accelerate post-production workflows by giving them the ability to easily identify content within shots, find footage faster and go global in seconds. The latest features include: 

• Media Intelligence & Search Panel – For editors, the hunt for the right clip can be a daunting experience, especially in larger projects with a lot of footage. With the new AI-powered Media Intelligence and Search Panel in Premiere Pro (beta), editors can now find exactly what they need when they need it. Instead of painstakingly hunting through shots manually, Media Intelligence now automatically recognises clip content – including objects, locations, camera angles or metadata like shoot date or camera type. They can just type in the clip type needed into the new Search Panel and let Media Intelligence do the rest. 
• Caption Translation – Captions are more important than ever as filmmakers scale their content for reach, engagement and accessibility globally – but until now, editors have been slowed down by manual translations, disrupting their workflow and often requiring additional expense. Now, Premiere Pro (beta) offers native caption translation in 17 languages, so customers can expand to new audiences quickly and accurately. 

New After Effects’ innovations provide motion professionals with highly requested performance improvements, including: 

• Improved Caching – Play back an entire composition faster than ever before. All computers that meet the minimum specifications will be able to play back their entire composition the moment it’s cached. 
• Improved HDR Support – Accurately import, monitor and export high dynamic range content, resulting in brighter and more vivid motion design work. 

Frame.io also expanded support for Camera to Cloud (C2C) support for Canon. Customers can now automatically upload and access high-quality footage directly from Canon EOS C80 and EOS C400 cameras in Frame.io, unlocking real-time collaboration, accelerated video workflows and a seamless experience between production and post. C2C revolutionises workflows by automatically uploading media as it’s captured, eliminating the need for manual file transfers. This seamless integration accelerates content creation by providing instant access to media and enabling real-time collaboration through Frame.io’s powerful creative management tools – solving the challenges of remote teamwork and minimising project delays. 

Read more about the new enhancements to Adobe’s pro video and audio tools here. 

Adobe Continues to Power Culture-Defining Storytelling 

Adobe’s creative tools are fundamental to the work of Sundance filmmakers. According to the annual Sundance Institute survey, nearly 85% of 2025’s entrants relied on Adobe Creative Cloud applications – including Premiere Pro, Frame.io, After Effects, Photoshop and the Substance 3D Collection – to bring their stories to life. Premiere Pro was yet again the most popular video editing software, used by over half (60%) year’s films. “Opus,” “By Design,” “Train Dreams,” “Bunnylovr,” “The Alabama Solution,” “Bucks County, USA”, “The Legend of Ochi” and “Perfect Neighbor” are just a few of the narrative features, documentaries and episodic series set to debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival that were cut on Premiere Pro. 

Every new year, people have ambitious resolutions for fresh beginnings, especially within businesses. Many businesses take the opportunity to declutter and optimise space in the workplace. Having an organised environment is the foundation for productivity, happy employees and workplace efficiency. Resetting the workplace often can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be.

Declutter with purpose

The first step in workplace optimisation is addressing clutter. Many SMEs accumulate unnecessary items over time, from outdated files to surplus equipment. Taking a methodical approach to decluttering can help. Start by categorising items into essentials, non-essentials and disposables. Essential items should remain easily accessible, while non-essentials can be stored or donated. Dispose of what no longer serves a purpose.

While creating physical space, this process also helps with mental clarity. A decluttered environment is crucial in order for employees to focus and be less distracted. 

Reimagine the layout

An efficient layout is key to a productive workplace. Start by observing how employees move around the office and identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. The design of the space should support your team’s workflows and collaboration.

For example, creating designated zones for different activities, such as quiet areas for focused work and open spaces for team collaboration, can ensure functionality. Flexible furniture and modular designs are also excellent choices for SMEs, as they allow for easy reconfiguration as the business evolves.

Incorporate smart storage solutions

Storage is vital in maintaining an organised workspace. Consider vertical shelving, under-desk storage and wall-mounted organisers. These are practical for space, especially in small offices. This helps keep the aesthetic while maximising utility. Labelling systems and digital inventory management tools can also help keep stock and office supplies in check.

Adopt a long-term mindset

Decluttering and reorganising are important. However, sustaining the system consistently is also one to remember and it requires a long-term commitment. Schedule regular decluttering sessions, assign responsibilities for shared spaces and involve employees in keeping the office tidy.

Additionally, integrating technology can streamline operations. Digital file management systems, automated scheduling tools and cloud storage solutions reduce paper clutter and improve accessibility.

Benefits of optimisation

The advantages of a well-organised workspace extend beyond aesthetics. A decluttered, thoughtfully designed environment can boost employee satisfaction and productivity. Workers are more likely to feel motivated in a space that feels open and welcoming. Furthermore, clients and partners visiting the office will be left with a positive impression of the business’ professionalism.

As 2025 unfolds, SMEs have a chance to embrace the transformative power of workspace optimisation. By decluttering, reimagining layouts and committing to long-term strategies, businesses can create environments that inspire success and  innovation. As a storage solutions provider, we at Super Easy Storage also try to maintain that level of commitment in our own workplace.

These practical guidelines can help an individual’s journey to a more organised and productive workspace.

By Jordana Thirlwall, Co-Founder of Super Easy Storage and Certified Interior Designer

Contributed by Rakesh Prabhakar, Head of Zoho Australia and New Zealand

Australia is a nation of entrepreneurs, go-getters, and big-thinkers. For 2.5 million Australians running a small business, the pursuit of independence, passion, and potential has always come with its share of challenges. The last few years have been particularly difficult for SMBs in the country, with closures hitting a four-year high, and insolvency rates currently 25% higher than they were pre-pandemic.

Last year was no different. The vast majority (89%) of Australian SMBs saw their operating costs increase in the last 18 months, according to Zoho’s Financial Health of Australian Small Businesses research. In response, three in four (78%) have been forced to increase their costs, passing the burden onto customers. However, that too has had unforeseen problems, with a further three quarters (73.9%) saying their revenue slowed; and ‘significantly’, for four in ten.

But as we step into 2025, the stakes feel higher than ever. But so too does the optimism, according to our research. Almost half (46.6%) of our SMB community anticipate stronger cash flow in the months ahead, and many see growth opportunities beyond 2024. Nearly one in three (29.3%) “see a lot of growth opportunity” in the next 12-18 months, while 33.7% believe they’re “recovering nicely”.

But as small businesses begin to think big in 2025, how can they turn their optimism into growth?

Build relationships, enhance experiences

Australians are renowned for their strong support of local business, which has only increased in recent years. Consumers are still feeling the pressures of high interest rates and inflation, so they are being cautious and considered in the businesses they engage with. They will, however, gravitate to those who build relationships and enhance the customer experience. For many Aussies, customer experience is one of the most influential factors when choosing who to engage with. Consumers would be willing to spend more for enhanced customer service, further cementing its influence on acquisition, retention and ROI.

In 2025, SMBs should think about how they can turn customer experience into a competitive advantage. Start with seeking feedback, whether through surveys, casual conversations, or social media polls. Not only does it show their experience and opinion matters, but the insights can be turned into personalised strategies. An investment in a customer relationship management (CRM) system is an investment in customers, as it allows an SMB to track preferences and purchase history, enabling personalised offers, targeted email campaigns or loyalty rewards.

Beyond that, simple gestures like promptly replying to messages, responding to reviews or recognising a customer when they enter an SMB’s store or office can go a long way.

Embracing and optimising tech, data, and automation

Of course, it’s far easier today to provide stellar customer service when it’s built on a foundation of technology. Not only embracing technology – but optimising it – should be another big focus for SMBs in 2025. Thankfully, that’s the case for many SMBs. Our research found that the biggest priority for SMBs in 2025 is staying afloat, followed closely by automating or digitising their business.

SMBs should start by analysing their technology stack. Are platforms integrated, or are silos – for example between particular platforms, processes, or departments – increasing manual handling and reducing transparency and efficiency? Can metrics like cash flow, customer retention and acquisition rates and employee productivity be tracked in real time? Is technology providing an ROI or an added burden?

Integrated technology stacks that consolidate crucial tools – from sales and marketing to collaboration, finance and more – can provide real-time insights that are essential for making smarter, growth-focused decisions. When SMBs rely on fewer vendors, it keeps their costs down, and improves the business-wide operations. Just as critical as integrating technology is automating it.

Time is a priceless commodity for SMBs, so automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks like invoicing, data entry or sending follow-up emails frees up time for more strategic work. With all technology adoption, it should be careful and planned, rather than rushed. SMBs should start by automating specific tasks – like setting up payment reminders or data entry – then build from there.

On that foundation, SMBs can then benefit from more sophisticated forms of automation, for example related to Business Intelligence (BI). BI helps SMBs analyse their data to both understand performance and identify opportunities for growth. For example, BI platforms like Zoho Analytics can visualise, in real-time, which products or services generate the most revenue, which marketing channels are the most profitable or which employees are the most productive.

By identifying patterns and trends, SMBs can make strategic, proactive adjustments – whether stocking up on a popular item, prioritising certain demographics or providing more training for an underperforming team member. BI is ‘predictive’ too, which means SMBs can use historic data to forecast and predict performance. For example, what do sales from 2024 mean for 2025, and how can SMBs use that insight to proactively mitigate risks or maximise growth opportunities?

In 2025, SMBs should focus on being tech-powered and customer-focused. By prioritising customer relationships and experience, and investing in integrated, automated and insight-driven technology, small businesses could be justified in their big thinking in the months ahead.