Every year brings a wave of new apps, gadgets, and "game-changing" technology. Most of it? More distraction than breakthrough. But this year, a handful of straightforward tools actually delivered saving Arkansas and Oklahoma business owners time, money, and more than a few headaches.
Here are the technology tips for small business owners that are worth carrying into 2026.
- Automatic Reminders That Got You Paid Faster
Cash flow stress keeps business owners up at night. This year, more owners set up simple automation to handle invoice reminders. Tools like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero made it easy turn on automatic reminders and let the system do the follow-up.
Real-world example: A Fort Smith graphic designer used to spend two to three hours weekly sending "just checking in" emails about overdue invoices. After setting up automated reminders, those emails sent themselves polite, professional, and consistent.
Why it matters:
No more awkward “Hey, about that invoice…” conversations. Payments came in faster. Evenings stayed work-free.
- AI That Handled the Busywork (Without Taking Over)
This year, AI finally earned its keep doing the tasks nobody enjoys. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Grammarly helped summarize long emails, draft meeting notes, and generate first drafts of proposals and job descriptions.
Why it matters:
AI became a helpful assistant, not a replacement. Research shows 78% of organizations increased AI investment this year with time savings being the #1 benefit.
- Simple Security Tweaks That Just Worked
Nobody wants to think about cybersecurity, but MFA (multifactor authentication) and password managers made protection easier this year.
Why it matters:
Studies show MFA stops 99% of unauthorized access attempts. Employees logged in faster, stayed secure, and avoided “forgot password” chaos.
- Cloud Tools That Actually Made Work Mobile
“Work from anywhere” finally became real. A contractor in Eastern Oklahoma now approves change orders from the jobsite using their phone no office trip required.
Why it matters:
Less “I’ll send it when I’m back at my desk.” More deals closed on the spot.
- Communication Tools That Cut Through the Noise
Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Chat helped teams replace long email chains with quick conversations and organized threads.
Why it matters:
Fewer missed messages. Faster decisions. Less inbox stress.
The Bottom Line on Technology Tips for Small Business
This year proved the best tech isn’t the flashiest it’s what quietly saves time, protects your business, and keeps your people productive.
Serving Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma with Technology That Works
For over 55 years, Preferred Office Technologies has helped businesses cut through the noise and implement practical technology solutions that actually make small business life easier.
We focus on:
- Custom IT solutions
- Tailored print solutions
- Smart, space-saving document management
No unnecessary complexity. No solutions looking for problems. Just technology that helps you work smarter.
Ready to Make 2026 Your Most Efficient Year Yet?
Contact us today to learn how we can help your business implement technology that works.
