TechTalk Detroit Ep. 6: Top Small Business Tech Trends To Watch In 2020
In Episode 6 of TechTalk Detroit, hosts Chuck Lobert and Brian Spurgeon take a deep dive into the top small business tech trends reshaping how organizations operate, grow, and protect themselves. Technology is constantly evolving—and for small business owners, staying informed isn’t just an option, it’s a competitive advantage.
Whether you’re managing a growing team, improving cybersecurity, or streamlining workflows, understanding these trends can help you make smarter decisions and set your business up for long-term success.
🔍 Why Small Business Tech Trends Matter
Consumer and business technology never stand still. Innovations that were once reserved for large enterprises are now available to small and midsize businesses (SMBs) thanks to cloud computing, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and scalable IT platforms.
“Small businesses can now access tools that used to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop,” says Brian. “With tech-as-a-service models, you only pay for what you need.”
🔮 Top Small Business Tech Trends Covered in Episode 6
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Powering Smart Decisions
Artificial Intelligence remains one of the most transformative small business tech trends. AI enables machines to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence—and it’s quickly becoming more accessible for small businesses.
Key Applications for Small Businesses:
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CRM Intelligence
AI-enhanced CRMs can automatically analyze customer interactions, predict behavior, and suggest next steps—all without manual data entry. -
Smart Cybersecurity
AI-driven threat detection uses algorithms and neural networks to monitor user behavior, detect anomalies, and block cyber threats in real time.“Machines can respond faster than humans to evolving threats,” says Chuck. “It’s like having a 24/7 security guard who never sleeps.”
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Voice & Language Processing
From Alexa and Siri to chatbots and virtual assistants, AI-powered speech recognition tools help streamline customer service and internal workflows.
2. Automation: Do More with Less
Automation isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. From marketing and scheduling to supply chain management and IT maintenance, automation can reduce manual workloads and free up your team to focus on high-value tasks.
How Automation Supports Small Businesses:
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Predict potential issues using cloud analytics.
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Automate work orders and maintenance requests.
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Use IoT sensors to monitor job sites, equipment uptime, or inventory.
“Start small,” Brian advises. “Identify basic workflows and build automation into them. You’ll be amazed at how much time and effort you can save.”
3. Cybersecurity Modernization
Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, making robust cybersecurity one of the most crucial small business tech trends today.
AI-enhanced protection can:
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Spot phishing attempts before they hit inboxes.
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Learn from threats and adjust defenses automatically.
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Protect sensitive data across remote work environments.
If your business hasn’t modernized its cybersecurity strategy yet, now is the time.
💡 Small Business Takeaway: Tech Is a Growth Engine
Modernizing your business doesn’t require a complete tech overhaul. Small, strategic changes—like adding automation to a key process or integrating AI into your customer support—can make a huge difference in productivity and profitability.
From improved customer experiences to more secure systems, staying ahead of small business tech trends helps you move from reactive to proactive in your operations.
👨💻 Brought to You by Vision Computer Solutions
At Vision Computer Solutions, we help Metro Detroit small businesses embrace innovation with confidence. Whether you’re ready to invest in automation, upgrade your cybersecurity, or explore the power of AI, our team is here to guide your next move.
🎧 Catch the full episode of TechTalk Detroit Ep. 6 to hear Chuck and Brian break down these trends in plain English—and share practical steps for applying them to your business today.
Need help navigating the latest tech trends?
Contact Vision Computer Solutions for a consultation, and let’s future-proof your business together.
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