b'The Tech Cumulus JANUARY 2026TECH TRENDSYOUR BUSINESS SHOULDACTUALLY PAY ATTENTION TOEvery year, tech publications release boldExample: When someone fills out my contact2. Accepting Crypto Paymentspredictions about revolutionary trends that willform, add them to my spreadsheet, send aCrypto sounds cutting edge, but it adds tax change everything. Before long, youre buriedwelcome email and remind me to follow up incomplexity, volatility and higher fees. Unless in buzzwords such as AI, blockchain and thethree days. The AI figures out how to makecustomers actively request it, stick to cards and metaverse, with little clarity on what truly drivesithappen. ACH transfers.revenue growth. Why it matters: Automation moves from WeWhat to do: If someone asks, politely say no. Heres the truth: Most tech trends are hypeshould do this but dont have time to We canReconsider only if multiple customers request it designed to sell expensive consulting services, butset this up in 20 minutes. organically.buried in the noise are a few genuine shifts thatWhat to do: Identify one repetitive task your teamFocus on trends that save time, reduce risk and will impact how you work. Lets focus on whatdoes weekly. Describe it to an automation toolimprove efficiency. Ignore the hype and invest where it really matters. Here are three trends worth yourand see if AI can build it for you. truly benefits your business.attention and two you can safely ignore. Time investment: 2030 minutes to set up your first Trends Worth Your Attention automation.1. AI Built Into Tools You Already Use 3. Security Regulations Get Real SHINY NEW GADGET OF THE MONTHAI is no longer a separate tool you have to learn.Cybersecurity is shifting from best practice to legal requirement. States are passing data privacy Its being embedded directly into the softwarelaws. Insurance companies are requiring specificTech Gadget: OIKKEI AI you already use every day. Your email programsecurity measures. Enforcement is getting serious. Wireless Mousewill draft responses. Your CRM will write follow-up messages. Your accounting softwareWhy it matters: Not having basic protections isMeet the ultimate will automatically categorize expenses and flagbecoming like not having business insurance. Itsmultitasker: a wireless anyanomalies. a liability you cant afford. mouse that doubles as Why it matters: Youre not learning new tools;What to do: Cover three basics: multifactoran AI-powered audio youre just getting smarter versions of what youauthentication on all accounts, regular datarecorder. Perfect for already use. Instead of asking Should we adoptbackups you can restore and written cybersecurityremote meetings, AI? the question becomes Should we turn onpolicies you follow. this device captures these features were already paying for? Time investment: 23 hours to set up properly. conversations What to do: When your software offers AIaccurately while you features, try them for two weeks before decidingTrends You Can Safely Ignore navigate your screen if they help. Many will be gimmicky, but some no extra gadgets will save hours. 1. The Metaverse For Business needed. Streamline Virtual reality meetings have been the next bignote-taking, improve Time investment: Minimal. Youre already usingthing for a decade. Headsets are still expensivecollaboration and keep your workflow these tools. and uncomfortable. Unless youre in architectureefficient. If youre looking for a simple 2. Automation Without The Headache or design, skip it. way to save time and stay organized, this Building custom automations used to requireWhat to do: Nothing. If VR becomes usefulinnovative tool is a game-changer for busy hiring a developer or learning complex software.for mainstream business, youll know becausebusiness leaders.Now, new tools let you create workflows just bycompetitors will use it successfully.describing what you want in plain English.Technology That Works!844-KLOUD9IT (556-8394)3'