Welcome to a new year and the beginning of a whole new decade! Just writing that gives me chills! As we review the past decade and consider all of the new ventures and innovations, we realize they have set the stage for what’s to come. Think about some of the major innovations that we’ve seen in the past 10 years: Ipads; Alexa/Google Assistant; consumer LED bulbs; fitness tracker wrist-watches; drones; and robotics that are no longer being tested but being implemented into our mainstream lives.  
 
Could you have even begun to imagine back in 2010 where we would be today? It’s staggering and frightening – both at the same time. No matter where you live, no matter how rural the area you live in, everyone is now a part (willing or not) of the globalization taking place in the world. We can’t sit back and say, “Well, that doesn’t affect me.” It’s 2020 and the future is here! How we embrace it and move forward determines our successes as individuals, as businesses, and as a community.
 
Technology continues to change rapidly. With changes happening so fast, keeping-up is especially difficult for small businesses. It is, however, critical that businesses stay current with the technological changes. According to Forbes, “Consumers want to work with brands that are more accessible, easier to navigate, and customizable. Essentially, they want brick-and-mortar brands that mimic the smooth, targeted experience of online shopping.”
 
Yes, it’s a new year and a new decade, but as exciting as that is, it is also intimidating. Embrace the change and find ways to continue to embrace the new technology. Make it work for you and not against you. Let this new year and new decade be a time of hope and excitement for you and for all of your endeavors! Let these fresh innovations work to make your ventures even better. 
 

Work hard, be productive, and, above all else, stay positive.