 10 Key Trends That Will Drive, Small Businesses. Our world is evolving rapidly, and companies, especially smaller ones, must adapt accordingly. Here are 10 trends that will have the most significant impact on small businesses. 1. Personal Branding. Building a solid personal brand is how small businesses can grow by transforming it into substantial, lasting, and impactful. 2. Agile Service Delivery and Product Development. Increased competition in the global marketplace has forced companies to diversify their products and services to meet the ever-changing customer needs. 3. Networking and collaboration between entrepreneurs. Small businesses can improve their efforts and strategies exponentially by connecting and collaborating with other companies. 4. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy. Empathy plays a fundamental role in relationships between employers and employees. It allows a deeper understanding of work and life challenges. 5. Influencer Marketing and Social Media. One trend small businesses should be aware of, if they aren't already, is the power of influencer marketing. Influencers, both large and small, especially micro-influencers, strengthen the reach of small businesses. 6. Digital and Cloud Technologies. Small to mid-sized businesses need to invest in digital and cloud technologies to thrive and grow in the coming years. Technological advancements and innovations such as machine learning, unified communications as a service, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have grown over the past few years. 7. Hybrid Workplaces. Small businesses will need to strongly consider a hybrid workplace. This will enable employees to choose their optimal way of working remotely or on-site. 8. Mental Health and the Workplace. Implementing policies that help improve mental well-being in the workplace will increase engagement, reduce absenteeism and improve productivity. 9. Employees Coaching and Tutoring. Small businesses need to be creative, find innovative ways to attract the right talent and create a happy, motivated workforce in line with the company's philosophy. Coaching and Mentoring Opportunities Support Employee Growth and Development. 10. Synchronous and Asynchronous Video. Synchronous and Asynchronous Video will be the key to any marketing strategy in the near future and a trend that small businesses cannot miss. The past two years have greatly accelerated the use of video to research, sell, serve and meet people worldwide. For more details, read the full blog post at NewHorizons123.com