New Year’s resolutions fail when they’re vague and unrealistic. “Use more technology” isn’t a resolution—it’s a wish.

Here are practical technology resolutions regional businesses can actually achieve in 2026, with specific actions and measurable outcomes.

Resolution 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere

The resolution: By January 31, enable two-factor authentication on every business account that offers it.

Why it matters: Two-factor authentication prevents the majority of account compromises. It’s the single most impactful security improvement you can make.

Specific actions:

• List all business accounts (email, banking, software, social media)
• Enable 2FA on each, starting with email and banking
• Use an authenticator app (not SMS where possible)
• Document backup codes securely

How to measure success: Every critical account has 2FA enabled.

Resolution 2: Implement Proper Backup Procedures

The resolution: By February 28, have automated backup for all critical business data with tested restoration.

Why it matters: Ransomware, hardware failure, or human error can destroy data. Backups you haven’t tested may not work.

Specific actions:

• Identify all critical business data
• Implement automated backup (cloud or local with offline copy)
• Schedule monthly restoration tests
• Document restoration procedures

How to measure success: Can restore critical data from backup within defined time targets.

Resolution 3: Move One Manual Process to Digital

The resolution: By March 31, convert one paper-based or manual process to a digital system.

Why it matters: Manual processes waste time, create errors, and limit capability. Digital processes scale.

Specific actions:

• Identify a manual process that consumes significant time
• Research digital alternatives
• Implement chosen solution
• Train relevant staff
• Measure time saved

How to measure success: Documented time savings from the converted process.

Resolution 4: Improve Your Online Presence

The resolution: By April 30, ensure your business information is accurate and complete across key online platforms.

Why it matters: Incorrect information frustrates customers and costs you business. Basic online hygiene is table stakes.

Specific actions:

• Update Google Business Profile with current information
• Verify hours, contact details, and services are accurate
• Add recent photos
• Respond to any outstanding reviews
• Check and update other directory listings

How to measure success: All key online listings accurate and complete.

Resolution 5: Learn One New Tool

The resolution: By June 30, achieve basic competency in one new technology tool relevant to your business.

Why it matters: Technology capability compounds. Each tool you master opens new possibilities.

Specific actions:

• Identify a tool that could benefit your business
• Commit to learning time (1 hour weekly is sufficient)
• Complete basic training (YouTube, vendor tutorials, or formal training)
• Apply the tool to a real business task
• Document what you learned

How to measure success: Can use the tool for actual business purposes.

Resolution 6: Conduct a Technology Audit

The resolution: By July 31, complete an inventory of all technology used in your business.

Why it matters: You can’t optimise what you don’t understand. Many businesses have forgotten subscriptions, unused tools, and unknown capabilities.

Specific actions:

• List all software and subscriptions
• Note costs, users, and utilisation
• Identify overlapping or redundant tools
• Cancel unused subscriptions
• Identify gaps

How to measure success: Complete documented inventory with cost analysis.

Resolution 7: Improve a Customer Touchpoint

The resolution: By September 30, improve one technology-related customer experience.

Why it matters: Customer experience differentiates businesses. Technology improvements often have outsized impact.

Specific actions:

• Identify friction points in customer experience
• Select one with technology solution potential
• Implement improvement
• Gather customer feedback
• Measure impact

How to measure success: Documented improvement in customer experience metric.

Resolution 8: Build or Join a Professional Network

The resolution: By November 30, actively participate in a professional or business network.

Why it matters: Isolation is a regional business challenge. Networks provide support, learning, and opportunities.

Specific actions:

• Identify relevant networks (tech meetups, business groups, industry associations)
• Attend at least three events
• Contribute meaningfully (not just attend)
• Build relationships with at least three new contacts
• Offer help to others in the network

How to measure success: Active participation and meaningful professional relationships.

Making Resolutions Stick

Start small: Don’t try all resolutions simultaneously. Pick two or three to start.

Set specific deadlines: “By March 31” is better than “in Q1” is better than “this year.”

Track progress: Check monthly whether you’re on track.

Get accountability: Share resolutions with someone who will ask how you’re going.

Celebrate completion: Acknowledge achievements. Small wins build momentum.

Choosing Your Resolutions

Don’t attempt everything. Choose based on:

Biggest pain point: What technology frustration costs you most?

Highest impact: What improvement would make the biggest difference?

Most achievable: What can you actually complete given your constraints?

Better to achieve three resolutions than start ten and complete none.

The Meta-Resolution

If you only make one technology resolution for 2026, make it this:

Every month, spend one hour on technology improvement for your business.

Not emergency response or routine maintenance—deliberate improvement. One hour monthly compounds into significant progress over a year.

Happy New Year. Make 2026 the year you moved your business forward technologically—one practical step at a time.