As we approach the end of 2025, many smart business people are thinking about the year ahead. In my work with clients—and from watching how organizations respond to the rapid pace of technology—it’s become clear that the challenge isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s a lack of focus. A roadmap exists to create that focus, translating intention into a clear set of priorities the organization can actually execute.

Start with Outcomes, Not Tools

The companies that make real progress begin with the results they want, not the technology they think they should adopt. When the desired outcome is defined first—streamlined workflows, improved customer experience, better access to reliable information—the right tools and systems naturally follow. Technology becomes a means, not the starting point.

Choose a Small Number of High-Value Initiatives

The organizations that move the fastest are the ones that commit to only one or two meaningful initiatives. Increasingly, these include well-defined AI or automation pilots that reduce friction or free up team capacity. Momentum comes from narrowing the focus to a few strategically chosen projects and allowing them to evolve with learning—not scattering attention across a dozen disconnected ideas.

Strengthen Your Data Foundation

An issue inside scaling small and mid-sized businesses is fragmented or inconsistent data slowing everything down. While it rarely gets the spotlight, improving the quality, reliability, and accessibility of your core data is often the most important step you can take before introducing new automation or AI. A cleaner foundation sets the stage for everything else you want to accomplish in 2026.

Build Systems Your Team Can Actually Use

Technology only succeeds when people adopt it. The companies making meaningful progress document their processes, clarify ownership, and ensure that new tools—including AI-driven workflows—fit into existing patterns of work rather than sit on the side. A roadmap should reflect how your organization truly operates and guide your team toward more consistent, reliable systems.

Plan for Learning and Iteration

Next year will bring another wave of advancements. Instead of trying to predict everything, the most resilient organizations create space to learn, experiment, and adjust. A roadmap that acknowledges change is a roadmap that people can trust.

A Roadmap for Your Roadmap

A practical 2026 plan doesn’t need to be complicated. It simply needs to be clear. A roadmap is a commitment to direction, not a prediction of everything to come. A helpful structure may be:

1. Three to five specific business outcomes your technology choices should support
2. One or two focused AI or automation pilots you can meaningfully test within 60–90 days
3. Priority data improvements that shore up your foundation
4. System upgrades or simplifications that reduce friction and support consistency
5. A learning and iteration rhythm that keeps your team aligned as tools evolve

Need Help Plotting Your 2026 Business Tech?

Either now as the year ends or as you get into the thick of 2026, if you’d like support shaping your roadmap, making tech decisions, or implementing efforts—let me know. I’m here to help you think through, and act, on the next steps. Contact me here or by replying to this message.

Your Tech Pal,

—Joshua

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Disclaimer: I use AI to help write emails like these. I review & edit all AI-assisted work I publish.