As we watch the final sunset of 2025 paint the shores of Little Traverse Bay, there's something magical about fresh starts, isn't there? Whether you're running a bustling downtown Petoskey business or managing a growing company in Harbor Springs, the New Year brings that perfect opportunity to reset, refocus, and revolutionize how technology works for you: not against you.
Here in Northern Michigan, we've seen businesses transform their operations this past year through smarter tech choices. As your local IT partners at NTS, we've helped countless neighbors upgrade their systems, secure their data, and finally get technology that just works. So as we raise our glasses to 2026, let's talk about the tech resolutions that could make your business more secure, efficient, and profitable in the year ahead.
Resolution #1: Simplify Your IT Infrastructure
Does managing your business technology feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle? You're not alone. Many Northern Michigan businesses we work with tell us the same thing: "Our tech is complicated, unpredictable, and frankly, kind of scary."
Here's the thing: it doesn't have to be that way. The businesses thriving in 2026 will be the ones that embrace simplicity over complexity. Instead of piecing together a patchwork of different software solutions, vendors, and support systems, successful companies are streamlining everything under one reliable umbrella.
Think about it: What if you had just one phone number to call for all your tech issues? What if your systems actually talked to each other instead of creating digital islands? What if Monday morning didn't start with "Why isn't the server working?" emails?
Your Action Step for 2026: Take an honest look at how many different tech vendors you're currently working with. If you're managing relationships with your internet provider, your phone system company, your computer repair service, your security software vendor, and three different software subscriptions, it might be time to consolidate. A comprehensive managed IT approach can often replace multiple vendors while actually improving your service and reducing your costs.
Resolution #2: Make Cybersecurity Your Business Priority
Let's have a frank conversation about cybersecurity. In 2025, we saw businesses right here in Northern Michigan face serious security threats: from phishing attacks targeting local banks to ransomware attempts on medical practices. The bad guys aren't taking a vacation just because we live in beautiful, scenic Petoskey.
But here's what we've learned: the businesses that got serious about cybersecurity didn't just survive these threats: they thrived. They built customer trust, protected their reputations, and could focus on growing their business instead of worrying about the next attack.
Your cybersecurity resolution for 2026 shouldn't be complicated. Start with these three non-negotiable foundations:
Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere: If someone can access your business systems with just a password, you're essentially leaving your front door unlocked. MFA adds that crucial second layer of protection that stops most attacks cold.
Regular Security Awareness Training: Your team isn't just your greatest asset: they're also your first line of defense. Monthly security training turns your employees from potential security risks into security heroes who can spot threats before they cause damage.
Automated Backup and Recovery: When disaster strikes (and it will eventually), you need to know your business can be back up and running quickly. Automated, tested backups aren't just smart: they're essential for business survival.
Resolution #3: Master Microsoft 365 (Finally!)
Are you getting everything you're paying for with your Microsoft 365 subscription? Most businesses we work with discover they're using maybe 20% of what they're already paying for. That's like buying a fully-loaded pickup truck and only using it to check your mailbox.
Microsoft 365 isn't just email and Word documents anymore. It's a complete business productivity platform that can transform how your team collaborates, communicates, and gets work done. But here's the catch: without proper setup and training, it can feel overwhelming and confusing.
Teams Transformation: Stop playing phone tag and email tennis. Microsoft Teams can become your business's communication hub, bringing together chat, video calls, file sharing, and project management in one place. Imagine cutting your email volume in half while actually improving communication with your team.
SharePoint Organization: Say goodbye to "I can't find that file" and "Is this the latest version?" SharePoint creates a central, organized location for all your business documents with built-in version control and security.
Power Platform Automation: Here's where Microsoft 365 gets really exciting. You can automate repetitive tasks like data entry, approval workflows, and routine communications. What if your system could automatically generate and send invoices, or notify you when important contracts are about to expire?
Your Microsoft 365 resolution should be simple: get proper training and setup so you're maximizing your investment instead of just paying for digital storage.
Resolution #4: Embrace Proactive IT Support
Here's a question that might make you uncomfortable: How much did reactive IT problems cost your business in 2025? Not just the repair bills, but the lost productivity, the missed opportunities, the customer frustration when your systems were down?
We've found that most businesses dramatically underestimate the true cost of IT problems. Sure, that server crash might have only cost $500 to fix, but what about the four hours of downtime? The missed sales calls? The delayed project deliveries? The stress on your team?
Proactive IT support flips this entire equation. Instead of waiting for things to break, we monitor your systems 24/7, fix issues before they cause problems, and keep your business running smoothly. It's like having a full IT department watching over your technology, but at a fraction of the cost.
Predictable Technology Costs: No more surprise IT bills that blow up your monthly budget. With managed IT services, you pay a predictable monthly fee that covers monitoring, maintenance, and support.
Improved Business Continuity: When your systems are professionally monitored and maintained, downtime becomes rare instead of routine. Your business can focus on growing instead of constantly putting out IT fires.
Access to Enterprise-Level Technology: Small businesses can now access the same level of IT infrastructure and security that used to only be available to large corporations.
Resolution #5: Plan for Business Growth
What if 2026 is the year your business really takes off? Are your current technology systems ready to scale with your success, or will they become bottlenecks that hold you back?
We've seen too many Northern Michigan businesses hit growth walls because their technology couldn't keep up. Their systems worked fine for five employees but crashed under the pressure of ten. Their security worked for local customers but wasn't ready for expanded markets. Their communication tools were adequate for simple operations but couldn't handle complex projects.
Smart business owners plan their technology infrastructure for where they want to be, not just where they are today. This means:
Scalable Solutions: Choose technology platforms that can grow with your business without requiring complete overhauls every few years.
Cloud-First Mentality: Cloud-based solutions offer the flexibility and scalability that growing businesses need. Plus, they often provide better security and reliability than on-premise solutions.
Regular Technology Reviews: Schedule quarterly reviews of your technology needs and performance. What's working well? What's becoming a bottleneck? What new opportunities could technology help you capture?
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Northern Michigan Community
As we close the books on 2025, we want to take a moment to thank each and every client who trusted NTS with their technology needs this year. From the downtown Petoskey retail shop that needed their first real IT setup to the growing Harbor Springs manufacturing company that required comprehensive cybersecurity overhaul: you've made our year meaningful and rewarding.
Your trust in our local expertise means everything to us. We've watched your businesses grow, helped you navigate technology challenges, and celebrated your successes right alongside you. There's something special about being part of this Northern Michigan business community, where relationships matter and businesses truly care about their neighbors.
We've seen firsthand how the right technology approach can transform a business. We've watched stressed business owners become confident leaders. We've seen companies go from constant IT headaches to smooth, efficient operations. We've helped businesses protect themselves from cyber threats and position themselves for growth.
Thank you for choosing local expertise. Thank you for trusting us with your critical business systems. Thank you for being part of our extended NTS family.
Your Technology Partner for 2026 and Beyond
As you're thinking through your business goals for 2026, remember that technology should be an enabler, not an obstacle. The right IT strategy can help you serve customers better, operate more efficiently, and grow more confidently.
But here's what we've learned after years of serving Northern Michigan businesses: technology success isn't just about having the right tools: it's about having the right partnership. You need a technology partner who understands your business, responds quickly when you need help, and proactively keeps your systems running smoothly.
Ready to make 2026 your most technologically successful year yet? Let's start with a conversation. We'd love to learn about your business goals and show you how the right IT strategy can help you achieve them.
Start Your Technology Transformation Today
Don't let another year go by wondering if your technology is helping or hindering your business success. Our team is ready to provide a comprehensive technology assessment that will show you exactly where you stand and what opportunities exist to improve your operations.
Contact NTS today for your complimentary technology consultation. Let's make 2026 the year your business technology finally works the way it should: reliably, securely, and in support of your biggest goals.
Here's to a prosperous, secure, and technologically empowered 2026 for all our Northern Michigan neighbors. Cheers to new beginnings and smarter technology choices!
Ready to get started? Visit ntsmanaged.com or call us today. Your future self will thank you for taking this important step toward better business technology.
