Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the new technology that is being introduced into business? Lynda Moore clarifies the way you should deal with it all

Running a small business today is exciting and scary all at the same time. Let’s be honest it feels like a rollercoaster at times. There’s enough going on in the economy without all the technology changes as well.

As an accountant, I’ve used Xero for years, and I love it.  But I’m also starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the new technology that is being introduced.  I know it will make things faster and easier, but I liked things they way they were. Why do we have to have all this new stuff, when the old stuff was just fine? 

I know this is just me not liking change.  But I also know that I need to take on board that not everyone feels the same as I do, hence me dipping my toe into some of the new stuff that is out there this week.  I know there is a lot more than I’m looking at, but it’s about as much as my poor brain can cope with.

As we know technology is moving fast, finance tools are everywhere, and there’s talk of AI, digital currencies, and ESG reporting. If like me, you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The good news?

You don’t need to master everything at once (thank goodness for that!) you just need to understand what really matters for your business and mindset.

I’m taking a deep breath before breaking down some emerging money and finance topics, and how you and I, as a small business owner, can stay ahead without losing sleep (or our sanity).

1. Digital currencies and the modern business

Cryptocurrency, blockchain, Web3… the list goes on, you can lose yourself going down these particular rabbit holes. While it can sound like jargon, the key takeaway for small business owners is simple: these technologies are changing how we pay, save, and invest.

Don’t jump in blindly. If this is something of interest to you start small: maybe accept crypto as a payment option or educate yourself on how digital wallets work. The real benefit? Understanding these tools helps you make strategic choices, instead of panicking every time someone mentions Bitcoin.

Mindset tip: think of crypto as just another tool in your toolbox—not a get-rich-quick scheme. Approach it with curiosity, not fear. Do some research yourself and see if it’s a fit for you or not.

2. AI and automation in accounting

AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s slowly taking over repetitive accounting tasks like bookkeeping, expense categorisation, and reporting. For small business owners, this is a game-changer.

Imagine getting a monthly cashflow report without spending hours digging through spreadsheets. Or having your invoices automatically flagged for errors. The less time you spend on tedious tasks, the more time you free up to focus on growing your business or, let’s be honest, catching up on life outside of work.

I know this is where I need to put my effort into, how can it help me, and help my clients?  Does the old adage of garbage in/garbage out still apply? These are just a couple of questions rolling round in my head, and I know as soon as I start digging, I’m going to come up with more questions.

Mindset tip: view AI as your financial assistant. Embrace it as a tool to reduce stress and create more space for strategic thinking, instead of fearing it will replace you.

3. Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)

Customers are becoming more conscious about how businesses operate. Even small businesses can benefit from thinking about sustainability: energy use, fair sourcing, ethical practices, and transparent reporting.

I was at the Xmas market at the weekend, and chatting to the stall holders, most of them could tell me where they sourced their raw materials from for their products.  Many also had a charitable aspect to the business as well.  It was encouraging to see these small businesses being so intentional about how they ran their business in and ethical and sustainable way.

It’s not just about doing good, it’s smart business. Being intentional about ESG practices can improve your brand reputation, attract clients, and even help with financing options.

Mindset tip: The same applies here, you don’t need to do everything at once. Start small, pick one area to improve, and celebrate each step forward. The mindset shift here is thinking long-term: your business isn’t just about profit, it’s about impact and resilience.

4. Financial planning for a global, remote world

More entrepreneurs are running businesses from anywhere. Digital nomads, freelancers, and remote teams. With this freedom comes new challenges: cross-border payments, tax rules, currency fluctuations.  Don’t panic.  With the right support and expertise, you can navigate this, build a team around you that supports you in all of these areas.

Simple steps can keep you in control:

• Use online tools for multi-currency accounting.
• Keep a buffer for exchange-rate fluctuations.
• Schedule periodic check-ins to review global finances.
• Build the right support team

Mindset tip: uncertainty is normal. Having a support structure and systems in place reduces stress and allows you to make confident decisions without overthinking every payment.

5. Integrating mindset with numbers

Emerging money trends are exciting but if your mindset isn’t aligned, they can feel overwhelming.

Small business owners often focus solely on tools and systems, forgetting that stress, fear, and decision fatigue affect both your bottom line and your wellbeing.

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Let’s pull it together with a simple framework:

1. Educate yourself: know the basics of new trends relevant to your business.
2. Test small: experiment before fully committing.
3. Reflect: notice how these changes affect your confidence, stress, and choices.
4. Plan and adjust: combine the numbers with your mindset, if it doesn’t feel sustainable, tweak it.

The goal isn’t to chase every trend. For many entrepreneurs, chasing the next shiny object is really hard to resist. Instead, you want to be aware, curious, and intentional about the tools and practices that actually support your business growth and your life.

The world of business finance is changing fast, small business owners don’t need to feel left behind. Emerging money topics like crypto, AI, ESG, and global finance don’t have to be intimidating they’re just new ways to make your business stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

By combining practical strategies with the right mindset, you can approach these trends confidently. Remember: numbers are your roadmap; mindset is your fuel. Together, they help you steer your business into a future where you thrive, not just survive.

Keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Your business—and your life—are worth it.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.