With this being a New Year, many of us will have made certain resolutions that we want to achieve this year. Just like with personal resolutions, the same can also be applied to the business domain.

Perhaps one main area of focus you want to resolve for your own business this year is to look at improving some key aspects of your technology applications. With that being said, if you don’t quite know where to start . . . here are 5 technology-related resolutions you may want to put into motion for 2016.

1. Changing Your Password More Often

While it is true that we do actually have good intentions when it comes to changing our passwords more frequently, often times however this is a step that typically will fall to the waist side, when it comes to being a work – or personal priority.

Perhaps falling victim to the fact that we have so many passwords to juggle these days – speaking of which – do you also have multiple passwords that are the same?? If so, on a side note you can consider a password manager to help keep track of all of these passwords – as it is also recommended that you create different passwords for different accounts.

With that out of the way, it is still important to keep on top of changing your password more regularly. if you really want to keep all of your business accounts and information safe and sound, then changing them every so often is a good course of action.

While it may not be mandatory to adjust these important pass codes unless you are a member of a corporate entity, small and medium sized business owners may want to look at altering their passwords every 2-3 months – not to mention anytime you feel there may have been some type of account tampering.

2. Reviewing & Updating Your Privacy Settings

Another tech-related resolution you can set for yourself and your business is to take note of which privacy settings you are currently utilizing. Depending on the various accounts you are using, sometimes you may want to have certain privacy setting in place. While you may have already initially set these up, it is possible that they may have been altered inadvertently. Often platforms undergo ‘changes’ somewhere along the way and settings get removed without your knowledge.

For example, Facebook is notorious for ‘re-fining’ its system settings on a revolving door-like basis – and therefore, privacy settings often revert back to their default, i.e. a generic or more ‘public’ setting than what you would prefer. If you use social media platforms or other sites such as Google for business-purposes, then making sure to monitor these privacy settings more frequently can help you avoid having information passed along to a wider audience than what is ideal for your business communications.

3. Taking Advantage of Unused Program Services & Features

As part of your approach to 2016, you can also look at taking advantage of various features already associated with programs you have subscribed to, yet may not already be using. After-all, you are paying for these services, so why not include them in your current business activities.

One such program, in which many users don’t always utilize to its full capacity, is Microsoft’s Office 365. When you think about it, this makes sense as Office 365 offers so many dynamic and comprehensive tools for your ongoing productivity. One facet of the 365 service, which is known for being overlooked, is OneNote.

The benefit of OneNote is that it can be used as an organization resource for both personal and business-related note taking tasks. OneNote can also be used across a variety of devices for ultimate convenience and versatility. As I’m sure you can see, this component of Office 365 can be a valuable asset for business owners and employees – alike as well as one of many programs you may currently be missing out on.

4. Consider New Programs & Services

If you are looking to fine-tune various parts of your business, including freeing up some time – then looking to new programs can also aid you with this endeavour.

With that being said, another effective service offered through Office 365 is the program known as ‘Clutter’. One reality of business models today is the importance of staying on top of email communications. This program is proficient in managing email systems by identifying which messages are ‘non-essential’ and re-directing them to a ‘clutter’ folder. By opting to involve Clutter in your business management, within no time you will have on your hands, a much cleaner and de-cluttered email inbox.

When it comes to improving the efficiency of your business this year, keeping up to date on new programs and services can help you do just that.

5. Consider ‘Unplugging’ From Time-to-Time

As a member of the business world, it is highly likely that you feel the need to stay connected at all times. However, taking some time for yourself can actually improve your the quality of your business as you have a chance to get revitalized.

Of course, stepping back from technology can sometimes present some challenges – and with that being said you may require a bit of assistance in this area.

Here, let help come in the form of an app called ‘Moment’. Via this app you are able to track the exact amount of time you spend on your phone. Moment can be your eyes as well as the reality-check you need to unplug from all things technology from time to time.

So there you have it – even technology can help you to ‘unplug’ yourself from well – technology every once and a while.

In the end we cannot deny that technology is pretty amazing. With its help, let 2016 be the year your business reaches its full-potential.