--- title: 5 Trends for 2016 service businesses need to know description: Trends for 2016- Insights from industry experts on how millennials, tech, and interest rates will affect small business in the new year. image: https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607777-jpg/blog-files/blog-post7.jpg --- 3 min read # 5 Trends for 2016 service businesses need to know [![Picture of Laura Ball](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/images/logos/pike13-avatar.png) Laura Ball ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/laura-ball) : Updated on July 31, 2017 [Business Advisor](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/business-advisor) ![5 Trends for 2016 service businesses need to know](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607777-jpg/blog-files/blog-post7.jpg) [![5 trends service businesses need to know for 2016](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607777-jpg/blog-files/blog-post7.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=blog-post7.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607777-jpg/blog-files/blog-post7.jpg) ## Insights from industry experts on how millennials, tech, and interest rates will affect small business in the new year. [![millenials drive trends](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607787-jpg/blog-files/1.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=1.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607787-jpg/blog-files/1.jpg) ### 1. Millennials will drive decision-making Small business in 2016 is going to Generation Y, and their buying habits are going to influence where business heads. With [80 million U.S. millennials spending $200 billion ](http://cbspulse.com/2015/11/10/mobile-2016-benefits-business-strategy-for-smbs/)in the new year, businesses are taking notice. The biggest trend that keeps growing - everything becoming mobile. From ads to videos, the mobile audience is growing. Companies are not just optimizing their websites for mobile devices, they are seeing [success in offering dedicated apps](http://mashable.com/2015/12/23/mobile-marketing-2016/#njLomxrnZiqc). These apps are more functional and make services immediately reachable for clients. According to Pike13 founder and CEO Jon Zimmerman in [Business New Daily](http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8637-50-small-business-trends-and-predictions-for-2016.html), “Service businesses in particular must be able to effectively cater to this mobile customer or risk losing the important repeat business they need to keep their organization afloat." *Check out more [@BNDarticles](https://twitter.com/BNDarticles)* ### [![2](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607797-jpg/blog-files/2.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=2.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607797-jpg/blog-files/2.jpg) ### ****2. Interest rates will rise, how it may affect small businesses** Another one of the trends for 2016, as reported by [TheStreet](http://www.thestreet.com/story/13405598/2/why-the-fed-will-raise-interest-rates-in-2016-faster-than-you-think.html), the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates 4 times in the coming year. However, these hikes should be gradual. While it’s good news for banks, what about small businesses, often touted as the backbone of the US economy? CEO Dan Haber at our partner Bond Street weighed in, saying the initial move by the Fed’s will probably have little effect over the next few months, and even in the coming year, it is unlikely that aggressive action will be taken toward inflation. For those looking to finance growth, in light of the hikes, he does say it may be worth taking out a fixed-rate term loan over a floating-rate mortgage. *Find more finance news [@onbondstreet](https://twitter.com/onbondstreet) and [@dhaber ](https://twitter.com/dhaber)* ### [![3](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607807-jpg/blog-files/3.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=3.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607807-jpg/blog-files/3.jpg) ### **3. 24/7 access to service is going to be a given** Part of the move to a mobile world means being connected at all hours of the day and night. Your phone is always in hand, WiFi hotspots are in every coffeeshop and data is now free when you travel internationally. As Jon Zimmerman wrote for [CBS Pulse](http://cbspulse.com/2015/11/10/mobile-2016-benefits-business-strategy-for-smbs/), “Today’s mobile-centric culture has led to extremely high expectations for customer service among consumers, who now want all of their questions and requests answered at a moment’s notice.” Information needs to be accessible at anytime, from anywhere, and the key is having a mobile strategy. Simply having a mobile site isn’t enough anymore. Your site needs to offer opportunities for customers to reach you directly, and also take into account all the devices that may be accessing your site. *Follow small business updates [@CBSPulse](https://twitter.com/CBSPulse)* ### [![4](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607817-jpg/blog-files/4.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=4.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607817-jpg/blog-files/4.jpg) ### **4. Rising minimum wages will change the employment landscape ** Weighing in on trends for 2016, according to the [New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/27/opinion/sunday/new-minimum-wages-in-the-new-year.html?smid=tw-share), five states will consider proposals to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next 5 years. The past year saw 14 states and regions use the power of government to bring the rate for some or all of their work force up to $15 hourly. In a [recent Inc article](http://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/why-the-new-york-times-endorsed-a-0-minimum-wage-and-you-should-too.html), Suzanne Lucas points out a concern of many entrepreneurs that the rising cost of employees will make it too expensive to do business. She argues, “The $15 minimum wage is politically popular, even if it won't help the very people it claims to help. It makes us all feel good. But, what good is a $15 an hour job if those jobs have been taken over by computers or done away with altogether?” Will the cost of wages make it more likely to use automation and virtual tools to take care of customers? Will less skilled labor be too costly? And will Congress vote to set a higher new minimum? No doubt this year will be a deciding one. ### [![5](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607827-jpg/blog-files/5.jpg?width=1699&height=608&name=5.jpg)](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607827-jpg/blog-files/5.jpg) ### **5. Employers will have to work harder to keep good employees (hint: with tech) ** Our partner [Infusionsoft](http://www.infusionsoft.com/) shared [this article from Information Age ](http://www.information-age.com/technology/mobile-and-networking/123458718/technology-secret-happy-employees)highlighting a study that found technology is what makes the difference for employees when deciding to stay or leave a business. Access to better tech leads to more happiness for workers. The takeaway? Make sure employees have the right tools to do their jobs. From up-to-date software to portable devices, employees “should be able to “seamlessly access their data and applications from any device, anywhere, at any time (IA).” This can mean offering more flexibility so people can work in environments that make them productive. Given the right tools, and creating a workspace diverse enough to meet the needs of employees is what will be a game changer in 2016. *For more insights go to [@Infusionsoft](https://twitter.com/Infusionsoft)* - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Explore More **Running a Business is Hard—We Make It Easier.** Find expert tips, advice, inspiration, and success stories below. One click and you might binge-read our best insights! ### Posts by Tag - [Business Advisor (160)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/business-advisor) - [Marketing Tips (125)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/marketing-tips) - [Pike13 Pro Tips (82)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/pike13-pro-tips) - [Growth (71)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/growth) - [Product Updates (58)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/product-updates) - [Pike13 News (50)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/pike13-news) - [Client Retention (43)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/client-retention) - [Competitive Advantage (36)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/competitive-advantage) - [Inside Pike13 (36)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/inside-pike13) - [Productivity (31)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/productivity) - [Finance (27)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Staffing (23)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/staffing) - [Customer Stories (22)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/customer-stories) - [Fitness (6)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/fitness) - [Press Release (6)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/press-release) - [Client Story (2)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/client-story) - [Music and Dance (2)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/music-and-dance) - [Events (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/events) - [Financial Stability (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/financial-stability) - [Kids' Activities (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/kids-activities) - [Podcast (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/front-desk-podast) - [Skill Tracking (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/skill-tracking) - [Webinars and Hangouts (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/webinars-and-hangouts) - [sports club management (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/sports-club-management) - [sports club mobile apps (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/sports-club-mobile-apps) - [sports club reporting (1)](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/sports-club-reporting) [See All](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/5-trends-2016-service-businesses-need-know/#) [![The Hidden Revenue Stream: How Gift Cards and Add-Ons Boost Your Bottom Line](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/giftcardblog%20banner.png) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-hidden-revenue-stream-how-gift-cards-and-add-ons-boost-your-bottom-line) #### [The Hidden Revenue Stream: How Gift Cards and Add-Ons Boost Your Bottom Line](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-hidden-revenue-stream-how-gift-cards-and-add-ons-boost-your-bottom-line) [The Pike13 Team](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/the-pike13-team): Apr 06, 2026 The Overlooked Opportunity Most studio owners spend their energy filling classes and booking appointments. That’s the core revenue, so it makes... [Competitive Advantage](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/competitive-advantage) [Growth](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/growth) [Finance](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/finance) [Financial Stability](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/financial-stability) [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-hidden-revenue-stream-how-gift-cards-and-add-ons-boost-your-bottom-line) [![Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Essential for Account Security](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/Assets%20-%20Unorganized/Unorganized%20-%20images/Blog%20-%20Other/data-security.jpg) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/why-multi-factor-authentication-is-essential-for-account-security) #### [Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Essential for Account Security](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/why-multi-factor-authentication-is-essential-for-account-security) [Kaina](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/kaina): Apr 06, 2026 Protect your business and client data from unauthorized access with multi-factor authentication—a critical security layer that goes beyond passwords... [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/why-multi-factor-authentication-is-essential-for-account-security) [![Pike13 and Stripe: A Winning Combination](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/Blog%20post%20header.png) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/pike13-and-stripe-a-winning-combination) #### [Pike13 and Stripe: A Winning Combination](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/pike13-and-stripe-a-winning-combination) ![Picture of Monica B.](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) [Monica B.](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/monica-b): Jul 20, 2023 Whether you run a fitness studio, yoga center, or any other membership-based business, managing registrations, payments, and customer data can be... [Competitive Advantage](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/competitive-advantage) [Growth](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/growth) [Finance](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/finance) [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/pike13-and-stripe-a-winning-combination) [![Weekly Wrap Up - Happy Little Accidents](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777486212-jpg/blog-files/wrapup11.jpg) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/weekly-wrap-happy-little-accidents/) #### [Weekly Wrap Up - Happy Little Accidents](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/weekly-wrap-happy-little-accidents/) ![Picture of Danica](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pike13_logo-144-1aed399311d06d9456a07f2601db554b.png?width=30&name=pike13_logo-144-1aed399311d06d9456a07f2601db554b.png) [Danica](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/danica) : Nov 13, 2015 [Business Advisor](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/business-advisor) [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/weekly-wrap-happy-little-accidents/) [![The top 5 reasons to switch to better business management software](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20-%20Other/hiring-tag.jpg) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-top-5-reasons-to-switch-to-better-business-management-software) #### [The top 5 reasons to switch to better business management software](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-top-5-reasons-to-switch-to-better-business-management-software) ![Picture of Katie Zacharkiw](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/b801dd245b9f42f681cce05b96c47e3d) [Katie Zacharkiw](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/katie-zacharkiw) : Jul 13, 2017 [Business Advisor](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/business-advisor) [Growth](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/growth) [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/the-top-5-reasons-to-switch-to-better-business-management-software) [![Remembering Jon](https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/335857_444579248926428_203371651_o-863306-edited.jpg) ](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/remembering-jon) #### [Remembering Jon](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/remembering-jon) ![Picture of Cassandra](https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_20150924_213232.jpg?width=30&name=IMG_20150924_213232.jpg) [Cassandra](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/cassandra) : May 05, 2016 Last week we lost our leader and we’re mourning. [Inside Pike13](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/topic/inside-pike13) [Read More](https://learn.pike13.com/blog/remembering-jon) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=7046634&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Laura Ball", "url" : "https://learn.pike13.com/blog/author/laura-ball" }, "datePublished" : "2015-12-29T08:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "5 Trends for 2016 service businesses need to know", "image" : [ "https://learn.pike13.com/hs-fs/file-3777607777-jpg/blog-files/blog-post7.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://learn.pike13.com/blog/5-trends-2016-service-businesses-need-know/", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://learn.pike13.com/hubfs/p13-logo-600px.png" }, "name" : "Pike, Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.pike13.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Seattle", "addressRegion" : "WA", "postalCode" : "98122", "streetAddress" : "1221 East Pike Suite 200" }, "email" : "sales@pike13.com", "foundingDate" : "2011", "logo" : "https://www.pike13.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets%20-%20Unorganized/Organizing%20-%20In%20Use/Pike13%20Logo%20PNG.png?width=3000&height=790&name=Pike13%20Logo%20PNG.png", "name" : "Pike13", "parentOrganization" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Jonas Software" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/gopike13", "https://twitter.com/gopike13", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/gopike13", "https://www.instagram.com/gopike13/" ], "telephone" : "(855) 417-7120", "url" : "https://www.pike13.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.pike13.com/#software", "@type" : "SoftwareApplication", "applicationCategory" : "BusinessApplication", "applicationSubCategory" : "Scheduling Software, Franchise Management Software, Skill Tracking Software", "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Canada" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United Kingdom" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Australia" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Germany" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Spain" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Portugal" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Brazil" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Mexico" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "European Economic Area" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "South America" }, { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "South Africa" } ], "audience" : { "@type" : "Audience", "audienceType" : "Fitness studios, music schools, swim schools, martial arts academies, youth coding programs, strength training gyms, franchise networks, multi-location activity-based businesses" }, "description" : "Pike13 is scheduling, enrollment, payment, and skill tracking software for activity-based businesses — from single-location studios to multi-location franchise networks. Serving fitness studios, music schools, swim schools, martial arts academies, youth coding programs, and strength training gyms.", "featureList" : [ "Scheduling and enrollment for classes, courses, and appointments", "Pre-paid and recurring plans", "Passes and punch cards", "Attendance tracking", "Automated reminder notifications", "Automated waitlist management", "Coupons", "Merchant processing", "Gift cards", "Automated billing and collections", "Child and dependent account linking", "Client communication", "Client app (iOS and Android)", "Staff app (iOS and Android)", "Client kiosk app", "Branded client website", "Basic reporting on clients, staff, and financials", "Insights Dashboard", "Payroll management and staff time tracking (Advanced+)", "Retail (Advanced+)", "Email marketing (Advanced+)", "SMS reminders and messaging (Advanced+)", "Facebook Pixel (Advanced+)", "Zapier integration (Advanced+)", "Digital waivers and custom terms and conditions (Advanced+)", "Embeddable website widgets (Advanced+)", "Room bookings (Advanced+)", "Google Analytics integration (Advanced+)", "Custom reporting powered by Looker (Advanced+)", "Multi-location oversight with reporting (Advanced+)", "Contactless check-in: kiosk, app, and QR codes (Advanced+)", "API access and custom integrations (Premium only)", "Member progress tracking and skill assessments (Premium only)", "Branded client app for iOS and Android (Premium option)", "Custom reports (Premium only)" ], "name" : "Pike13", "offers" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "For solo operators and small studios. Includes scheduling and enrollment for classes, courses, and appointments; pre-paid and recurring plans; passes and punch cards; attendance tracking; automated reminders and waitlist management; coupons; merchant processing; gift cards; automated billing; family and dependent accounts; client communication; client app, staff app, kiosk app; branded client website; basic reporting; Insights Dashboard. Unlimited staff seats and client profiles. 12-month contract.", "name" : "Essential", "price" : "139.00", "priceCurrency" : "USD", "priceSpecification" : { "@type" : "PriceSpecification", "billingDuration" : "P1M" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "For growing and multi-location businesses. Everything in Essential plus: multi-location oversight with reporting; payroll management and staff time tracking; digital waivers; custom reporting powered by Looker; email marketing; Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics; room bookings; contactless check-in (kiosk, app, QR codes); SMS reminders and messaging; Zapier integration; embeddable website widgets; retail. 12-month contract.", "name" : "Advanced", "price" : "195.00", "priceCurrency" : "USD", "priceSpecification" : { "@type" : "PriceSpecification", "billingDuration" : "P1M" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "For franchises and enterprise-level customization. Everything in Advanced plus: API access and custom integrations for enterprise workflows; member progress tracking and skill assessments; branded client app for iOS and Android (available option); custom reports. 12-month contract.", "name" : "Premium", "price" : "249.00", "priceCurrency" : "USD", "priceSpecification" : { "@type" : "PriceSpecification", "billingDuration" : "P1M" } } ], "operatingSystem" : "Web, iOS, Android", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.pike13.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.pike13.com/" } ```