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🧋 Grab a root beer float. Let's talk old-school!

Remember when we couldn't wait to trade in our flip phones, CD players, digital cameras, and other old technology for the latest upgrade? 

Newer meant faster, smarter, and better, so most of us happily moved on and never looked back.

Business owners can fall into the same trap. We're constantly looking for the next product to launch, service to offer, or marketing strategy to try that will help us grow and retain customers. 

But growth doesn't always require starting from scratch. Sometimes an old idea deserves another look. Customers change, trends shift, or the timing may finally be right. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of positioning a product in a way that appeals to today's customers. 

Before you chase your next big idea, take a look at what you may have left behind.

Running a business means wearing many hats but managing your finances doesn't have to slow you down. QuickBooks Online combines AI-powered automation with trusted expert support to help you save time, gain real-time financial insights, and make smarter business decisions. From automating everyday accounting tasks to answering questions about cash flow and profitability, QuickBooks helps you stay focused on growth. Get started today and receive 90% off QuickBooks Online for your first 3 months.

📵 Dumb Phones May Not Be Dumb After All 

While the rest of the tech world races toward smarter devices, New York entrepreneur London Jackson is betting that some consumers actually want less technology in their lives.

Jackson cofounded KICKBACK, a company selling retro-inspired and refurbished technology, including portable CD players, point-and-shoot cameras, record players, and even Motorola Razr flip phones.

Market research shows customers are buying these devices again in a big way. In 2025, KICKBACK generated more than $750,000 in revenue and sold over 7,000 products. 

A limited release of 100 refurbished Razrs sold out within minutes.

The interesting part isn't simply that retro is cool again. Jackson recognized something his customers were craving: a break from constantly being connected.

In fact, demand continues. Jackson recently shared that KICKBACK is often sold out before new inventory even reaches the warehouse. It may seem odd that the very people who want less technology are using technology to find tech-free alternatives. 

The lesson: Don't assume an old idea has no value simply because something newer replaced it. Sometimes the opportunity is in figuring out what people miss about the old version and finding a way to make it relevant again.

Let’s take a step back.

Think about something your business, industry, or customers used to love that has faded away. 

Maybe it’s a product, service, experience, or even an old way of doing things.

Then ask yourself: What did people love about it, and could I bring that feeling or benefit back in a way that works today?

It may also be helpful to ask for customer feedback to see if you’re overlooking something important to your loyal following. 

Remember, your next new idea may actually be an old one that has been reinvented, refurbished, reclaimed, refreshed, or renewed. You may be surprised by what deserves a comeback.

You’ll get tired of it before your customers do 

When I ran my photography studio, I had a baby club where I photographed infants and children at different milestone ages. Certain milestones came with specific setups, which meant I sometimes found myself pulling out the same chair, the same backdrop, and the same flowers over and over again.

After a while, I worried that I was being repetitive. I wanted to change things simply because I was tired of seeing them.

I had to remind myself of something important: My customers weren't seeing what I was seeing. 

For each parent, it was the first time their baby was being photographed in that chair, with those flowers, against that backdrop. What felt repetitive to me still felt special to them.

The same thing can happen when you're growing a business. Eventually, you may feel like you've talked about the same product or service hundreds of times. 

Before you change course simply because you're bored with it, remember that many of your customers may only be hearing about it for the first time. 

Top three things to remember 

1. Remember that repetition builds recognition. 

2. Let your customers decide when it’s getting old. 

3. Change how you say it, not what you’re saying

Ask one customer what they’d miss.

Pick a loyal customer and ask them this simple question:

“If I stopped offering one thing tomorrow, what would you miss most?”

Their answer might be a product, service, perk, or even something small you didn't realize mattered.

Sometimes your customers can see the value in something you've started taking for granted.

Check out the latest articles published on Fit Small Business.

📧 Email isn't going anywhere just yet

With texts, DMs, chatbots, and countless new ways to communicate, good old-fashioned email is still an important part of running a business. And getting a professional business email doesn't necessarily require adding another big expense. If you're starting a business or looking to cut costs, we've rounded up seven ways to get a free business email, including options with a custom domain and others that can get you started at no cost.

🌾 Sometimes specialized beats shiny and new

New accounting technology seems to appear every day, but the newest software isn't necessarily the best fit for every business. Farms, for example, have specialized needs that a general accounting platform may not handle as naturally. If you're in agriculture, our guide to the best farm accounting software compares both familiar accounting platforms and software built specifically for farming, including options for tracking crops, livestock, inventory, and farm costs.

💰 Keep an old standby in your back pocket

A business line of credit isn't exactly a new idea, but that's part of its appeal. Unlike borrowing a lump sum before you know exactly what you'll need, a line of credit can give you flexible access to funds when an expense or opportunity comes along. If it's been a while since you've considered one, our roundup of the best small business lines of credit can help you compare your options.

Copy this prompt and paste it into ChatGPT or Claude:

I own a [type of business]. 

Help me find opportunities I may be overlooking by looking at things my business, customers, or industry have moved away from.

After the interview, identify my three best opportunities worth revisiting. For each one, explain why it might work today, who the ideal customer would be, and one inexpensive way I could test the idea before investing significant time or money.

Don't suggest bringing something back simply because it's nostalgic. Focus on ideas that solve a real customer need or have a reasonable business case.

Small businesses may be getting some breathing room

There are some encouraging signs for small businesses this summer. Bank of America reported this week that small business profits strengthened in July, reaching the highest level in more than a year. Employee hiring is also showing improvement. 

The report also suggests many businesses may be heading into fall with a stronger financial footing than they were a year ago. If yours is one of them, think about how you can make that extra breathing room work for you. Could you build your cash reserves, make a needed investment, or finally hire the extra help?

🔗 Google Trends

Ever wonder what your customers are searching for before they buy?

Google Trends lets you see what topics are gaining popularity in real time. Whether you're planning blog posts, social media content, or your next promotion, it's a simple way to discover what people are already interested in.

Why I bookmarked it: Before creating content, I like to see whether interest in a topic is growing, declining, or seasonal.

🔗 https://trends.google.com/

I’d love to hear from you 

Was there something that resonated with you, or is there a topic you'd like me to cover in a future issue? 

Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rayanne.harmon@technologyadvice.com

Rayanne Harmon

Senior Small Business Writer and Entrepreneur

Rayanne Harmon is an entrepreneur and finance professional with decades of experience building businesses while working in banking, accounting, and business finance. Inspired by a family of entrepreneurs, she successfully owned and operated a photography studio for 20 years before launching a social media marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses grow. Through Small Business Insider, Rayanne shares practical advice, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, managing, and growing a successful business.

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