--- title: What Is The Purpose Around Digital Transformation description: Discover the true purpose of digital transformation for SMEs and how to strategically plan for seamless integration and efficiency across your business. image: https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Digital%20Transformation%20-%20Mike%20J%20Midgley.jpg --- [![Mike Midgley - MASTER Brand - 1024](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20MASTER%20Brand%20-%201024.svg) ![Mike Midgley - MASTER Brand - 1024](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20MASTER%20Brand%20-%201024.svg)](https://mikejmidgley.com/) [![Mike Midgley - MASTER Brand - 1024](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20MASTER%20Brand%20-%201024.svg)](https://mikejmidgley.com/) - [Meet Mike](https://mikejmidgley.com/meet-mike) - [Speaking](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [The Strategy Compass](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/the-strategy-compass) - [Moonshot Thinking](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/moonshot-thinking) - [Chameleons and Rivers](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/chameleons-and-rivers) - [The Phoenix Strategy](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/the-phoenix-strategy) - [NXD Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [Board Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/board) - [Launch Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/launch) - [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/growth) - [Turnaround Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/turnaround) - [Investor Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/venture-capital-private-equity) - [Insights](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [Blog & Podcast](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights) - [The OpenMike Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3biOsAwSICgz6yRHsnOzTO?si=fb7921a1fb1e4c94) - [Force & Friction Podcast](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/podcast) - [Meet Mike](https://mikejmidgley.com/meet-mike) - [Speaking](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [The Strategy Compass](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/the-strategy-compass) - [Moonshot Thinking](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/moonshot-thinking) - [Chameleons and Rivers](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/chameleons-and-rivers) - [The Phoenix Strategy](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/the-phoenix-strategy) - [NXD Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [Board Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/board) - [Launch Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/launch) - [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/growth) - [Turnaround Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/turnaround) - [Investor Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/venture-capital-private-equity) - [Insights](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/javascript;) - [Blog & Podcast](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights) - [The OpenMike Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3biOsAwSICgz6yRHsnOzTO?si=fb7921a1fb1e4c94) - [Force & Friction Podcast](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/podcast) [Partner with Mike](https://mikejmidgley.com/contact) [Mike J Midgley Insights](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights) Categories - [Podcast](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/podcast) - [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) - [GTM RevOps](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/gtm-revops) - [Revenue Architecture](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/revenue-architecture) - [Boardroom Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/boardroom-navigator) - [Launch Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/launch-navigator) - [Turnaround Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/turnaround-navigator) [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) Sep 08, 2023 • [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) # What Is The Purpose Around Digital Transformation ### The Bank Example I want to talk about digital transformation and the kind of investment it requires. I recently came across an interesting article in *Forbes* (not my usual go-to, but it caught my eye) discussing how banks have invested over a trillion dollars in digital transformation over the past four years. Ironically, the main benefit they’re seeing from these investments is more cost-efficiency than revenue growth. Banks, by nature, focus on strengthening balance sheets and reserves to lend more effectively. The second phase of their digital transformation plans is aimed at increasing revenue. So, how does this apply to SMEs? How do the lessons learned from banks translate into smaller, more agile businesses? ### The SME Example It got me thinking about how many SMEs are truly digital or whether they have just dipped a toe into the digital pond. Are they thinking about digital initiatives with clear goals in mind, or are they just adopting technology as it comes? Digital transformation is not just about picking the latest tech that promises a shiny new feature. It’s about understanding how it supports the fundamental areas of your business: Finance, Operations, People, Marketing, Sales, Customer Success, Technology and Ai, Partners, and Governance. And it’s about integration - making sure these systems work in unison to move your business forward. Digital Transformation and the Core Fundamentals When you think about going digital, it’s not just about choosing a new CRM or implementing a marketing system. It’s about how all of your business processes can be transformed to work more efficiently. Over the past decade I’ve taken steps to be fully digital across our operations. We use Xero for accounting and financial forecasting, HubSpot for CRM, ClickUp and Slack for project management, and BambooHR for human resources. Even our phone system is digital, integrated with HubSpot for seamless communication. Sales intent signals from [RB2B](https://www.rb2b.com/), [Gong](https://www.gong.io/) and enrichment through [clay.com](https://www.clay.com/) So, ask yourself - how digital are you? [![MJM - Website\_Growth Nav - CTA](https://mikejmidgley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MJM.com%20-%20Website/MJM.com%20-%20Website%20-%20Images%20-%20Product%20CTAs/MJM%20-%20Website_Growth%20Nav%20-%20CTA.png?width=2000&height=1000&name=MJM%20-%20Website_Growth%20Nav%20-%20CTA.png)](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/growth) ### Things To Consider – Contingency Planning One of the challenges we faced last year was that as a fully digital business, we hadn’t fully thought through what happens if our internet goes down. Sure, we use cloud storage and services like Google Drive, but without internet access, we can’t make phone calls, access files, or use our CRM. That’s why, now, we have mobile routers in place as a contingency — to keep the business running even if the main connection fails. It’s a simple consideration, but it’s vital to ensure that your systems and workflows are resilient, no matter what. Plan Ahead With Digital Transformation Looking back, I wish we had planned more strategically for our digital transformation. In 2016, we adopted a lot of new tools as they became available, without always asking, "What do we really want to achieve with these tools?" It’s not just about buying the latest software — it’s about setting clear goals for what you want your digital transformation to accomplish. For example, are you looking to improve efficiency, increase revenue, or enhance customer experience? The same with Ai, the world recently has gone berserk and if Ai is not in the discussion we are seen to be behind the curve before we start, in some aspects correct, in others main core processes and understanding are missing and AI is used too early.  These are key considerations when deciding which tools to adopt. ### Where Are You In Your Digital Transformation? So, where do you stand? Are you fully digital, paperless, or still relying on manual processes in certain areas? I'd love to hear where you’re at. Leave a comment below and share your journey — whether you're 100% digital or still working through manual processes, scaling with Ai efficiency and agents, it’s always interesting to see how others are evolving in their digital transformation. Also, if you’ve seen revenue growth or won contracts as a result of digital transformation, share that win! If you’re still struggling with inefficiencies, perhaps now’s the time to re-evaluate and streamline your systems. Look at the tools you’re using. Are they talking to each other? Is there manual work (friction) slowing things down that you could automate? Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move. ![black](https://mikejmidgley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/black.gif?width=201&height=113&name=black.gif) [![MJM - Website\_Consultation Graphic](https://mikejmidgley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MJM.com%20-%20Website/MJM.com%20-%20Website%20-%20Images%20-%20Product%20CTAs/MJM%20-%20Website_Consultation%20Graphic.png?width=2500&height=1000&name=MJM%20-%20Website_Consultation%20Graphic.png)](https://mikejmidgley.com/meetings/mjm3) ![MJM - Graphics\_Navigate Every Stage - Hashtag](https://mikejmidgley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MJM.com%20-%20Website/MJM.com%20-%20Website%20-%20Graphics/MJM%20-%20Graphics_Navigate%20Every%20Stage%20-%20Hashtag.png?width=546&height=65&name=MJM%20-%20Graphics_Navigate%20Every%20Stage%20-%20Hashtag.png)   ![Stay Ahead with Mike’s Insights   Get straight to the point with actionable insights, no fluff, no spam. Subscribe to my blog for the latest strategies on navigating every stage.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7346913/interactive-181928818507.png) Published by [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) September 8, 2023 ![Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/MJM%20Bio%20USA%20Fofce%20%26%20Friction%20Podcast.jpg) Comments ### You may also be interested in: [![](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/What%20Is%20the%20Best%20RevOps%20Playbook%20for%20Driving%20Revenue%20Growth%20in%202025%3F.jpg) Read More](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25/what-is-the-best-revops-playbook-for-driving-revenue-growth-in-2025) [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) By [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) on September 08, 2023 ### [What Is the Best RevOps Playbook for Driving Revenue Growth in 2025?](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25/what-is-the-best-revops-playbook-for-driving-revenue-growth-in-2025) [![](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Europe%20Launch%20Event%20-%20Blog%20header%20Images%20-%20CFO-2.png) Read More](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/what-are-the-11-prime-challenges-cfos-face-in-2025) [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) By [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) on September 08, 2023 ### [What Are the 11 Prime Challenges CFOs Face in 2025?](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/what-are-the-11-prime-challenges-cfos-face-in-2025) [![](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Europe%20Launch%20Event%20-%20Blog%20header%20Images%20-%20CRO-Jun-23-2025-10-44-53-8819-AM.png) Read More](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25-p/what-are-the-11-critical-challenges-growth-seeking-cros-face-in-2025) [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) By [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) on September 08, 2023 ### [What Are the 11 Critical Challenges Growth-Seeking CROs Face in 2025?](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25-p/what-are-the-11-critical-challenges-growth-seeking-cros-face-in-2025) [![](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Europe%20Launch%20Event%20-%20Blog%20header%20Images%20-%20CEO-Jun-23-2025-11-19-25-6408-AM.png) Read More](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25-p/what-are-the-11-critical-challenges-growth-seeking-ceos-face-in-2025) [Growth Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/tag/growth-navigator) By [Mike J Midgley](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/author/mike-midgley) on September 08, 2023 ### [What Are the 11 Critical Challenges Growth-Seeking CEOs Face in 2025?](https://mikejmidgley.com/insights/blog/q3-25-p/what-are-the-11-critical-challenges-growth-seeking-ceos-face-in-2025) ![Mike Midgley - MASTER Brand - 1024](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20MASTER%20Brand%20-%201024.svg) e: team@mikejmidgley.com [Meet Mike](https://mikejmidgley.com/meet-mike) [Speaking](https://mikejmidgley.com/speaking-keynote-session/moonshot-thinking) [NXD Navigator](https://mikejmidgley.com/nxd-navigator/launch) [Insights](https://mikejmidgley.com/blog) - [![Mike Midgley - Social Icons Green\_LinkedIn](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20Social%20Icons%20Green_LinkedIn.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-midgley/) - [![Mike Midgley - Social Icons Green\_Instagram](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20Social%20Icons%20Green_Instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/mikejmidgley/) - [![Mike Midgley - Social Icons Green\_Youtube](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20Social%20Icons%20Green_Youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@mikejmidgley-nxd) - [![Mike Midgley - Social Icons Green\_Spotify](https://mikejmidgley.com/hubfs/Mike%20Midgley%20-%20Social%20Icons%20Green_Spotify.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/3biOsAwSICgz6yRHsnOzTO?si=d5dae68b29c44d41) ©2026 Mike J Midgley. 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