Becoming an SME Owner – What got you started and is it still serving you?

Frances Bearne, Founder, Human Focus Consulting 

I still remember the early days of starting my own people and culture consultancy. It was equal parts daunting and exhilarating. After years in the corporate world, I saw a clear gap in the market, especially for businesses needing practical, strategic support in leadership coaching, people and culture strategy, and modern, strategic HR consulting. I believed I had a unique mix of skills and experience that could really make a difference. 

But there was more to it than market needs. Like many small business owners, I also had deeply personal motivations. I wanted to work in a way that aligned with my values, gave me flexibility, and allowed me to build something meaningful - on my own terms. 

Why I started my own business 

One of my biggest drivers was flexibility. After many years of infertility, we were incredibly fortunate to welcome our one precious child. That experience shifted my perspective. I knew I didn’t want to miss the moments that make up a childhood - the school drop-offs, the sideline cheers, the little things that matter most. 

At the time, my corporate role demanded long hours, frequent travel, and left little room for that kind of presence. Starting my own business felt like a way to take back control - of how I spent my time, where I put my energy, and how I shaped my career and my life. I wanted more say in the rhythm of my days, the direction of my work, and the kind of life I was creating for my family. 

It gave me the chance to lean into my strengths, focus on the work I found most meaningful, and design a career that aligned with the life I wanted to lead. 

Revisiting Your Why 

As small business owners, it’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of why we started in the first place. That’s why I think it’s important to pause every now and then and ask: 

Is my business still serving me? Are the reasons I started this still valid today? 

If the answer is “not really,” it may be time to recalibrate. 

Measure What Really Matters 

We often obsess over financials, leads, and efficiency (and yes, those are important). But success as an SME owner should also include personal measures. For me, I regularly check in with myself and ask: Am I still being the parent I want to be? Am I spending most of my time doing work that energises me? Am I running my business in a way that reflects core values? 

Including personal goals in your business KPIs or OKRs can be a powerful way to keep your business aligned with your life - not the other way around. I call it a "personal temperature check." It’s not just about how well the business is performing on paper, but how it’s supporting the life you want to live. 

The Isolation of Being Your Own Boss 

There’s a lot of talk about the freedom of running your own business, which is true. But the flip side is that it can be lonely. You’re often wearing multiple hats, juggling all the roles, all without the benefit of a senior leadership team to bounce ideas off. 

One of the greatest strengths of SMEs is our agility. We can move quickly and make decisions without layers of red tape. But that same freedom can also mean a lack of structure, support, or accountability. This can take a toll. 

That’s why I believe support matters. Whether it’s connecting with other small business owners, investing in coaching, doing a vision and values workshop, or bringing in a people and culture consultant or business adviser to help guide your strategy, having the right network around you is essential.  

It Wasn’t All Smooth Sailing 

Believe me, I didn’t have this all figured out from day one. 

In fact, I went quite a way down the wrong track before I realised I needed to stop and ask myself some big questions. The more my business grew, the more I found myself spending time on admin, finances, and marketing; areas that weren’t my strengths and definitely didn’t light me up. 

Yes, the business was succeeding, but at the expense of the joy and freedom I’d set out to create. 

As an HR consultant, I know how important corporate culture and motivation are to performance and yet I had let my own business stray from the values I help others uphold. Once I realigned with what really mattered to me, everything shifted, and my joy returned. 

Back to Flow 

Running my own consultancy has given me the chance to cherry-pick the parts of work I love: partnering with clients, creating people and culture strategies, and supporting others through executive and leadership coaching, team coaching, learning and development policy, and growth. 

Of course, I still need to deal with the operational side of things. But I’ve learned to build a support system around me, so I can spend more time in my flow and less time in the weeds. 

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone 

If you’re an SME owner who’s feeling a little off-course - know this: you’re not alone. 

Take some time this month to reflect. Why did you start your business? What did you want from it, both professionally and personally? And most importantly - is it still giving you that? 

If not, that’s okay. It just means it’s time for a reset. Maybe even a conversation. 

Follow me on LinkedIn or get in touch if you’d like to hear more of my story - or start building your own support network of like-minded business owners. 

Because running a business should work for you, not just because of you.