Since November 2015, Helen Pethybridge has been Managing Director of Chiltern Coaching. Based in High Wycombe, her business coaches local Bucks SME owners to drive profits, develop engaged teams, and strengthen their company’s structure for growth. During her decade running Chiltern Coaching, Helen has supported over 100 businesses. She has helped clients grow their businesses in scale and profitability, frequently achieving 50% to 100% growth year on year.

To celebrate her ten-year tenure, Helen shares her learnings every SME ought to know.

1. Running a business is not for the faint of heart – you need to develop emotional resilience

The entrepreneurial journey is full of ups and downs. The pressure can be intense. Emotional resilience is not optional; it is a necessity. Being able to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks and keep your confidence intact when things don’t go to plan is what sets successful founders apart. But it is not about avoiding stress, it is about knowing how to handle it constructively.

2. Get the right people aboard and do not compromise

Your team will either drive your business forward or quietly hold it back. Hiring people who align with your values, goals and work ethic is non-negotiable. Do not be tempted to fill seats just to get through the workload. Investing time in recruiting the right people will benefit culture, performance and innovation. A strong, cohesive team pays dividends in ways that go far beyond the bottom line.

3. Always be marketing, as you never know when or how it will pay off

Consistent marketing delivers results over time. Staying visible and engaged with your audience keeps your pipeline active. It ensures opportunities continue to emerge, often when you least expect them. Even when business is booming, do not let your marketing slip. Momentum matters.

4. Play to your strengths. Focus on what you do well – everything else, outsource

Trying to do everything yourself is not just exhausting – it’s inefficient. The most successful owners know where their strengths lie. Whether you’re a natural strategist, a creative marketer, or a pro at client relationships, stick to what you are good at. For everything else, bring in trusted partners who are experts.

5. Know your numbers – only then can you transform them

Data does not lie, and neither do your financials. If you don’t know your profit margins, acquisition costs, or cash runway, you’re going in blind. Make time to understand your accounts, and if you need to, bring in someone who can break them down clearly. Only when you know your numbers can you make strategic decisions that will drive growth.

6. Be brutally honest with yourself – if it’s not working, change it

There’s no room for ego in business. If a strategy, product, or approach is not delivering results, adapt. Being open with yourself can be really confronting, but it’s necessary. Pivot early and be decisive. It’s better to change direction than to waste time and money on something that isn’t working.

7. You can talk a good game, but you must do it to get results

Plans and promises are important, but only action delivers outcomes. In the end, it’s the execution that counts. Your clients, partners and team will measure you not by what you say, but by what you do. Results speak louder than words.

8. Be open to new people, new ideas and new technology

Complacency is the enemy of innovation. Whether it’s tools, trends, or fresh perspectives, being open-minded keeps you relevant. Some of the best growth opportunities come from the most unexpected places. Keep your mindset agile and your curiosity alive.

9. Keep learning proactively – reading, listening, or watching

Never stop learning. Podcasts, books, webinars, and industry events can all offer new insights and inspiration. Even ten minutes a day adds up over time. Staying informed sharpens your skills and keeps you connected to emerging trends, best practices and smarter strategies.

10. Be active in other areas of your life – whether family, sports, or hobbies

It’s easy to let your work consume you, especially when times are tough. But there will always be something to give light relief. Nurturing other areas of your life brings balance and perspective. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, playing sports or learning a new hobby. Outside interests give you mental clarity and a renewed energy to bring back to your business.

For those just starting on their entrepreneurial journey, these lessons offer a strong foundation for building a business that lasts. Remember, it will come with challenges, but with persistence, flexibility and a focus on delivering value, long-term success is well within reach.

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