4 Surprising Takeaways from Our SME NED Workshop That Can Transform Your Portfolio Career

Are you an executive looking to secure profitable SME NED opportunities? You might be holding misconceptions that could prevent you from building the NED portfolio career you desire. At our recent SME Non-Executive Director workshop, experienced executives seeking to transition into NED roles discovered several eye-opening lessons.

The Truth About Building a Successful NED Portfolio

Many seasoned executives have worked at the highest levels but struggle to leverage their expertise in the SME board space. The current market offers abundant opportunities for hiring experienced Non-Executive Directors, but misinformation can lead qualified candidates astray.

Here are four crucial lessons from our workshop that can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your journey to securing rewarding SME NED roles.

Lesson 1: Paid Opportunities Are Available Without "Paying Your Dues"

A common misconception is that you must first complete unpaid NED work before accessing paid positions. While pro bono work may be necessary for large public companies, the reality for SME boards is quite different.

Smaller, growing businesses primarily seek:

• Sector-specific expertise
• Functional knowledge
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Growth acceleration skills

Your corporate experience already provides what these businesses need. Instead of giving away your valuable insights, focus on developing clear positioning and implementing a systematic approach to identify the right opportunities. Play to your strengths rather than following conventional wisdom.

Lesson 2: Personal Networks Are Your Path to Success

When it comes to securing NED positions, the path rarely runs through:

• Cold calling
• Headhunter agencies
• Job board listings
• Expensive network subscriptions

Many executives waste thousands on annual subscriptions or NED networks that promise suitable roles but deliver nothing of value.

The reality? Referrals rule in the SME NED space.

Businesses rarely advertise board positions or engage search firms because:

• Board appointments carry significant risk
• Failed appointments cause embarrassment
• Trust is paramount in these relationships

Your existing corporate network might not connect you with the right opportunities. Success requires developing new networks aligned with your expertise and future interests, specifically within the SME sector.

Lesson 3: The First 90 Days Define Your Success

Entering an SME as a Non-Executive Director isn't just about demonstrating expertise - it's about establishing trust first.

While SME founders respect your experience, they won't immediately implement your advice. There's typically a trust-building phase where business owners assess whether you truly understand their world and challenges.

Working with NEDs within my investments, I've observed what I call the "mental threshold" - the moment when the "scales of trust" tip in the NED's favor. Once crossed, the relationship flourishes and the true impact of the NED-SME partnership begins.

The critical period is the first 90 days. Before tackling complex strategy:

• Focus on quick, visible wins
• Prove your value rapidly
• Build credibility through action
• Identify trust-building opportunities

This approach creates the foundation for long-term success and meaningful impact.

Lesson 4: Craft a Value Proposition That Resonates With SME Owners

Many professionals helping executives find NED opportunities underestimate the importance of a compelling value proposition.

The challenge? Your extensive experience can make articulation difficult, leading to broad, ineffective positioning statements like "scaling businesses" or "strategic advisor."

These generic phrases don't resonate with SME business owners, who speak a different language despite needing exactly what you offer.

Instead:

• Position yourself so your target audience immediately recognises your problem-solving abilities
• Get specific about your expertise and outcomes
• Sell the destination, not the map
• Use language that resonates with entrepreneurs and business owners

The clearer your positioning, the faster you'll develop appropriate opportunities.

The Untapped Potential of SME NED Roles

The SME market represents a relatively untapped source of NED positions - you just need to know how to find them and work effectively within this environment.

As a business owner, investor and someone who has witnessed firsthand the value that skilled NEDs bring to companies, I'm often surprised by the misleading advice given to executives seeking these roles.

The opportunities exist - you simply need to unlock them by speaking the language of SME entrepreneurs and business owners.

Take Your Next Step Toward Building Your NED Portfolio

Which of these lessons resonated most with you? Have you been misled about how to secure NED opportunities?

Our SME Non-Exec FastTrack workshop provides everything you need to know about finding suitable SME NED opportunities, negotiating agreements and delivering value to develop your NED portfolio career.

For a limited time, when you register, you'll receive two complimentary 1:1 NED portfolio planning calls to help map your future career moves.

Interested in learning more about the next workshop or hearing from past participants? Contact us for details and take the first step toward your rewarding Non-Executive Director career with SMEs.