Too many people out there think being an SME means doing what the big boys do, but on a small or medium scale. They leave their corporate job and then try sell their skills on the open market, instead of being either innovative or identifying a niche. They end up owning a job, instead of owning a business and then wonder why they cannot compete. I once read a book that was quite informative, called "Blue Ocean Strategies". Very worthwhile.

There are also definite ways in which legislation could facilitate operating an SME, but so many others succeed that red tape can only be used as an excuse for failure and not as a reason.

Another problem or disadvantage we sit with is the fact that we often educate the concept of risk right out of people. People who have studied any of the engineering disciplines have been taught NEVER to take any risks. Risk in design and construction is bad, but in business it is often an essential ingredient. Business is competition and you always need a loser in any competition.