If you’re a self-employed HR consultant, you’ve probably realised how hard it can be to build a profitable business without consistent leads or effective marketing. The truth is, being great at HR isn’t enough. To thrive, you need to master the business side of things, especially marketing and sales.

But here’s the good news: you can achieve your HR business goals, no matter how ambitious they seem, by following a clear, actionable plan.

This blog will show you how to set those goals, overcome procrastination, and create the habits you need for success.

Why Setting Goals Matters

So many HR consultants get stuck in a feast-or-famine cycle because they don’t have clear goals. Without them, you end up reacting to whatever comes your way, instead of creating a business that works for you.

When you set goals, you:

• Gain focus: You know exactly what to work on each day.
• Measure progress: You’ll spot what’s working and where you need to adjust.
• Stay consistent: Goals give you a reason to market regularly, so you don’t have to scramble for clients when things slow down.

And the best part? Hitting your goals builds confidence. Every small win proves you can achieve your HR business goals—and more.

How to Set Goals That Actually Work

To achieve your HR business goals, you need to set them the right way. This is where the SMARTER framework comes in:

• Specific: Be clear about what you want, e.g., “I want to earn £70,000 in 2025.”
• Measurable: How will you track your progress? Leads generated? Clients signed?
• Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic for your situation.
• Relevant: Align your goal with your overall vision for your business.
• Time-Bound: Give yourself a deadline to stay on track.
• Evaluate: Check in regularly to see if your strategies are working.
• Readjust: Be flexible enough to tweak your approach if needed.

Don’t just set an outcome goal (like earning £70,000). Break it down into process goals: What do you need to do each day or week to make that happen? For example:

• Reach out to 10 potential clients daily on LinkedIn.
• Create one lead magnet to attract email subscribers this month.

Beat Procrastination With the 5-Second Rule

One of the biggest hurdles to achieving your HR business goals is procrastination. That little voice in your head tells you to put things off or focus on something easier.

The solution? Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule. When you feel yourself hesitating, count down: 5-4-3-2-1. Then, take immediate action.

Why does it work? Because it interrupts negative thought patterns and gives you control over your decisions.

So, next time you’re tempted to scroll social media instead of sending that email or making that call, try the 5-Second Rule. It’s a game-changer.

Strategies for Achieving Your HR Business Goals

Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them manageable. Here’s how to do it:

1. Work Backwards: Start with your end goal. If you need 10 clients paying £7,000 each, how many leads do you need? Then, figure out the steps to get those leads.
2. Build Habits: Schedule time for marketing every day—treat it like a client meeting you can’t miss.
3. Simplify Your Processes: Use templates for outreach messages, sales emails, and proposals. The easier you make it, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
4. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a group or coach. It’s harder to skip tasks when someone is checking in on your progress.
5. Celebrate Wins: Reward yourself for small milestones to keep your motivation high.

Prepare for Setbacks

Even with the best plan, things won’t always go smoothly. That’s okay! The key is to keep going.

• Expect Imperfections: Some months, you might fall short of your target. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s part of the process.
• Learn From Mistakes: Review what went wrong and adjust your approach.
• Don’t Skip Two Days in a Row: If you miss a habit once, get back on track the next day.

Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.

You Can Achieve Your HR Business Goals

Here’s the truth: you have everything you need to succeed.

You don’t need to be a marketing guru or sales expert. You just need a clear goal, a solid plan, and the determination to follow through.

So, take that first step. Set your goals, commit to the process, and start building the business you’ve always dreamed of.

Ready to Hit Your Goals?

You don’t have to do it alone. Join the HR Business Success Squad to get the support and accountability you need to stay on track.

When you work with others heading in the same direction, you’ll move faster and achieve more—because teams beat individuals every time.

Click here to learn more and join today.