Thinking of becoming a self-employed HR Consultant? It sounds exciting, right? Choosing your own clients, managing your own schedule, and building something of your own. But let’s be honest: working for yourself can be a lot harder than it seems. And if you’re not prepared, things can get rough, especially when it comes to finding new clients.
So before you dive in, let’s look at what it really takes to succeed as a self-employed HR consultant. And spoiler: getting clients isn’t just important—it’s everything.
Lead Generation: The True Foundation of a Successful HR Consultancy
The number one task for any new HR consultant is this: get clients. Without clients, there’s no cash coming in. And without cash, it’s not a business; it’s a hobby. So while you may feel like sorting out branding, contracts, and setting up your website are top priorities, they won’t mean much if you’re not actively finding people who want to work with you.
Lead generation is all about creating ways to reach and attract people who need your services. Because here’s the thing: people won’t just come knocking on your door. And without a solid plan to reach clients, things dry up fast. So, whether it’s networking on LinkedIn, setting up email lists, or offering something free to get people interested, lead generation should be at the heart of your strategy.
And once you’ve got a way to find clients, everything else gets easier. When you have a steady flow of people wanting your help, you’ll have the time and money to sort out the other business details, like formal contracts or refining your brand.
Misplaced Priorities – What Won’t Build Your Business (Contracts, Branding, and Formalities)
Let’s set the record straight: many consultants spend way too much time on things that don’t directly bring in clients. Fancy logos, building a perfect website, and getting registered as a business are all great, but they don’t actually grow your business. And if you get too caught up in these “nice-to-haves,” you could end up missing out on valuable time that should be spent getting clients.
Think about it this way. If you’re a self-employed HR consultant without clients, does it matter what your logo looks like? Does a perfectly crafted invoice template matter if there’s no one to invoice? The truth is, all these details can wait. Clients won’t care if your website isn’t perfect or if your logo is simple. They care about the value you bring to their business.
So, save yourself a headache and focus on what matters right now: getting people in the door. You can worry about perfecting your business image once you’ve got a steady stream of clients.
The Realities of Becoming a Self-Employed HR Consultant (The Challenges You Mightn’t Expect)
So, what’s it really like to work for yourself? Here are some common challenges that new HR consultants face:
- The Feast or Famine Cycle: You might find yourself with too many clients one month and none the next. This rollercoaster is exhausting and can make it hard to plan anything. That’s why lead generation is critical; it helps you create a stable flow of clients, so you’re not constantly scrambling to find new business.
- Isolation: Working alone can get lonely fast. Without colleagues to bounce ideas off, it’s easy to feel isolated, and this can really hit your motivation. Connecting with other consultants or joining a business group can help, but it’s still a shift from a traditional work environment.
- Admin Overload: When you’re on your own, you’re responsible for everything. That means emails, finances, marketing, and more. It’s a lot of unpaid time spent on admin work, which can feel overwhelming. Learning to manage your time well is crucial here, and, ideally, you’ll streamline as you go along.
- Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: Many consultants feel they’re not “expert enough” to offer advice, even when they have plenty of experience. It can be tough to see yourself as a business, but remember: if you have knowledge that helps others, you’re bringing value.
Because the truth is, becoming a self-employed HR consultant means doing it all. But if you’re ready to face these challenges, it can be an incredibly rewarding path.
Becoming a Self-Employed HR Consultant – Start with a Marketing Plan
If you’re serious about making a success of it, don’t leave things to chance. You need a solid plan to get clients in the door and keep them coming back. That’s why I’ve put together a book to help you create a tailored marketing plan that works for your consultancy. It’s focused on a 7-step formula you can plug in to your HR Consultant to start earning £70K or more and it’s full of tips, steps, and advice to help you navigate this journey.
So if you’re ready to get started, grab a copy of the book here. And if you’d like to chat through any of these challenges or talk about your plan, drop me a message. Let’s get you on the path to success.