If you’re an in-house HR professional secretly daydreaming about swapping endless meetings for freedom, flexibility, and a tiny bit more sunshine in your life... you’re not alone.

I was right where you are once — juggling employee relations, last-minute board papers, and wondering if there was ever a way to do what I loved without burning out.

Spoiler alert: there is.

And if you recognise these signs, you might be more ready to launch your HR consultancy than you think — even if your inner critic is still clinging to the corporate ID badge.

1. You’re Feeling Restless (and Maybe a Bit Grumpy)

You used to get excited about new projects, but now every new initiative feels like just another line on a never-ending to-do list.

If "Groundhog Day" has become your career soundtrack, it’s a sure sign that you’re craving something more — more impact, more control, and dare I say it, more joy.

Restlessness = readiness. Trust it.

2. You’re the Go-To Person (Even Outside Your Job Description)

Let's be honest: you're the one everyone turns to when they want real advice, not corporate jargon.
People ask you everything from "How do I handle this tricky employee?" to "What should I do with my career?" — and you’re brilliant at it.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s your consultant muscle already flexing!

3. You’re Craving Flexibility (More Than Another Pay Rise)

It’s not just about money anymore.
You want time for school runs, dog walks, Greek island getaways (trust me, it's possible), or even just a peaceful lunch without a Teams notification ruining it.
Consulting gives you the freedom to design your days — not just squeeze life around your job.

4. You Can See Gaps That Others Can’t

You notice the gaps in strategy, culture, and leadership that no one else does — and you already know how to fix them.
In a consultancy, those insights aren’t just “nice ideas” in a SharePoint folder — they become your offer, your service, and your income.

5. The Idea of "Safe" Isn’t Enough Anymore

Yes, corporate life feels safe (pensions, bonuses, annual appraisals with no real outcomes 🙃).
But deep down, you know there’s no such thing as real security unless you're building it yourself.
Consulting might feel scary — but it's the kind of scary that grows you.

6. You're Already Curious About How to Start

You're reading blogs like this (👋🏻 hello!), Googling "how to launch an HR consultancy," and secretly stalking HR consultants on LinkedIn.
That curiosity isn’t random. It’s your future tapping you on the shoulder saying, "Oi, it’s time!"

7. You Believe You’ve Got More to Give

Maybe you can’t explain it fully yet, but there’s a fire in you that says you're meant for something bigger than org charts and HR metrics.
Consulting isn’t just about leaving something behind — it’s about stepping into your true potential.

Final Thoughts:

Launching your consultancy isn’t about feeling “100% ready” — because no one ever does.
It’s about spotting the signs, choosing courage over comfort, and trusting that your skills are needed right now.

And if you want a hand-holding, cheerleading, slightly cheeky mentor in your corner — well, that’s where Leap into Consulting® comes in.

Ready to plan your leap? Find out more about the Bootcamp here.

By Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD

While wellbeing has become a mainstream conversation in the workplace, the wellbeing of HR professionals themselves is still largely overlooked.

In my latest podcast episode, I explore the rising crisis of burnout in HR – especially among those who’ve left corporate life to run their own businesses. The data is clear: burnout is not just common, it’s become dangerously normalised.

Entrepreneurs at Breaking Point
Running a business brings freedom but also intense pressure. Recent stats show:

• 42% of US small-business owners have experienced burnout
  
  

• 37% of UK founders say work has harmed their health
  
  

• Nearly 50% of Canadian entrepreneurs face ongoing mental health issues
  
  

We often swap corporate stress for entrepreneurial stress – and it’s taking a toll.

HR Professionals: Supporting Everyone but Themselves

According to the HR Wellbeing Survey 2024:

• 74% have experienced burnout at least once
  
  

• Over 60% report multiple episodes
  
  

• 91% feel lonely in their role
  
  

• Half are considering leaving within a year
  
  

• A third have taken stress-related sick leave
  
  

• Over half have had no recent performance feedback
  
  

These figures reflect a sector in crisis, and for HR consultants juggling both people and business demands, the impact can be even more intense.

What’s Driving the Burnout?

The causes are layered: unrealistic expectations, emotional labour without support, lack of visibility or boundaries, and little opportunity for feedback or reflection. Many feel constantly "on" and professionally isolated.

How We Start to Recover
Burnout is not a badge of honour. It’s a red flag. Here's what can help:

• Setting and maintaining boundaries
  
  

• Seeking support through coaching or peer networks
  
  

• Creating time for personal reflection
  
  

• Saying no when necessary
  
  

• Joining communities designed to support HR professionals – like the HR Consultancy Academy
  
  

This episode is an invitation to start taking our own well being seriously. The calm exterior so often expected of HR masks a growing internal crisis – and it’s time we addressed it.

Listen to the full podcast for the full conversation and practical ways forward.

#LeapIntoHRConsulting #TheHRConsultancyAcademy #HRBurnout #MentalHealthInHR #EntrepreneurWellbeing #WellbeingAtWork #BoundariesInBusiness

Example: The Financial Impact of a 10% Discount

Scenario: HR Consultant Charging £950 Per Day

Let’s assume an HR consultant works three days a week (12 days per month) at a standard rate of £950 per day.

• Current Monthly Revenue = 12 days × £950 = £11,400
• With a 10% Discount (£855 per day) = 12 days × £855 = £10,260
• Revenue Loss Per Month = £1,140
• Revenue Loss Per Year = £13,680

🔻 That’s a loss of over £13K per year – the equivalent of nearly 15 days of unpaid work!

Now, let’s see how much extra work is needed to compensate for the discount:

• At £855 per day, to maintain £11,400 revenue, you’d need to work
  13.3 days per month instead of 12 – essentially working an extra 16 days per year for free.

This shows that even a small discount can force you to work harder for the same income.

🔄 What to Do Instead of Discounting?

1. Offer Added Value Instead of Cutting Prices

• Include an extra 30-minute strategy session for retainers.
• Provide a customised HR audit as part of the onboarding process.
• Give access to exclusive templates or compliance toolkits.

2. Tier Your Retainer Packages Instead of Discounting

• Basic Retainer (£X per month) – Core HR support
• Premium Retainer (£Y per month) – Includes extra advisory time
• VIP Retainer (£Z per month) – Includes strategy consulting & leadership support

3. Offer a Paid Strategy Session First

• Instead of discounting, offer a one-off paid strategy session (£500-£750) to help clients understand the value of ongoing support.

4. Incentivise Upfront Payments

• If cash flow is a concern, offer a small incentive (not a discount) for clients who pay upfront for 6-12 months.

5. Highlight the Business Impact, Not the Cost

• Shift the conversation from price to ROI:
  • “What’s the cost of a tribunal vs. having proactive HR support?”
  • “How much is turnover costing you compared to retaining top talent?”
  • “What’s the risk of compliance issues without a structured HR strategy?”

 Final Thought: Value-Based Pricing Wins

🔹 Instead of focusing on cost, position yourself as a strategic partner whose services save businesses money, reduce risk, and improve profitability.
🔹 Discounting erodes your brand, your revenue, and your time—charging based on impact keeps your business sustainable.

The results from our recent HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz have shed light on some interesting insights when it comes to the Business Development and Operations category. With 31% of respondents scoring low, 34% scoring medium, and 35% scoring high, we can see that there is a wide range of comfort levels and strategies in place for this aspect of running a consulting business.

It's clear that a significant portion of individuals may struggle with selling their services and negotiating contracts, which are crucial skills for success in the consulting industry. Without a solid strategy for attracting and retaining clients, consultants may find it challenging to sustain and grow their business. Additionally, having a strong professional network can be instrumental in finding initial consulting opportunities and expanding one's reach in the industry.

Managing the operational aspects of a consulting business, such as accounting, scheduling, and client communications, is also vital for efficiency and professionalism. Having a well-thought-out plan in place can help consultants navigate the day-to-day tasks that are essential for running a successful operation.

For those who scored low in this category, it may be beneficial to focus on building skills in sales and negotiation, developing a solid client retention strategy, and expanding their professional network. Seeking mentorship or training in these areas could prove to be invaluable for their business growth.

On the other hand, those who scored high may already have a strong foundation in these areas and could potentially explore new ways to further enhance their business development and operational strategies.

If you haven't taken the HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz yet, we encourage you to do so. It can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement in various aspects of your consulting business. Take the quiz today and start on the path towards even greater success in HR consulting!

HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard

Happy New Year !

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for reflection and forward planning. In a recent podcast episode, I, Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD, shared my experiences from 2024 and offered valuable insights and practical advice to help you make 2025 a year of success and growth. Whether you're an HR consultant or a business owner, my reflections and tips are here to inspire and guide you as you plan for the future. 📝💡

2024: A Year of Travel and Opportunity 🌏✈️

2024 was an incredible year for me, filled with travel and new opportunities. From Australia’s sun-soaked coasts 🌞 to the vibrant energy of Chicago and New York 🌆, these adventures reminded me of the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Being a consultant means you’re not confined to a desk or a single location. 🌍 The world is your office! These journeys brought fresh perspectives, connections, and unexpected growth—proof that embracing new challenges can lead to transformative experiences.

Looking Ahead: My Top Five Tips for Planning a Successful 2025 🚀

As we gear up for 2025, here are my five essential tips for starting the year strong and setting yourself up for success:

1️⃣ Set Clear Goals 🎯
A clear vision is the foundation for any successful year. Whether it’s hitting a revenue milestone 💰, launching a new service 🚀, or growing your community 🤝, having SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) ensures your plans are ambitious yet realistic.

2️⃣ Prioritise Well-Being 🧘‍♀️💆‍♂️
There’s no wealth without health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but I can’t stress enough the importance of rest, exercise, and mental health. 🏃‍♀️ Take time for yourself—you’ll find your energy and motivation soar when you do.

3️⃣ Leverage Technology 🤖🖥️
Tools like Zapier and AI apps like ChatGPT are game-changers for consultants. By automating repetitive tasks, you free up hours each week to focus on what truly matters—serving your clients and growing your business. Embrace these tools and watch your productivity skyrocket! 🚀

4️⃣ Build a Strong Network 🤝💬
Your network is your net worth. Whether it’s attending industry events, joining The HR Consultancy Academy community, or collaborating with peers, building connections opens doors to opportunities and fresh perspectives. 🌟 Collaboration truly is the key to growth.

5️⃣ Commit to Continuous Learning 📚✨
The HR landscape is always evolving. To stay ahead, you need to be on top of the latest trends, tools, and strategies. My passion for lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of my success—and it can be yours too.

Kickstart Your Year with Sprint 2025 🗓️💼

To help you hit the ground running, I’m hosting the Sprint 2025 Planning Event on January 14th. 🏃‍♂️ This free event will walk you through a step-by-step framework for success, with interactive sessions and opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.

Whether you’re setting 90-day goals or crafting a roadmap for the entire year, this event will be a game changer. 🔥

Your Roadmap to Success 🛣️

As you reflect on the past year and plan for 2025, I invite you to adopt these strategies:

✔️ Set clear goals
✔️ Prioritise your well-being
✔️ Leverage technology
✔️ Build meaningful connections
✔️ Embrace lifelong learning

By taking these steps, you can make 2025 your best year yet! 🌟 So grab a coffee ☕, get comfy 🛋️, and dive into the podcast episode for more inspiration and actionable advice.

Here’s to a year of success, growth, and adventure.

Let’s make it happen together! 🙌🎉

Pricing is one of the most challenging yet impactful aspects of running a successful HR consulting business. In our recent "Profitable Pricing and Income Strategies" webinar, Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD shared actionable insights and strategies to help HR consultants maximise profitability while delivering exceptional value to their clients. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Worth

Many consultants struggle with the guilt of charging for their time. However, it’s crucial to recognise the value of your expertise. By aligning your pricing strategy with the tangible and intangible benefits you bring—such as saving your clients’ time, reducing stress, and delivering measurable ROI—you position yourself confidently in the marketplace.

2. Move Beyond Time-Based Pricing

While hourly or daily rates are common, they often limit growth. Explore alternatives like:

• Project-Based Fees: Charge for outcomes rather than hours.
• Retainers: Offer ongoing support with predictable income.
• One-to-Many Solutions: Deliver group sessions or online courses to scale your impact.

3. Build a Diverse Income Stream

Diversify your revenue sources with strategies like:

• Passive Income: Develop digital products or online courses.
• Referral Income: Partner with complementary businesses to earn commissions.
• Many-to-Many Models: Engage larger audiences through webinars or group training.

4. Target High-Value Clients

Not all clients are the right fit for premium services. Identify clients who recognise the value of your offerings and are willing to invest in them. Remember, effort should align with reward.

5. Create Client-Centric Packages

Tailor your services into packages that address specific client pain points. Clear, well-structured packages demonstrate value and make pricing discussions more straightforward.

6. Plan for Growth

Implementing a pricing structure that grows with your business is vital. Tools like income planning by product/service and cross-selling matrices can help optimise revenue while meeting diverse client needs.

7. Confidently Increase Prices

For existing clients, strategic price increases are a natural part of business growth. Communicate the added value you deliver and position the adjustment as a reflection of your expertise and results.

8. Think Bigger

Don’t limit yourself to traditional approaches. Embrace the digital economy by leveraging technology to scale your services and expand your reach.

9. Learn and Grow with the Right Support

If you're looking to build confidence and clarity around pricing, consider joining programmes like the Virtual HR Consultant Bootcamp. These fast-track sessions help consultants refine their services, pricing, and business strategies, leading to tangible results and greater flexibility.

By adopting these strategies, HR consultants can transform their pricing approach into a powerful tool for profitability and client satisfaction. To learn more about these strategies or book a consultation, visit Leap Into Consulting.