Category: Consultant Personal Development & CPD

1. 7 Signs You're Ready to Launch Your HR Consultancy - (Even If You Don’t Feel 100% Brave Yet)

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 27th Apr 2025

   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.

2. Burnout in HR: The Crisis We’re Not Talking About

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 22nd Apr 2025

   

   
   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

    

3. Mastering Profitable Pricing for HR Consultants in 2025

   Posted on 11:00am Sunday 15th Dec 2024

   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.