Winning new clients as an HR consultant is exciting, but the real key to success is building lasting relationships – see our previous article on ‘The importance of building long-term client relationships‘. Many small businesses only think about HR when a crisis hits – handling a tricky employee issue, an urgent contract need, or a sudden legal concern. But as HR professionals, we know that proactive, ongoing support makes a world of difference to business success.
The challenge? Helping small business owners see HR as a long-term necessity, not just a reactive service.
This is where the face2faceHR franchise model is designed to help. With a focus on strong relationships, structured ongoing support, and clear client value, our approach ensures consultants can retain clients for the long haul – building a sustainable, thriving business.
Why client retention is the key to consultancy success
Attracting new clients takes time and effort, so once you’ve got them on board, keeping them engaged should be a priority. Long-term client relationships bring:
A steady, predictable income – retainers and ongoing work provide financial stability, reducing the stress of constantly chasing new business.
Deeper business understanding – the longer you work with a client, the more you understand their culture, challenges, and goals, allowing you to offer more impactful HR solutions.
More referrals and reputation growth – happy, long-term clients are far more likely to recommend your services, helping you expand your consultancy naturally.
A stronger consultancy brand – retention leads to case studies, testimonials, and success stories, strengthening your credibility in the small business market.
Many small business owners assume HR is a ‘fix-it’ service, but the best consultants position HR as an ongoing, strategic partnership – a key part of business growth and compliance.
How the face2faceHR franchise model helps you keep clients
Building strong, trust-based relationships – small business owners want HR support that feels like part of their team. The face2faceHR franchise model is built on personalised, relationship-driven consultancy, ensuring clients see you as a trusted adviser, not just a service provider.
Retainer models designed for small businesses – we’ve created a retainer structure that works for smes, ensuring they see HR as an affordable, valuable investment, not just an emergency service.
A proactive engagement strategy – many small businesses don’t know when they need HR until it’s too late. The face2faceHR franchise model provides tools and guidance to help you:
- keep in regular contact with clients through check-ins, updates, and scheduled reviews;
- share employment law changes and HR best practices so clients see the benefit of staying engaged; and
- offer ongoing support that prevents problems before they arise, reinforcing the value of HR.
Onboarding that sets the stage for retention – first impressions matter. Our model supports structured onboarding that establishes your credibility, builds trust, and helps clients immediately see the benefits of working with you long-term.
Access to a strong brand and community – being part of face2faceHR means you benefit from an established reputation, credibility, and proven methods for client retention, plus a network of consultants sharing best practices.
The secret to long-term success? Becoming a trusted partner
The most successful HR consultants don’t just solve problems when they arise – they embed themselves into a business, offering proactive support that helps companies thrive.
By joining face2faceHR, consultants can confidently grow a business that retains clients, generates stable income, and builds a strong reputation in the sme space.
Want to explore HR consultancy with a proven model?
If you’re considering HR consultancy and want to work within a model that supports long-term client retention, download our prospectus or get in touch to find out how face2faceHR can help you build a successful business.