Every HR consultancy starts with a spark: an idea, a vision, a belief that your experience can make a real difference to businesses that need support. Turning that spark into a thriving consultancy takes more than enthusiasm, though. It takes structure, focus and clear, achievable goals that keep you moving forward even when client work gets busy.
This first article in our November series, ‘Planning for success: setting goals for your HR consultancy’, explores how to set meaningful HR consultancy business goals and follow through on them with confidence.
Why goal setting matters in HR consultancy
When you start your own consultancy, it’s easy to pour all your energy into finding clients and getting established. But without a clear plan, it’s hard to know if you’re really making progress. Setting business goals gives you direction, helps you prioritise what matters most and makes it easier to measure success in a meaningful way.
Goal setting also builds confidence. When you know where you’re heading and can see your progress, it becomes easier to make decisions, invest wisely and adapt as your consultancy grows.
Start with your vision
Before you set any goals, take a step back and think about what success looks like for you.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of clients do I want to work with?
- What level of income do I want or need to achieve?
- How much time do I want to dedicate to my business each week?
- What type of HR work gives me energy and satisfaction?
Your answers will shape the goals you set. For example, if your vision is to have a small number of long-term clients, your actions will differ from someone aiming to grow a larger consultancy with a team of associates.
Tip – write your vision down. Seeing it in black and white helps clarify your direction and keeps you focused when new opportunities come along.
Make your goals SMART
You’ve probably used SMART goals many times in corporate HR, and they work just as well in consultancy life. Keep your HR consultancy business goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
For example:
- Specific – “secure three new retained clients this quarter” rather than “get more clients.”
- Measurable – include numbers where you can, such as revenue or enquiry targets.
- Achievable – stretch yourself, but keep goals realistic. Small wins build momentum.
- Relevant – make sure every goal links to your overall vision.
- Time-bound – give each goal a clear deadline to stay accountable.
Breaking bigger ambitions into smaller milestones also helps you stay motivated and makes progress easier to track.
Balance short-term wins with long-term growth
Consultants often get caught up in the day-to-day demands of client work, leaving little time to think ahead. The key is to plan for both now and the future.
Set short-term goals that deliver quick wins, such as updating your website or reconnecting with past contacts, alongside long-term goals like building a steady pipeline of retained clients or launching a new service.
Having this mix keeps your business stable while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Map your journey
Once you’ve set your goals, outline how you’ll achieve them. Treat your consultancy like one of your own clients. What resources, systems or support do you need? Who can help hold you accountable?
A simple roadmap, spreadsheet or even a visual tracker can make your progress feel tangible. When you see the steps ahead, it’s easier to stay organised and keep moving.
Review your progress regularly
Setting goals is only the first step. Make a habit of checking in with yourself each month or quarter. Look at what’s working well, what’s slipping and where you might need to adjust.
You might prefer using a digital tool such as HubSpot or Trello to monitor activity, or a notebook and coffee catch-up with a mentor. The important thing is consistency. Regular reviews help you spot patterns, celebrate wins and stay focused on what really matters.
Include personal goals too
Your consultancy should work for your life, not the other way round. When setting HR consultancy business goals, think beyond financial and growth targets.
Perhaps you want more flexibility, time to volunteer, or to invest in your own development. Personal goals shape how your business runs and keep you motivated in the long term.
Be ready to adapt
The best plans evolve as you grow. As your consultancy develops, your clients’ needs and your own priorities may shift. Revisit your goals regularly to make sure they still fit.
Think of your plan as a living document that changes as your confidence and business mature.
Avoid common pitfalls
A few traps to watch for:
- Setting too many goals at once. Focus on what will make the biggest impact.
- Ignoring your data. Metrics such as client retention or enquiry sources are invaluable.
- Neglecting your own well-being. Burnout helps no one.
- Forgetting to celebrate milestones. Acknowledging progress builds motivation.
Confidence through clarity
Clear goals give you direction and purpose. Instead of reacting to whatever comes your way, you’ll make deliberate decisions about your time, energy and growth.
You already have the planning and people skills to do this. With structure, focus and the right support, your consultancy can develop on solid foundations and continue to grow with confidence.
Ready to plan your next step?
At face2faceHR, we support consultants to define and achieve their HR consultancy business goals through practical tools, structured planning and personalised support. Whether you’re at the very beginning or looking to grow, having a clear roadmap can make all the difference.
Download our prospectus or get in touch to explore how we can help you turn your goals into reality.