Building a successful HR consultancy isn’t just about delivering great work for clients – it’s also about getting yourself in front of the right people. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your client base, effective networking can make a significant difference to your success.
In this article, we’re diving into practical strategies to help you make meaningful connections, build your personal brand, and use digital tools to stay visible and top of mind in your market.
Why networking matters as an HR consultant
As a senior HR professional, you’ll already know the value of relationships in the workplace. But when you’re running your own consultancy, relationships outside of your client work become even more crucial. Most independent consultants find a large proportion of their business through word of mouth and personal recommendations. And networking – done well – helps keep those referrals flowing.
Strategic networking opens the door to:
- Meeting potential clients
- Connecting with referral partners
- Staying visible in your industry
- Learning from other consultants and business owners
- Building confidence in promoting your services
Let’s explore how you can do this effectively, both in person and online.
Be intentional with your networking
It’s easy to attend every networking event going, but not all of them will be a good use of your time. Before signing up to anything, think about your goals. Are you hoping to meet business owners? Collaborate with other consultants? Raise your profile locally?
Once you’re clear on what you want to achieve, look for networking groups that align. For example:
- Local business networking groups (like BNI or Chamber of Commerce events)
- HR or industry-specific meetups and conferences
- Online networking communities on LinkedIn or professional forums
- Women in business or leadership circles if relevant to your niche
Make a shortlist and try a few out – some will suit your style and target audience more than others.
Make the most of every opportunity
Networking isn’t just about formal events. You’ll come across opportunities to connect with others in lots of different settings. It might be a casual conversation at a training course, a chat with a fellow parent at the school gates, or a LinkedIn comment thread.
Approach every conversation with curiosity and openness, not a sales pitch. People respond far better to genuine interest than a rehearsed elevator speech. Keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on building relationships, not collecting contacts
- Ask questions and listen – don’t dominate the conversation
- Have a simple way to describe what you do, but keep it jargon-free
- Follow up afterwards to keep the conversation going
Build your personal brand as part of your networking
Networking and personal branding go hand in hand. The clearer people are about what you do, who you help, and how you work, the easier it is for them to refer you – or approach you directly.
Start by getting your basics right:
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, professional, and clearly shows your niche and offering.
- Have a short, consistent bio or intro you can use across different platforms.
- Use a professional but friendly/casual headshot that feels like you (not a corporate version of you from 10 years ago).
And then think about how you’re showing up:
- Are you posting useful content on LinkedIn that reflects your expertise?
- Are you commenting and engaging with others in your network regularly?
- Are you consistent in tone and message across your online and offline presence?
A strong personal brand helps your networking efforts feel more natural – people begin to come to you, because they know what you’re about and what you can offer.
Use digital tools to network more efficiently
Gone are the days when networking meant standing awkwardly with a coffee at a breakfast meeting. Digital networking is now just as important – and in many cases, more convenient and effective.
Here’s how you can leverage digital tools as part of your networking strategy:
This is still the best platform for professionals to network. Use it to:
- Share insights and thought leadership content
- Connect with local business owners and HR peers
- Engage in meaningful discussions in comment threads
- Ask for introductions or referrals when appropriate
Remember, quality beats quantity – it’s better to have an engaged network of 300 people who know you well than 3,000 who never interact.
Online communities
Look for Facebook or other groups aimed at consultants, HR professionals, or your ideal client base (e.g., SME business owners in your area or sector). These often have a more informal feel, and can lead to great conversations and connections.
Email newsletters
Don’t underestimate the power of staying in touch with your network via email. Whether it’s a monthly newsletter, a quick update on LinkedIn, or a check-in message to former colleagues, regular contact helps you stay visible and top of mind.
Collaborate and build referral relationships
Some of the best networking connections you’ll make won’t be direct clients – but people who regularly refer you work. Think accountants, business coaches, leadership trainers, or marketing consultants. These professionals often work with the same SME clients you’re targeting, and it’s well worth building mutually beneficial relationships.
When you meet someone whose work complements yours, look for ways to collaborate:
- Can you refer each other?
- Could you co-host an event or webinar?
- Can you feature each other in your content?
Approaching networking with a spirit of collaboration rather than competition helps create stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships.
Stay consistent (and be patient)
Like marketing in general, networking isn’t about quick wins – it’s about building trust over time. You might not see instant results from attending one event or joining a new group, but consistency pays off.
Set yourself a realistic target – perhaps one event a month or two new conversations a week – and stick with it. Over time, as you continue to show up and build your brand, your network will grow and start delivering value back to your business.
In summary
Strategic networking is one of the most effective ways to grow your consultancy. Focus on building genuine relationships, show up consistently, use digital tools to your advantage, and don’t forget to nurture your existing network too. You never know which connection will lead to your next opportunity.
Want to find out more about how we support our consultants to grow their network and client base? Download our prospectus or get in touch to have a chat.