Becoming an HR consultant is an exciting step for many senior HR professionals. It offers independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a real difference to businesses. But like any career move, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect. If you’re considering starting an HR consultancy, here’s a realistic look at the role – both the challenges and the rewards – so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
Managing your own business
One of the biggest shifts from being an employed HR professional to running a consultancy is the transition to business ownership. As a consultant, you’re not just delivering HR advice – you’re also responsible for marketing, client acquisition, finance, and administration.
What this means in practice:
- You’ll need to dedicate time to attracting and securing clients. This would involve networking, content marketing, or partnerships.
- Managing finances – setting fees, invoicing, and budgeting – will become part of your routine.
- Organising your own schedule and workload means juggling multiple clients with different needs and deadlines.
While these responsibilities may feel daunting at first, the good news is that with the right systems, training, and support, they become second nature. Many HR consultants enjoy the variety and the sense of ownership that comes with running their own business.
Finding and retaining clients
Attracting clients is one of the most common concerns for those considering consultancy. Unlike an in-house HR role where work comes to you, consultancy requires actively seeking business opportunities.
What to expect when building your client base:
- Initial efforts may require networking, attending events, and leveraging existing connections.
- Word-of-mouth referrals play a key role in long-term success. Delivering exceptional service helps build a strong reputation.
- It’s also beneficial to invest in digital marketing, such as a website, social media, and blog content.
Over time, as your network and reputation grow, securing clients becomes easier. Franchise models like face2faceHR offer valuable support in marketing and lead generation.
The balance between flexibility and responsibility
One of the main attractions of consultancy is flexibility – being able to set your own hours and work around personal commitments. But with that flexibility comes responsibility. Unlike employment, there’s no guaranteed salary, and you’ll need to manage your workload effectively.
What to consider:
- You can control your schedule, but client needs may require occasional evening or urgent work.
- Taking time off means planning ahead, as you won’t have an employer covering your workload.
- There’s an element of unpredictability – some months may be busier than others.
For those who value autonomy, these challenges are worth it. The ability to structure work around your lifestyle and choose clients that align with your expertise makes consultancy highly rewarding.
Delivering high-quality HR support
Your core role remains HR consultancy – providing advice, managing employee relations, supporting SMEs with policies, and more. But working as a consultant requires adapting to different business needs and tailoring solutions accordingly.
Key differences from in-house HR roles:
- You’ll work with multiple businesses at once, each with their own culture and challenges.
- Your role may be more strategic, guiding business owners on HR best practices rather than handling day-to-day HR tasks.
- SMEs often lack internal HR support, so clear, practical advice is essential.
Being a trusted advisor is highly rewarding, as you see the direct impact of your guidance on businesses’ success.
Support and community
Running a consultancy can sometimes feel isolating compared to working in a large HR team. However, many consultants find ways to create a support network.
Ways to stay connected and supported:
- Joining professional HR networks and online groups to share knowledge and advice.
- Partnering with other consultants for collaboration and peer support.
- Choosing a franchise model that provides ongoing training, resources, and a community of fellow HR professionals.
At face2faceHR, for example, our consultants benefit from an established network, continuous learning opportunities, and the ability to share insights with like-minded professionals. This can make a significant difference in confidence and long-term success.
Is HR consultancy right for you?
If you’re an experienced HR professional who enjoys variety, independence, and making a tangible impact on businesses, HR consultancy could be an excellent career move. While there are challenges, such as client acquisition and business management, the rewards – including flexibility, professional growth, and personal satisfaction – can far outweigh them.
If you’re considering this path, we’re here to help. Download our prospectus or get in touch to learn more about how face2faceHR supports consultants in building successful businesses.