Category: Life as a Consultant

1. Reflecting on 2024 and Planning for a Phenomenal 2025

   Posted on 8:00am Friday 20th Dec 2024

    

   As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for reflection and forward planning. In a recent podcast episode, I, Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD, shared my experiences from 2024 and offered valuable insights and practical advice to help you make 2025 a year of success and growth. Whether you're an HR consultant or a business owner, my reflections and tips are here to inspire and guide you as you plan for the future. 📝💡

   2024: A Year of Travel and Opportunity 🌏✈️

   2024 was an incredible year for me, filled with travel and new opportunities. From Australia’s sun-soaked coasts 🌞 to the vibrant energy of Chicago and New York 🌆, these adventures reminded me of the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

   Being a consultant means you’re not confined to a desk or a single location. 🌍 The world is your office! These journeys brought fresh perspectives, connections, and unexpected growth—proof that embracing new challenges can lead to transformative experiences.

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   Looking Ahead: My Top Five Tips for Planning a Successful 2025 🚀

   As we gear up for 2025, here are my five essential tips for starting the year strong and setting yourself up for success:

   1️⃣ Set Clear Goals 🎯
   A clear vision is the foundation for any successful year. Whether it’s hitting a revenue milestone 💰, launching a new service 🚀, or growing your community 🤝, having SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) ensures your plans are ambitious yet realistic.

   2️⃣ Prioritise Well-Being 🧘‍♀️💆‍♂️
   There’s no wealth without health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but I can’t stress enough the importance of rest, exercise, and mental health. 🏃‍♀️ Take time for yourself—you’ll find your energy and motivation soar when you do.

   3️⃣ Leverage Technology 🤖🖥️
   Tools like Zapier and AI apps like ChatGPT are game-changers for consultants. By automating repetitive tasks, you free up hours each week to focus on what truly matters—serving your clients and growing your business. Embrace these tools and watch your productivity skyrocket! 🚀

   4️⃣ Build a Strong Network 🤝💬
   Your network is your net worth. Whether it’s attending industry events, joining The HR Consultancy Academy community, or collaborating with peers, building connections opens doors to opportunities and fresh perspectives. 🌟 Collaboration truly is the key to growth.

   5️⃣ Commit to Continuous Learning 📚✨
   The HR landscape is always evolving. To stay ahead, you need to be on top of the latest trends, tools, and strategies. My passion for lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of my success—and it can be yours too.

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   Kickstart Your Year with Sprint 2025 🗓️💼

   To help you hit the ground running, I’m hosting the Sprint 2025 Planning Event on January 14th. 🏃‍♂️ This free event will walk you through a step-by-step framework for success, with interactive sessions and opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.

   Whether you’re setting 90-day goals or crafting a roadmap for the entire year, this event will be a game changer. 🔥

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   Your Roadmap to Success 🛣️

   As you reflect on the past year and plan for 2025, I invite you to adopt these strategies:

   ✔️ Set clear goals
   ✔️ Prioritise your well-being
   ✔️ Leverage technology
   ✔️ Build meaningful connections
   ✔️ Embrace lifelong learning

   By taking these steps, you can make 2025 your best year yet! 🌟 So grab a coffee ☕, get comfy 🛋️, and dive into the podcast episode for more inspiration and actionable advice.

   Here’s to a year of success, growth, and adventure.

   Let’s make it happen together! 🙌🎉

2. Are your financially ready to be a consultant ?

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 20th Nov 2024

   The results from our recent HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz have shed light on some important considerations when it comes to financial readiness and vision for aspiring consultants. It is crucial for individuals looking to transition from a corporate job to consulting to carefully evaluate the impact this change will have on their personal commitments, such as family responsibilities and financial obligations.

   The fact that only 14% of participants scored low in this category is encouraging, as it suggests that the majority of individuals are aware of the financial risks associated with becoming an independent consultant. However, it is important to note that having a clear vision for the consulting work they want to do and the clients they want to serve is equally important for long-term success.

   The data also revealed that a significant portion of participants scored medium in the Financial Readiness and Vision category. This could indicate that while they have some awareness of the financial implications of starting a consulting business, there may be room for further planning and goal-setting to ensure long-term sustainability.

   For those looking to make the leap into consulting, it is essential to not only have a solid financial plan in place but also a clear vision for the future of their business. By taking the time to assess their personal financial situation and set clear goals for their consulting practice, individuals can set themselves up for success in this competitive industry.

   If you are considering a career in HR consulting, we encourage you to take our HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz to assess your readiness and gain valuable insights into the key areas of motivation, expertise, financial readiness, and vision.

    

   Take the first step towards building a successful consulting business today.

    

   We also have business partners who can advise you on your finances - whether it's mortgages or income protection.

   Take our quiz at  and unlock your potential for success.

3. Securing Your Future in HR Consulting by Mastering the Art of a Sales-Driven Approach

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 21st Jan 2024

   As an HR Consultant and business owner with three decades of experience, I have witnessed first-hand the evolution of the HR consulting landscape. One aspect that remains crucial, yet often overlooked, is the importance of a consistent sales pipeline. This article aims to shed light on why prioritising sales is vital for HR consultants, especially those venturing into this dynamic field.

   Why Focus on Sales?

   Sales are the lifeblood of any consulting business. Without a steady stream of clients, even the most skilled HR consultant risks stagnancy. In the realm of HR consulting, where competition is fierce and client needs are ever evolving, a robust sales strategy is not just a growth tool, it's a survival mechanism.

   Ignoring the sales aspects of your business can lead to several challenges, and moreover, put your business at serious risk.

   The number one has to be the obvious…Financial Instability!

   Without a predictable inflow of new clients and projects, financial instability becomes a significant risk to your entire business operation.

   The next isclient diversification challenges. Relying on a few clients can be precarious. A diverse clientele, garnered through consistent sales efforts, ensures stability.

   Then there’sreduced market relevance. Your inability to attract new clients may signal outdated practices or lack of innovation in your approach.

   And, what about if you are just starting out on your HR Consulting Journey? What are the pitfalls in starting an HR consulting business without a sales plan?

   Embarking on an HR consulting journey without a sales plan is akin to sailing without a compass. I see it often. HR professionals, making the brave leap into consultancy, with excitement and expectation for a bright consulting future and they completely ignore the development of a sales strategy.

   So many new consultants underestimate the competitiveness of the market and overestimate the ease of acquiring clients. They have inadequate client engagement capability and fail to engage effectively with potential clients, missing out on opportunities to demonstrate value. Plus, the misallocate resource which impacts growth and profitability.

   A well-defined sales strategy and plan from the outset will help avoid these pitfalls.

   So, how do you build a robust sales pipeline?

   Here are 6 suggestions which have helped me and my HR Consulting mentees over the years.

   Networking and Relationship Building

    

   1. Leverage professional networks like LinkedIn -consistently.
   2. Attend industry events and workshops to connect with potential clients and peers.
   3. Foster relationships with existing clients for referrals.

    

   Establish a Strong Online Presence

    

   • Develop a professional website showcasing expertise and testimonials.
   • Engage on social media platforms by sharing insights and joining relevant discussions.
   • Utilise content marketing to establish thought leadership.

    

   Remember, this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and consistency!

   Offer Tailored Solutions

    

   • Understand client-specific challenges and tailor your services to meet these needs.
   • Showcase success stories and case studies to illustrate your impact.

    

   Find Collaborations and Partnerships

   • Collaborate with complementary service providers to expand reach.
   • Consider partnerships with organisations or agencies that can refer clients.

    

   Continuous Learning and Adaptation

    

   • Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging HR challenges.
   • Adapt your services to meet the evolving needs of the market.

    

   Get Sales Focussed and Enhance Your Skills

   Actively seek out a sales mentoring programme that aligns with the unique challenges of the HR industry. These programmes can offer personalised guidance, practical sales techniques, and an understanding of the nuanced art of selling HR Consulting services.

   It just so happens that I have a brand-new programme which does this. It’s called the90 Day Client Accelerator programme.

   On this virtual group mentoring programme you will:

    

   • Learn effective strategies for prospecting, networking, and converting leads into paying clients.
   • Boost your confidence and expertise, so that you can stand out and showcase your value.
   • Develop a system for generating a steady stream of leads and keeping that sales pipeline nice and healthy.

    As HR consultants, we must cultivate a growth mindset where sales are not just a necessity but an integral part of our service offering. By building and maintaining a consistent sales pipeline, we ensure not only our survival but our ability to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of human resources.

   Onwards and Upwards!

   Sarah

4. Reflections from Zanzibar: The value of giving and taking opportunities

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 22nd Dec 2022

   I recently spent a week in Zanzibar, an African island in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania. It was my first time visiting and, though I’d love to holiday there another time, this trip was worth so much more than that. 

   I was invited to deliver a development session as part of the International Association of Women in Radio & Television (IAWRT) 39th biennial conference. My session was presented to over 40 journalists and presenters - from 20 different countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, India, the Philippines, Norway, the USA, and more - about how to leverage their LinkedIn profiles to build authority. 

   To read more about Zanzibar click here ⬇️

   (99+) Reflections from Zanzibar: The value of giving and taking opportunities | LinkedIn

5. 7 ways coaching will help your career

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 13th Jul 2022

   Everyone’s at it! From your favourite sports star, award-winning actress, to your favourite soap star or most-listened-to musician. In fact I'd take a bet that your former boss and the business leaders you most admire are all doing it too!

   Doing what?
   I'd take a bet that they are all having coaching or mentoring sessions, to improve their game, whatever their game is. 

   As leaders in their fields, they know they need to stay ahead of the crowd. Coaching helps them do this, and it will help you do the same! 

   In this blog I share with you my 7 ways in which coaching will help your career and much more: 

6. Making the moves that count post-redundancy

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 22nd Mar 2021

   Redundancy is hard. There’s no two ways about it. But what you do - or don’t do - after it can make all the difference to your future.

   I’ve written before that a redundancy ‘signals a chance to assess your lifestyle’. It’s a time for you to really think hard about what you want next from your career, and how you’re going to make that happen.