After working within the HR industry for both the Military and now Private Sector, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's in the field, and finally working towards my certifications, I have decided that I would like to pursue HR Consulting on my own.
Any advice for breaking into consulting in general and finding clients?
Answers
Robert,
You might want to check with your local Kelly office and ask for the Kelly OCG division. You could get your feet wet and not look at the risk of being on your own for everything. They are one of the largest and oldest employment companies, but now so much more. They consult and contract out entire departments from entry to VP level. Thanks for your service and God Bless.
Robert... foremost, "thank you" for your service. I interpret your 'ask' being premised on two dimensions: 1) starting up a solo consulting practice, and 2) focusing on the H.R. practice. I can speak to both, as I traveled a similar journey 20 years ago in the San Francisco area...armed with a masters in O.D. and 10 years with AT&T...by co- launching a change management consultancy. Four years thereafter, I embarked on a diverse career path (e.g., global advertising/Hallmark Cards/big pharma), but what I held to throughout was a focus on the 'change' factor. Regardless of industry or title, I knew what I knew (by choice) ... and didn't attempt to stray too far out of my lane. My point: in declaring 'H.R.' -- which has multiple disciplines therein -- I'd encourage you to understand where you absolutely DO want to be … and feel okay with opting out of what you don't. Whether it's benefits, training, policy, employee engagement, compensation, recruiting, or …. be the best you can be … and partner with others to augment your talent. Being solo is tough; promising/doing too much just to gain clients will ultimately sabotage your success. I wish you the very best!
Hi Robert! I highly recommend you check out books by Alan Weiss -- here's a link to his website: https://alanweiss.com/store/books/
If you want to talk about starting your own business I'd be happy to set up a time to chat by phone next week -- Jim "Da Coach"
Hi Michael! I am open to either, but leaning towards my own business.
Are you wanting to hang your own shingle or join a consulting firm?
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