Does anyone have any good network routes/registers for HR consultants?  I have recently started my own business providing HR Consultancy and HR Outsourced services, and now need to look to market the services and develop my client base.

I clearly don't wish to use the network as an advertising medium so I'm simply looking for good advice from anyone who has relevant knowledge of this field.  Perhaps you use consultancy services regularly and can provide details of any UK registers or business network groups?

Hi Elaine,

It is worth having a look at the LinkedIn networking site (www. linkedin.com)- used a lot by the HR community and it is amazing who you come across - you can search by functional specialism, title, geography, previous companies, etc.

feel free to link with me when you have set up your home page

Hi Mark

Many thanks for your response.  I am already on linked in, but only through colleagues inviting me!  I'll explore it's capabilities today and send you an invite to link up.

Kind regards

Elaine

Elaine,

Well done on taking the plunge to set up your own consultancy - it is a big step, but very rewarding.

Marketing outsourced HR solutions is always a tricky one - many companies need some form of HR support, but are not prepared to buy the service. They see a bit like insurance - 'never had to use it before, so why do I need it now'!!

I wouldn't discount your own network - a lot of my consultancy work comes through my own network, and has required a lot of marketing to achieve that.

One external networking group I have found very good is BNI - Business Network International www.bni.com

Its a referral group, where you go and the sole purpose is to pass each other business. The good thing about it is that you are only allowed one representative from each profession in each chapter. So I am the only HR consultant in my chapter, and all the HR work gets sent my way.

I am in my third year now and have found it  very good. Its not a short term thing, you do have to use it for the long term. It took me my first years membership to really start flying.

Hope this helps.

Adrian

Hi Adrian

Thank you very much for your great reply - I found it really helpful.  I've now contacted my local BNI group to explore membership.

Kind regards

Elaine

Hi Elaine

Congratulations on making the big step.

Sites like www.trainerbase.co.uk and www.skillfair.co.uk are worth a look.

In addition the institute of business consulting may well have something to offer.  www.linkedin.com  is also a good idea

For networking use the CIPD branch meeting - even if you are not a member, and network with the likes of the local business links.

It is worth doing a SWOT analysis on where you are and where you are going as part of your planning process. 

Good luck

Mike

Hi Mike

Thank you very much for your response and good wishes.  The site link to SWOT analysis and other tools is really good thanks!

Kind regards

Elaine