Making the leap from an in-house HR role to starting your own consultancy isn’t just a change in job, it’s a complete mindset shift. You go from being part of a team, with structure and support, to suddenly being your own IT department, sales team, finance lead, and delivery expert – all at once!
We know how overwhelming that can feel in the early days. That’s why we created a webinar recently, From Secure to Solo: How to Start Smart and Stand Out, hosted by Siân Harrington, The People Space and featuring the fantastic Amy Sawbridge of Sawbridge Consulting and former Chief People Officer at Côte, Brand Director & Head of Employee Experience at Virgin. Amy shared her honest reflections from her transition to freelance and offered a wealth of practical advice on staying resilient, building a brand, and getting your consultancy off the ground.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
You won’t have it all figured out – start anyway!
Amy’s biggest advice? Just begin. Whether that’s a conversation, a post on LinkedIn, or drafting your first proposal – waiting for the perfect moment or a fully mapped-out plan will only slow you down. “You figure it out as you go,” she reminded us, “and that’s okay.”
Mindset is everything
The shift to solo work means you take on all the roles. It’s not just delivering great HR work, you’re managing proposals, setting pricing, handling admin, troubleshooting tech, and selling your services. Amy spoke candidly about the steep learning curve and the importance of getting structured, facing the tasks you’re unfamiliar with, and not being afraid to ask for help.
Your uniqueness is your USP
Amy’s path didn’t follow a “traditional” HR route and that turned out to be her biggest asset. She encouraged attendees to lean into what makes them different. Your experience, your style, your perspective – these are what set you apart in a sea of sameness. Especially now, when knowledge is abundant, how you deliver it is what clients value most.
Marketing doesn’t have to feel salesy
Many new consultants feel uneasy about marketing themselves. Amy gets it. But she’s found that being authentic, sharing reflections, tools, and even questions can help you build visibility without compromising who you are. It’s not about broadcasting blindly, it’s about nurturing two-way connection. Engaging with others’ content and starting real conversations was, in her words, one of the most powerful ways she’s built her network and visibility.
Community matters
A golden thread running through the whole session, was importance of community. Having peers to bounce ideas off, share frustrations with, or simply check in with on tough days can make all the difference. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, a formal network, or a supportive client circle, don’t try to do this alone.
Are you ready to take the next step?
If you’re thinking about starting your own HR consultancy, or wondering how to build momentum in the early stages our HR Consultancy Readiness Assessment is a great place to begin. It takes just a few minutes to complete and gives you a personalised report with clear, practical advice on where you’re strong and where to focus next.
Take the free assessment and start your journey with confidence.
