The Consultants' Dilemma: Why Great HR Skills Aren't Enough In The SME Market
As an HR consultant in Australia, you've already done what most won't. You've backed yourself, won clients, and delivered results. But here's the reality many consultants face: being excellent at HR doesn't automatically build a sustainable consulting business.
Does this sound familiar?
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You're constantly trapped in client delivery work
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Every proposal requires building custom solutions from scratch
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You're selling your time — and there's never enough of it
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The business that was meant to create freedom has become your biggest constraint
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The model that got you started eventually stops working. As one recent HR Coach Academy graduate said, "I realised I was working harder, not smarter. I needed structure, not just more hours in the day."
The HR Consultant's Growth Ceiling (And How to Break Through)
Our research with Australian HR consultants reveals three consistent barriers to growth:
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The Time Trap: Writing custom proposals and building new templates for each client
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The Pricing Challenge: Struggling to price bespoke work properly, leading to undercharging
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The Marketing Gap: Being too busy delivering to consistently market and fill your pipeline
When a client asks for "strategic HR," do you find yourself building solutions on the fly? This reactive approach costs precious time and often undervalues your expertise.
"Follow the bouncing ball! Plan to create client solutions that deliver ROI."​
Katrina Haynes, HR Matters
The HR Coach Toolkit: Purpose-Built for Australian HR Consultants
The HR Coach Toolkit isn't just another set of templates. It's a complete business system for HR consultants working specifically with Australian SMEs, backed by 20+ years of research in this market.
What makes our toolkit different? It's designed to help you shift from project-to-project work to a sustainable business with recurring revenue, client structure, and room to grow.
The toolkit includes:
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60+ Strategic and Tactical Solutions: Ready-to-use programs backed by Australian market research
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Business-Focused Language: Tools written in business language (not HR speak) that resonate with SME owners
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ROI-Driven Frameworks: Solutions designed to demonstrate clear business impact and value
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Facilitated Workshops: Ready-to-run programs with workbooks, slides, and delivery guides
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Online Assessment Platforms: Tools like STAR Workplace and Fusion Culture with built-in benchmarking
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Compliance Frameworks: Calculators and audits for risk management that show immediate value
These aren't just templates—they're facilitated workshops, diagnostics, programs, assessments, and online platforms with structured outcomes that clients value enough to pay premium rates for.
The Business Model That Works: Beyond Trading Time for Money
The most successful HR consultants in our network have transformed their revenue model. Instead of relying solely on hourly billing, they've created predictable income streams through productised services.
Our research shows that sustainable consulting businesses generate at least 40% of their revenue from product sales rather than billable hours.
With the HR Coach Toolkit, you can:
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Win bigger clients with structured programs that demonstrate professional rigour
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Build retainers or repeat work with licensable tools clients want to keep using
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Create productised services that don't require your direct involvement at every step
"I've surpassed my business forecasts within my first year...The structured approach and comprehensive IP have liberated me from reinventing HR processes, allowing me to deliver impactful solutions to SMEs."​
Jane Save, The Save Group
Ongoing Support That Amplifies Your Success
Running your own business can be isolating. That's why our network of 140+ HR consultants across Australia and New Zealand collaborates, shares insights, and supports each other's growth.
As part of the HR Coach network, you'll receive:
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Monthly masterclasses on tools, research, and client trends
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Updated white papers and benchmarking data as markets shift
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Access to a collaborative network of like-minded professionals
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Partner referral networks (legal, EAP, WHS) for specialised client needs
"The supportive network of like-minded professionals has accelerated my business growth"​
Anna Finch, Kardia HR
Not a Franchise—A Flexible Business Framework
We're not a franchise. You run your business your way, with your brand and your style. We provide the toolkit, training, and support—you choose how to implement it.
"Their flexible, scalable model and proven IP gave me the confidence to expand locally and enhance services for existing clients," Anna Finch continues. This flexibility ensures you can adapt the tools to your unique consulting style while still benefiting from proven methodologies.
"The structured sales training and support provided by HR Coach, particularly during the Academy, validated our decision, leading to immediate client acquisition and business growth."​
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Colin Wilson, Key Business Advisors
"The Academy provided practical solutions that I immediately applied to secure clients, marking a new chapter where I leverage solid IP and a tailored business plan to confidently pursue my entrepreneurial goals."​
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Warren Howard, HowardCo
"The Academy provided practical solutions and a logical process that aligned perfectly with my experience and thinking. Now, equipped with proven methods and systems, I am confidently building a sustainable consulting business."​
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Kayley Riddle, People Engine
Is the HR Coach Toolkit Right for Your Consulting Business?
Our most successful members share these characteristics:
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Experience in HR: They bring solid HR knowledge and skills to the table
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Client-focused mindset: They prioritise business outcomes, not just HR processes
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Growth orientation: They want to build something sustainable, not just freelance
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Collaborative approach: They value being part of a professional community
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Business acumen: They understand that HR must drive commercial results
If this sounds like you, the HR Coach Toolkit could be the catalyst that transforms your consulting practice from constantly chasing the next project to building a thriving, sustainable business.
The Academy: Your Launch Pad for Accelerated Growth
All our HR Coaches complete an intensive two-week HR Coach Academy in Brisbane. This isn't theory—it's hands-on business building:
Week 1 focuses on mastering the toolkit:
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Organisational Measurement and Planning
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HR Processes and Systems
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Governance and Compliance
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Performance Management
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Workplace Improvement
Week 2 is all about building your business:
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Creating your sales funnel and pitch
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Conducting client needs analysis
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Building your sales kit and proposals
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Developing a measurable business plan and cashflow forecast
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Establishing your online presence
"I wish I could do it all over again, as I would pick up on different aspects the second time around."​
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Vanessa Petch, HR Maximised
Your Next Steps: From Consideration to Transformation
We don't believe in hard sales. We believe in fit.
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Our process is designed to ensure mutual alignment:
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Book an Information Session: We'll walk you through the Toolkit structure and discuss your business goals.
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Skills & Business Fit Review: We'll map how your existing strengths could plug into productised delivery.
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Toolkit & Business Model Session: See how to position the tools, what clients respond to, and what it takes to grow sustainably.
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Academy Program: Our intensive HR Coach Academy builds your plan, services, sales process, and offer. Run 6x per year in Brisbane.
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Launch: You choose your timing and pace, but you won't be doing it alone.
Build a Consulting Business That Lasts
If you've reached a point where time is your ceiling, it's time to build something different.
You don't need to "work harder." You need the right structure.
The HR Coach Toolkit is built specifically for HR consultants who want to grow their business. It contains tools that actually work in the Australian SME market.
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Let's stop guessing, get structured, and build a consulting business that delivers freedom and financial reward.
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Is HR consultancy a viable career choice?A study in 2016 by the Australian Human Resources Institute said that out of 437 HR professionals, about 85% were satisfied or happy with their work. It is true that HR is often at the core of frustrating conflicts in a business and there are a number of challenges- like with all other businesses and departments. ​ However, with the increasing number of small to medium-sized businesses in Australia and a growing number of people who prefer to use outsourced consultancy services as opposed to hiring full-time staff, HR consultancy is a very promising career choice.
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Can you open a consulting firm without HR experience?Getting into HR without prior experience or education is common and many people discover that they particularly enjoy it once they are in the field. However, opening a consulting firm without prior experience may be a bit tricky and risky. ​ First of all, your clients may want to see some certifications or endorsements of your experience before they hire your firm. ​ Additionally, it is important to know how to grow a network and manage different aspects of a business before opening one. Since many issues in HR can get technical and frustrating, it is advisable for you to have some sort of training before you start working as a consultant and providing services.
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Is a strong online presence essential to running an HR consulting business?A strong online presence is highly advisable when running an HR consulting business because it is the fastest and most effective way of growing and leveraging your network. You can have thousands of contacts and educate your network about the services you offer via social media. ​ Social media plays an important role in presenting your message, disseminating it to a large audience, and helping you connect with an extended network. ​ Moreover, if an HR business is not on social media, clients may have a hard time trusting the business and communicating with the business. It is sometimes said that if you aren't on social media, you simply don't exist. ​ Therefore all HR consulting companies should work hard to develop a strong and engaging online presence and continue to interact with their target audience virtually.
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What is change management, and why is it important for SMEs?Change management is all about guiding your small and medium-sized enterprises through organisational change. It's crucial for SMEs because it helps ensure that your business can adapt to change smoothly, keeping disruptions to a minimum. It fosters a culture where everyone is on board and knows how to handle new challenges, which is especially important as change is inevitable in today's fast-paced enterprise world.
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How can SMEs effectively manage change?To manage change effectively, SMEs should start by understanding the need for change and crafting a clear vision. Then, communicate this vision clearly to your team, involve them in the change process, and address any resistance to change with empathy. Providing the necessary resources and training will help your team adapt to new ways of working.
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What are some common change management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises?Some effective change management strategies include involving stakeholders early in the change initiative, setting clear goals, and maintaining open communication throughout the change process. Additionally, using proven change management models like Kotter's 8-Step Process or ADKAR can provide a structured approach to implement change.
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What role does effective communication play in change management for SMEs?Effective communication is the backbone of any successful change initiative. It ensures that everyone in the organization understands the reasons for the change, what it entails, and how it will affect them. Keeping lines of communication open helps mitigate fears and rumors, boosts morale, and encourages a supportive environment.
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How can you overcome resistance to change in an SME?Overcoming resistance to change starts with understanding the concerns of your team. Engage them in the decision-making.