gighrly blog

How One HR Project Can Open the Door to Lasting Client Relationships

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:00:03 GMT

How One HR Project Can Open the Door to Lasting Client Relationships

One-off HR projects are often where the magic begins.

A policy refresh. A tricky case. A short-term people problem that needs steady hands and clear thinking. You come in, do great work, and make a real difference!

But what if that didn’t have to be the end of the story?

For many independent HR consultants, the most fulfilling (and sustainable) work comes from long-term client relationships, where trust builds, impact deepens and confidence grows on both sides. The shift from “project support” to “ongoing partner” doesn’t always require a hard sell. It starts with how you show up!

Lead with impact, not outputs

Clients may commission you for a deliverable, but what they value most is how your work makes them feel.

Are you helping them feel clearer, calmer, confident, and more supported? Then you're doing a great job already!

When you wrap up a project, reflect the impact back to them. Did your work reduce risk, unlock better decisions, or take pressure off leaders? Naming this helps clients see your value beyond the task and positions your HR expertise as a strategic enabler, not a reactive fix.

Notice what’s bubbling under the surface

One-off projects often reveal wider patterns. Maybe managers need more support applying new processes. Maybe absence challenges point to deeper wellbeing or capability gaps. Maybe a culture issue quietly shows itself during a case review.

You don’t need to solve everything at once. Simply noticing, naming and gently sharing these insights does wonders for building trust and signalling that you’re thinking holistically about their people and their business.

Help clients move from reactive to ready

Most organisations call in HR support when something feels urgent. But successful long-term relationships are built when you help them get ahead of the curve.

That might mean:

Regular check-ins with leaders
Ongoing advisory support during change or growth
Light-touch reviews of absence, risk or engagement
A trusted sounding board when decisions feel heavy

Position this as confidence-building and preventative, not “more HR”. Clients want fewer fires, not more processes (don't we all?!)

Make ongoing support feel safe and simple

Some of your clients may not have bought retained HR support before. In this case, clarity is the most comforting thing you can provide.

Be specific about:

What support looks like in practice
How often you’ll connect
The problems it helps avoid
How it supports their leaders day-to-day

Clear options remove uncertainty and make it easier for clients to say yes without overthinking it.

Stay connected after the project ends

Some of the strongest relationships are built after the formal work is done.

A quick check-in. A practical follow-up tip. A relevant insight that shows you’re still thinking about their world. These small moments reinforce that you care about outcomes, not just scopes of work.

And that matters.

Trust first. Everything else follows.

Long-term HR partnerships aren’t built on clever packages or polished pitches. They’re built on trust.

When clients feel understood, supported and more confident with you alongside them, continuing the relationship becomes the natural next step.

No push. No pressure. Just progress, together!

In summary...

Turning one-off HR projects into long-term partnerships isn’t about selling more. It’s about showing what’s possible when HR support is proactive, human and strategically aligned.

When you anchor your work in outcomes, spot the bigger picture and offer support that genuinely helps your clients feel more capable, long-term relationships grow organically, and that’s where the most impactful HR work really lives.

Value-Based Pricing for HR Consultants: A Win-Win-Win for Everyone

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:43:20 GMT

Value-Based Pricing for HR Consultants: A Win-Win-Win for Everyone

Day rates are everywhere – familiar, simple, easy. But for HR consultants, they can actually be a bit… limiting.

They tie your income to time, not impact. They make it easy for clients to compare you on cost alone. And they risk undervaluing the judgement, experience, and problem-solving magic you bring.

That’s why value-based pricing can be a game-changer. It’s fair for you, clear for your clients, and ensures the work really delivers. Basically, a win-win-win ��

Why charging based on day rates can be tricky

Day rates focus on hours, not outcomes. That can:

reduce strategic HR work to a simple “cost per day” comparison
make preventative or tricky work harder to justify
reward time spent rather than problems solved

For clients, that means paying for effort rather than results. For you, it undervalues your expertise.

Why value-based pricing works for everyone

Value-based pricing flips the conversation. You’re not selling hours — you’re selling outcomes, impact, and real results.

For clients: clarity, confidence, and measurable results
For you: pricing that actually reflects your expertise
For the work itself: problems get solved properly, not just patched

Everyone walks away happier. That’s the dream, right?

How to make it practical

You don’t need to ditch day rates overnight. Try this simple reframing:

1. Acknowledge the question

“I can share a day rate, but it’s usually more helpful to look at the outcome you need first.”

2. Clarify the problem
Ask what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what a successful result looks like.

3. Frame the work as a result
Describe what changes – fewer risks, smoother processes, calmer leaders – not just what you’ll do.

4. Anchor the fee to the outcome

“For that piece of work, my fee would be £X.”

5. Keep a fallback
If a day rate is needed for internal approvals:

“I can provide one, but I always price based on the outcome rather than hours.”

Why it works

Value-based pricing helps everyone see the magic of HR work. Conversations feel easier, work feels more strategic, and results stick.

When your pricing reflects the difference you make, everyone wins – consultant, client, and outcome ✨

The Impact of Community

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:52:08 GMT

Why Join a Paid

Membership Club?

Stories from our gighrlers

With all the free communities out there, you'd be right in asking, "why should I pay for a membership community?" We get it. But here’s the thing – our whole purpose is to help independent HR and people pros build confident, thriving businesses. And to do that properly, we need the time, tools and talent to run a community that genuinely delivers impact. Helping your business is our business, and being a paid-for space means we can show up for you with real value every day. ��

We launched gighrly earlier this year with the purpose of helping independent HR and people pros prosper in business, and we're already over 50 members strong! ��

We’re always excited to celebrate our members' wins – "win-win-win" is one of our core values, after all!

Here are just a few of the things our community has said that remind us we’re on the right track and making a difference to HRpreneurs.

1. Support, Community & Decision-Making

“As a sole trader, gighrly has become my ‘work family.’ It’s the place where people genuinely get what I do. I’ve made better business decisions simply by having peers to sense-check ideas with and talk things through.”

“Being new to the network, even the first few sessions and the roundtable helped me feel instantly connected and supported. It already feels like a space where I can grow my practice with confidence.”

2. Access to Expertise & Development

“The fireside chats, presentations and meet-ups have been game-changing. I’ve learned so much from the quality of the conversations, and every event gives me something practical to take back into my client work.”

“I’ve gained fresh insights on tricky client situations – from non-payment to handling difficult conversations all through the generosity of other members. That support has been invaluable.”

3. Opportunities, Gigs & Collaboration

“I’ve secured real work through gighrly – conflict coaching, associate discussions, and even collaborations that came from simple introductions. The network genuinely opens doors.”

“Through gighrly I’ve found associates for my own business, made referrals to others, and filled client needs quickly through trusted recommendations.”

4. Network Value & Referral Power

“The group has connected me with brilliant specialists – from coaches to financial planners - that I’ve confidently recommended to my own clients.”

“I’ve met people who not only support my business but expand what I can offer. It’s a true ecosystem of HR and people expertise.”

5. New Member Perspective

“I’m still new, but even with limited time to attend sessions, the warmth and willingness to help has been incredible. I can already see how valuable this network will be as I settle in.”

Our members consistently describe gighrly as the supportive “work family” they were missing. It gives independents a safe place to ask questions, show vulnerability without fear, share challenges, and validate decisions with peers who understand HR consultancy work.

In all...

We’re really proud to have supported so many members who’ve shown up, been open, and embraced the help on offer. And by “we”, we mean everyone – members lifting each other up, collaborators sharing their expertise, and supporters adding their strength. We’re not built around one guru. Instead, we work with specialists across their fields so our members get the very best thinking in sales, marketing, legal, communications and more.

Through this approach, we’ve helped members refine their offers, tackle client challenges with confidence, increase their pricing, and broaden their thinking through expert-led sessions, fireside chats with brilliant entrepreneurs, and peer conversations. With over 86 resources and expert masterclass recordings already in our growing learning library, we’re building a complete business support system – and there’s plenty more coming next year.

So, if you’re an independent people pro or HR-adjacent business looking for a community where connection and collaboration come first, head to our " For HR Freelancers " page. We’d love you to grow and prosper with us in 2026 and beyond! ��

Self-Employment Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:32:05 GMT

When You’re the Only One in the Room: Find Your Solopreneur Tribe

Let’s be honest, being a solopreneur can be brilliantly freeing and utterly lonely all at once.

Sure, you get to build your business your way, work with clients you actually like, and set your own hours.

But some days, it’s just you, your laptop, and the echo of your own thoughts.

No team to bounce ideas off.
No colleague to say, “Yep, that client is being a bit much.”
No one to share the win when you land that dream gig.

The quiet side of freedom

Most people don’t talk about this side of working for yourself - the emotional weight of making every decision alone. It’s not just about business strategy; it’s about confidence, validation, and human connection too.

When you’ve left a corporate role, the silence can be deafening. No morning chatter. No office cake. No quick sanity checks. Just you, trying to be the strategist, marketer, finance director, IT specialist and HR department all in one.

And while independence is wonderful, isolation isn’t sustainable and you can’t be everything and do it well.

Why finding your people matters

You don’t need a huge network, you need the right one. The kind of people who get it. Who’ll celebrate your wins, help you troubleshoot your tech, and remind you that you’re not failing - you’re just human.

Having a tribe means:

Shared understanding – you don’t have to explain what a “fractional HR gig” or “scope creep” means, they just know.
Collective momentum – when you’re flagging, people swarm in to support and lift you up.
Honest feedback – no sugar-coating, just support that helps you grow.
Collaboration – doors open when people genuinely want to see each other succeed.

How to choose your tribe wisely

Not every community fits every freelancer - and that’s okay.

Here’s what to look for when you’re deciding where to plant your flag:

Shared values, not just shared job titles. Look for spaces where kindness, generosity, and collaboration are more important than competition.
A mix of experience levels. You want people who’ve been there before and those still figuring it out so you get different perspectives and energy.
Openness over ego. You’ll thrive in communities where questions are welcomed, and vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness.
Useful conversations. Does the chat go beyond small talk? Are people also helping each other solve real business problems, actually collaborating on stuff for that win-win?
Structure and safety. Is it moderated? Are there guidelines that protect against bad behaviour make it feel safe to share and show vulnerability.
Energy that feels right. You’ll know when you’ve found it: it’s that sense of “ah, I’ve found my people.” When you leave a call buzzing with ideas rather than feeling like you’ve wasted an hour.

Together really is best

You can be independent without being alone.

Every solopreneur needs a corner of the world where they can laugh, vent, ask, and grow alongside others who truly get the journey.

Because when you find your tribe, you find your courage again. You make better decisions. You build faster. You remember why you started. And you soldier on instead of giving up.

And who knows, that person who answers your question in a chat thread today might just become your next collaborator, accountability partner, or lifelong business friend.

So, if you’re out there doing it all on your own, take this as your nudge: go find your people. The ones who’ll cheer when you win and nudge you gently when you stall.

After all, building a business is hard; but it’s a lot easier (and a lot more fun) when you’re not doing it solo.

And if you're a senior level indie people pro or an affiliated HR service provider looking to grow your business, and you have the va va vroom and kindness to offer to others, the gighrly club may just be the perfect place for you! ��

Are You Ready to Make the Leap to HR Consultancy?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:14:22 GMT

Are you ready to take the plunge and become an HRpreneur?

Hey HR pro �� Thinking about swapping your in-house desk for a life of variety, flexibility, and maybe a little more fun? Consulting could be your next big adventure – but when is the right time to take the leap?

1. Figure out your “why”

Consultancy isn’t just a job swap, it’s a whole new vibe. Are you after freedom, variety, or finally getting to specialise in what you love? Knowing your why will help you shape your offer and set yourself up for success.

2. Pick your playground

The best consultants have a niche. Maybe it’s absence management, employee wellbeing, or talent strategy. Whatever lights you up, make it clear (being known for something makes you memorable!)

3. Dip your toes in first

No need to quit your job cold turkey. Start with small projects, freelance gigs, or part-time consulting. You’ll build confidence, get testimonials, and see if consultancy life really suits you.

4. Money talk

Self-employment is exciting but comes with bumps. Irregular income, taxes, and no company perks are real. Make sure you’ve got a little cushion before taking the plunge.

5. Look for the signs

You might be ready if:

Your network is buzzing with opportunities
You’ve got a high-demand skill to offer
You’re excited to run the business side of things as well as the HR magic

6. Leave with love

Keep bridges intact. Your current employer could become a client or a source of referrals. A smooth exit is always a good move.

7. Start small, shine big!

Take on manageable projects first. Learn, grow, and gradually scale. Consultancy is a marathon, but the rewards? Totally worth it.

The bottom line

Making the jump from in-house HR to consultancy is exciting, a little scary, and totally doable. Know your why, find your niche, plan the practical stuff, and go for it – you’ve got this! ��✨

And hey, when you’re ready to start taking on clients, building your brand, and having fun doing it, gighrly will be here to help you get gigs, connect with other HRpreneurs, and make consultancy life even sweeter. ��

Networking Tips: Making It All Worthwhile

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:22:26 GMT

Make your networking worthwhile with these top tips.

This article is just a glimpse into the rich library of resources available to gighrly members. Ready to unlock it all? Join gighrly today !

Whether we like it or not, we need to network to get business.

It’s a critical skill for us people professionals – and whether we’re employed or not. In business, where every non-billable hour counts, it’s all the more important to make sure that what you do by way of networking is worth your time and effort.

Here's a breakdown of what type of networking is worth doing, why it's valuable , and how to position yourself to attract interest .

Types of Networking That Are Worth Your Time

Professional Associations and HR Forums

Why: If you’re targeting larger organisations for the bulk of your work, these platforms connect you to those HR professionals who are in a position to influence outcomes for you.
Examples: CIPD, HRD Roundtables or local/virtual HR networking groups.
How to maximise: Attend events regularly, contribute to discussions, and join subgroups aligned with your interests or expertise (e.g., diversity, talent acquisition).

Industry-Specific Events

Why: Engaging with professionals from the specific industries you’re targeting (e.g., tech, healthcare, retail, not for profit, etc.) helps you to understand the context and the likely business problems they face so you can tailor your solutions and message.
Examples: Tech conferences, MakeUK events or HR-focused panels at larger industry conferences.
How to maximise: Highlight case studies or insights from your experience relevant to the industry.

Cross-Business Meet-ups/Network Groups

Why: If you’re targeting local SMEs, then networking beyond HR circles is paramount.
Examples: Chamber of Commerce, business leadership events such as IoD or business networking clubs. Google search works well in this regard or ask a question in the gighrly club to see which networks folk recommend.
How to maximise: You’ve got some perceptual barriers to overcome when you say you’re in HR, so start by asking those commercial questions to understand the context and then say how you could help. For example, helping businesses to maximise their performance and reduce risk through effective people management practices.

Online Networking Communities

�� As much as we love our blog readers, we can’t spill all the best networking clubs here! ��

Curious to hear our recommendations? Become a gighrly member!

Why: It’s good to be part of several networks so you can broaden your reach and learn from a wider circle. Platforms like LinkedIn, X, and specialised HR forums offer scalable networking and collaboration opportunities in addition to knowledge acquisition opportunities and potential gig opportunities. Some of these are free, but increasingly you’ll find paid for memberships offered. So, our advice is to budget for your networks and choose according to the focus and vibe.
Examples: LinkedIn groups such as ██ ████████ (for transformation-based HR/OD pros) or ██ ███████████ (which has a lot of support for generalist HR Consultants) are both great for building subject-matter expertise and business knowledge. ███ ██ ██████████ ████ is another great network that fosters kindness and which both freelancers and in-house pros can join, and the ██ ████ █████ is for all HR folk who want to connect on a personal and social level with some learning thrown in for good measure.
App-based communities such as ████████ ██ are great for personal growth and general learning, and of course along with other paid for membership-based general business communities such as ███ ████ for freelancers or ███ █████████████ ██████.
Then, there’s the ██████ ████ (which also hosts in-person events) and the ███████████ ████████ ████ which specifically focuses in on growing an HR Consultancy.
And finally, how could we forget out very own gighrly club right here, which focuses on creating prosperity for people pros by developing your confidence, connection and skill in business surrounded by likeminded folk! From your settings tab on the app, you can elect to take part in bi-weekly or monthly 121 match-ups with other gighrly club members to get to know what you do and connect. These 121 match-ups are also great for anyone who gets overwhelmed by group networking – do give them a go (when you become a member!) ��
How to maximise: Share thought leadership content (articles, posts, comments), answer questions, support fellow members and engage with trending topics.

Networking within your clients’ organisations when on assignment

Why: We’ve put this in because building strong relationships within your client organisation beyond the task in hand can create further business opportunities down the line, or at the very least advocacy for your work and approach that you can exploit.
Examples: Coffee chats with project team members, lunch with key stakeholders, or become a coach/guide for permanent HR team members who’ll remember you when they climb the ladder.
How to maximise: Be approachable and always aim to demonstrate the value of people-centric initiatives in driving organisational and strategic success.

How to Position Yourself to Attract Interest when Networking

1. Define and showcase your unique value proposition

Be clear about what sets you apart: Is it your expertise in employee engagement, talent management, or organisational transformation?
Use a succinct elevator pitch that highlights your niche: “I specialise in designing people-first strategies that enable businesses to double their bottom-line performance.” Or “I help organisations to retain talent by training managers on effective people management”.

2. Develop a personal brand

Create a strong online presence through LinkedIn or a personal website.
Check out our gighrly guide to creating a winning LI profile. (Sorry blog readers, this one's for gighrly eyes only!)
Regularly post insights, articles, or success stories from your career.
Engage with other professionals’ content to build reciprocal relationships.

3. Be visible and approachable

Attend events prepared to share your story and ask thoughtful questions.
Carry a business card or have a digital contact-sharing method handy.
Practice active listening – it builds rapport and trust.

4. Share solutions, not just problems

Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing actionable ideas or solutions you’ve implemented.
Offer free value during conversations, such as a useful tool, book recommendation, or insight.

5. Leverage testimonials and case studies

When relevant, reference successful projects or testimonials to showcase your impact.
Example: “In my last project, I introduced a recognition program that improved employee engagement by 25%.”

6. Follow up and stay engaged

After meeting someone, connect on LinkedIn and personalise the message: “It was great meeting you at [event]. Would love to stay connected!”
Maintain relationships by periodically engaging with their content or sending helpful resources to them.

Ready to up your networking game with a community of HRpreneurs on the same journey as you, land new gigs, and get access to loads of resources like this to boost your business success in every area? Join gighrly today (it costs less than a cup of coffee a day ☕) and let's 'win-win-win' together. ��

Find Top HR Talent for Your Next Project – Fast!

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:20:31 GMT

Tap into the gighrly community of freelance HR experts.

If you’re looking to fill a short-term HR role, whether it’s interim cover, project support or specialist expertise, you don’t need to rely on expensive recruitment agencies or wait weeks for results. There’s a faster, smarter way.

Meet gighrly. We’re a curated community of independent HR consultants, each with a proven track record in delivering results for clients across every industry. From TUPE and restructures to culture change and employee relations, our members have done it all.

Why post your gig on gighrly?

Speed
No long lead times. Get your role in front of available consultants quickly.

Specialist experience
We’re all about HR. No generalists. No fluff. Just real expertise from dedicated people.

Real relationships
Connect directly with consultants who care about quality, client fit, and getting the best outcomes for you.

No middlemen
No commission. No inflated rates. Just straightforward, honest hiring.

What kinds of roles can you post?

Maternity/long-term leave cover
Project-based roles (e.g., policy refreshes, audits, training)
Support for restructures, investigations, or change programmes
Fractional/part-time HR leadership
Short-term surge support during peak periods

What does it cost?

We don't believe in percentage fees, so we charge a flat fee based on your needs.

Because, our members are our world, and we’re here to help them prosper by securing great gigs with great companies (like you!) So, rather than milking it, we believe in win-win-win. You get a great HR pro, they get a great gig and we get something for our efforts.

All we ask is that your request is genuine and that you don’t ghost our members.

If you’re happy to honour that, and want access to a high-quality pool of experienced HR professionals, come and talk to us!

�� Ready to post your opportunity?

Head to www.gighrly.com/for-clients , fill in the sho rt form, and we’ll share it with our members.

Let’s get your gig filled by someone who really gets it.

A Beginner's Guide to Time Optimisation

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:46:10 GMT

Time: it’s the one thing we all wish we had more of!

Whether you’re running a business, juggling multiple gigs, or just trying to stay on top of life, making the most of your time is a game-changer. But optimising your time shouldn't be about cramming in more tasks, it should be about working smarter.

So let's explore some practical ways to boost productivity, cut out time-wasters, and create space for what truly matters.

1. Focus on What Actually Matters

Not everything on your to-do list is a must -do! Some tasks drive real results, while others just keep you busy. The key to becoming a time-optimisation master is to prioritise high-impact activities and stop sweating the small stuff.

Start by identifying your big wins - i.e., the tasks that directly contribute to your goals. If something doesn’t move the needle, ask yourself: does this really need my time and energy? If not, delegate or drop it.

��Pro Tip : Use the 80/20 rule: spend 80% of your time on the 20% of tasks that create the biggest impact .

2. Boss it at Planning

Winging can get you so far, until you realise you’ve spent the day putting out fires instead of making progress. A simple plan can help you stay ahead and stress less.

Try setting daily intentions rather than just a to-do list. What are the top three things you need to accomplish today? This keeps you focused and prevents you from drowning in endless tasks.

�� Pro Tip : Before logging off, jot down tomorrow’s top three priorities . Your future self will thank you!

3. Cut Out Time-sucking Gremlins

We all have ‘em… those sneaky little distractions that steal our time. Social media scrolling, back-to-back meetings, email black holes, and before you know it, another day’s over! The trick is to identify your biggest time-wasters and actively manage them .

Batch-check emails instead of reacting to them all day - removing notifications will help. Set no-meeting hours. Use website blockers if social media is your kryptonite. Small changes make a huge difference - you’ve got this!

�� Pro Tip : Try the Pomodoro technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break . It keeps you sharp and focused!

4. Delegate, Automate, and Free Yourself!

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to do everything yourself . Whether it’s outsourcing admin work, using scheduling tools, or setting up automations, finding ways to take tasks off your plate will free up valuable time.

Start small and pick just one thing to delegate or automate this week . Maybe it’s using a calendar booking system instead of manually scheduling meetings or hiring a virtual assistant for repetitive tasks. The more you offload, the more time you gain.

⚡ Pro Tip : If a task doesn’t require your unique skill set, it’s a prime candidate for delegation!

5. Set Boundaries Like a Pro

Can’t stop saying yes to everything? That’s a fast track to burnout.

Protecting your time means learning to say 'no', setting clear boundaries , and making sure your schedule works for you , not against you.

Start by blocking out focus time in your calendar (some AI based calendars will do this for you nowadays), setting email response hours , and politely declining tasks that don’t align with your goals .

Remember, every ‘yes’ to something unimportant is a ‘no’ to something that matters.

��‍♀️ Pro Tip : Try this magic phrase: "I’d love to, but I don’t have the bandwidth right now." It’s polite but firm.

Final Thought: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Time optimisation isn’t about packing in more , it’s about making what you do count .

Prioritise what matters , plan ahead , cut distractions , and delegate wherever possible . The more intentional you are with your time, the more you’ll get done without the stress.

Ready to take control of your time and become an optimisation pro? Start small, build momentum, and watch the magic happen! ��

Now go and make the most of your time! ��

What's the Difference Between an Interim, Fractional, or Project Role?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:31:19 GMT

Understanding Interim, Fractional, and Project Roles: Plus, What IR35 Means for Interim Workers

If you’re an independent professional or thinking about stepping into the world of contract work, you’ve likely heard terms like Interim, Fractional, Project-Based , and IR35 thrown around. And if you're a prospective client, you may be a tad confused by all these different labels. So in this blog we'll aim to break this down for you so you can be 'gig aware' . ��

While they may all sound similar and they're all gig-work in some way, they mean very different things. And understanding these differences is essential, especially when it comes to how you structure your contracts and what tax implications might apply.

So let’s break it all down.

What’s an interim role?

An interim role is a temporary position taken on by a highly skilled professional to bridge a gap or manage a critical transition in an organisation. These roles often fill leadership or senior-level vacancies for a fixed period. For example, you might see roles such as Interim HR Director or Interim CFO.

Inside IR35 vs. outside IR35 for interim roles

The IR35 rules were designed to prevent "disguised employment", where contractors work in a manner similar to employees to avoid paying tax and National Insurance.

Inside IR35:

If your interim contract is deemed to be “inside IR35,” it means you’re considered to be operating like an employee. The organisation is responsible for deducting tax and National Insurance from your pay before you receive it. Essentially, you’re taxed like an employee.

Example: You have fixed working hours, work under the direct control of the company, and use their tools and equipment.

Outside IR35:

If your contract is “outside IR35,” you’re seen as genuinely self-employed. You can pay yourself through dividends and manage your own tax arrangements.

Example: You run your own business, control how and when you work, and provide your own tools.

Key takeaways

If you want more flexibility and better tax advantages, ensuring your contract is outside IR35 is ideal.

However, being inside IR35 is often more common for interim roles where you’re embedded in the day-to-day operations of an organisation.

It's always best to look at each of the gigs individually before making a full assessment of whether a role is inside or outside of IR35.

What’s a fractional role?

A fractional role is where a senior professional works with multiple organisations, offering their expertise on a part-time, ongoing basis. Instead of working full-time for one company, they “fraction” their time across several. Think of it like having access to a highly experienced executive, but only for a few days a month.

Fractional roles typically focus on strategic guidance/strategy formulation rather than operational delivery, making them ideal for start-ups or SMEs that can’t afford, or don’t need, a full-time executive.

Examples of fractional roles:

Fractional Chief People Officer

Fractional HR Director

Fractional Chief of Staff

How is fractional different from an interim role?

Ongoing vs. time-limited : Fractional roles are often ongoing, whereas interim roles have a clear start and end date.

Multiple clients vs. one client: Fractional professionals typically work with multiple companies, while interim roles are focused on one company at a time.

Strategic vs. operational: Fractional professionals often focus on providing strategic advice, while interim roles tend to involve operational responsibilities too.

How is a project role different?

A project-based role is tied to delivering a specific outcome or piece of work within a set timeframe. It’s not about filling a position, it’s about achieving a goal. Once the project is completed, the role ends.

Examples of project roles:

Implementing a new HR information system
Leading an organisational redesign
Running an employee engagement initiative

Key distinctions between project and interim roles:

Deliverable vs. Operational Continuity : Project roles focus on delivering a result, while interim roles are about maintaining continuity during a transition.

Clear scope vs. evolving needs: Project roles have a defined scope and deliverables, while interim roles can evolve as the organisation’s needs change.

Tax implications: Like interim roles, project roles can also fall inside or outside IR35 depending on how the work is structured.

Wrapping up

Whether you’re considering an interim, fractional, or project-based role, understanding the nuances can help you choose the right fit for your lifestyle, career goals, and tax status.

Interim roles offer a chance to take on senior positions temporarily - watch out for IR35.

Fractional roles let you offer your expertise across multiple businesses on an ongoing basis.

Project roles are about delivering results for a specific initiative.

Each option has its own benefits and considerations, but clarity on your role structure and tax status is key to success as a contractor or consultant.

If you're a client seeking to establish the best way to structure your gig requirement complete our enquiry form via www.gighrly.com/for-clients .

And if you're a senior HR pro needing some support and additional resources, head over to our gighrly club. If you haven't already joined, find out how at www.gighrly.com/for-HRpreneurs.

Happy gig-making and gig-seeking!

A gighrly Guide to 2025 Goal Setting

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:21:14 GMT

What do you want to achieve in 2025?

As we enter the new year, now's the perfect time to dream big and get your plans in place. Whether you’re a seasoned HR consultant or just starting your exciting journey into HRpreneurship, setting goals doesn’t have to be scary and it can actually be quite motivating!

Here’s a friendly little guide to help you nail those 2025 goals and keep your HR biz sparkling.

1. Take a Break and Look Back Before You Move On

Before you dive into planning for 2025, take a moment to look back on 2024 and ask yourself:

What were your proudest moments or achievements?
What tricky bits tripped you up, and how did you tackle them?
What totally worked, and what needs a little tweaking?

Then be honest about what didn't go so well for you and how you responded - could you have been more objective or did you take it personally?

It's hard to be objective when you're emotionally invested in something, so in line with the final point, when something happens that isn't according to plan, take a deep breath, look down on the situation and ask 'what went well', and 'what could be even better if' (aka WWW/EBI) - no negative stuff in that language but a really helpful couple of questions to get you in the continuous improvement zone, without taking things personally... try it!

So, celebrate your wins and learn from your stumbles - they're all life lessons that will guide you on your journey forward and you've so got this! ��

2. Create Goals You Can Actually Make Happen

When you're setting goals, they need to be SMART . Now, those people pros and people managers in this audience will likely have heard of this before but this handy little acronym stands for S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, and T ime-bound and is just as relevant for us solopreneurs.

Specific: Instead of 'grow my client base', why not try 'find five awesome new clients from small businesses in the tech sector by the end of Q2' .
Measurable: In stead of 'improve my skills', how about 'complete a certification in HR technology by the end of Q3 to enhance my service offering' .
Achievable: Instead of 'launch a viral marketing campaign', try 'run a £500 marketing campaign in January targeting businesses in need of HR consulting services, with the goal of gaining three new clients by the end of Q1' .
Relevant: Instead of 'work on personal development', perhaps you could say 'attend two HR networking events in 2025 to build relationships and gain insights into industry trends'.
Time-bound: Instead of 'work on personal branding', why not set a goal to 'update my LinkedIn profile and publish one article per month on HR topics to increase my visibility by March 2025'.

When your goals are SMART it's much easier to put action plans in place to achieve them and to check your progress! Hopefully we're preaching to the converted here, but sometimes we all need to be reminded to drink our own medicine! ��

3. Be Kind to Yourself and Go with the Flow

The world of HR gigging (and gigging in general) can be a pretty squiggly journey, and you may not know where you'll end up despite your SMART goals and plans! So, be prepared to be flexible and go easy on yourself when you have curveballs thrown at you - be those personal or professional.

Think of it like navigating a river. Sometimes you steer the course, sometimes you let the current take you where you need to go, but most importantly you’re always moving forward.

Make sure you:

Check in with yourself every few months. What’s working? What’s not? Remember WWW/EBI?
Keep taking small steps towards your goal, so you’re always making progress.

4. Make New Friends and Reconnect with your Old but Good'uns

Networking for many can be a little daunting, especially if you're not the outgoing type! But as entrepreneur extraordinaire Porter Gale says in her book of the same title, " your network is your net worth ", you've got to put some effort in to get something back. So, for 2025, go and push the boat out and set some social goals like:

Go to three events relevant to you or your business and meet at least one person that you’d grab a coffee with at each of them. Start researching these before the end of the year so you can take advantage of early bird offers.
Post something helpful or inspiring on LinkedIn every week - just showing up will help you to generate visibility and you never know who might see it! It's amazing just how many people you can reconnect with when you put yourself out there (and here's the thing: if you're a tad shy, it really doesn't have to all be about you at all!)
Join a network group (or create one like our Dotty is doing!) to share tips and laughs. There are loads of good networks - just drop Dotty a note if you want any recommendations.

Because, there's so much we can learn from each other when we grow together! �� That's why #togetherisbest is one of our values at gighrly.

5. Take Care of You

Your business is important, but it can't function without you! Make self-care a non-negotiable in 2025.

Schedule time to chill, whether it’s yoga, Netflix, or a walk with your dog (or cat!)
Set boundaries so you’re not answering emails at midnight.
Go out with your friends.
Check in with yourself often. Feeling good? Need a break? Listen to your body and heart. ❤️

Let's Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet!

Setting goals doesn’t have to feel like homework, and if you do need some support or want to know you don’t have to do this alone, our friendly gighrly community will be on hand to help whenever and wherever you need it.

Now go grab a cuppa, pull out your notebook, and start dreaming big. You’ve got this! ��

A Beginner's Guide to Business Mindset

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:39:33 GMT

What does it take to think like an entrepreneur?

Making the jump to working for yourself can feel super overwhelming at times. There's so much to lose and so much to think about. What if it all goes wrong? It can be so tempting not to take the leap at all.

Well, here's the thing - with the right mindset, you can most definitely approach these challenges with the confidence to help you get your wins in. And building an entrepreneurial mindset is the way to go if you're seeking to go it alone, and generate multiple streams of income that will help you ride the feast and famine rollercoaster like a 'Rolls Royce' knife blade cutting through butter!

Building an entrepreneurial mindset though isn't just about thinking strategically, it’s also about learning as you go (or indeed as you grow) and building the 'grit factor' that will help you through the rough times and drive you to your goals.

In this Knowledge Nugget guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of building an entrepreneurial mindset, with some tips and insights that can help you stay focused, adaptable, and resilient in your own entrepreneurial journey, whatever that looks like. So whether you're a contractor looking for project gigs and want to develop a side-hustle, you want to become a published author, or you're an independent looking to gain your first or more clients, have a think through which of these tips may apply best to you.

1. Build a Growth Mindset

Nailed by Carol Dweck in her book ' Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential ', a growth mindset is all about believing your abilities aren’t set in stone - they can grow and evolve with a little effort, curiosity, and lots of practice and persistence! Whether you're tackling a new project or navigating a setback, if you view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow you'll continuously improve, increase your confidence, and innovate your way through obstacles to reach places you never knew you could.

gighrly Tip: Celebrate progress, not perfection, and take action. Because each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Marginal gains is the way to go!

2. Stay Agile and Learn Constantly

The business landscape is constantly evolving - algorithms change, markets shift and macro factors such as regs, economics and governments have a happy knack of changing the status quo. So the ability to adapt is key to staying competitive in your market. What does this mean for freelancers?

Well, being agile means staying open to new ideas and adjusting your own personal strategies wherever necessary (and that includes pivoting). It also means embracing change instead of fearing it (you know that old adage of 'feel the fear and do it anyway' - well, do just this).

Why bother? It's easy to get comfortable with what you know, but if you're agile in your mindset and learning approach it will help you stay ahead of the curve, make you even more relevant, and above all, ready for anything!

gighrly Tip: Stay curious and proactive - keep an eye on trends, listen to feedback, take action and always be ready to pivot if needed. Build focused learning time into your weekly diary using time blocking, find a coach, mentor or community that can help, and above all, don't feel guilty for investing time (and money) in your personal growth.

3. Bounce Back from Setbacks

Everyone in business faces challenges at some point, whether it’s a tricky or dry market, a disappointing product launch, or an unexpected setback. Resilience is what helps you bounce back stronger each time.

It’s about not letting failures define you, but learning from them, adjusting your approach, and keeping your long-term vision in sight. Combined with a growth and agility mindset, it's what helps you to pick yourself up and go again!

gighrly Tip: Focus on solutions, not problems. When in the midst of a setback, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” and think about how you can turn it into an opportunity to grow. And from speaking with countless solopreneurs, this really does work!

4. Focus on Your Impact, Not Just the Money

High-performing freelancers and business owners are driven by more than just a desire to make money. Often driven by a purpose to make a difference to or create value for their clients, they focus on solving problems, meeting their audiences' needs, and making a positive impact.

If you do this too, your business will naturally attract loyal customers and partners. When you centre your business around creating real value, success will follow. It's a key component of your personal brand too and what determines your reputation!

gighrly Tip: Ask yourself: “How does what I do improve someone’s life or drive value in their business?” and let this guide your decisions.

5. Keep Your Clients at the Heart of Everything You Do

Sounds obvious but often overlooked. Understanding your customers’ needs, challenges, and goals is fundamental to building a thriving business of any size. So, go beyond purely passion projects, stay customer-focused and you’ll be able to build stronger relationships, increase loyalty, and ensure you’re always delivering something that meets (or exceeds!) their expectations. After all, a happy customer is your best business asset.

gighrly Tip: Ask your customers or your target customers for feedback on what their problems or expectations might be - whether it’s through direct feedback, surveys, or social media. Insights like these are gold and will help you craft a proposition that is meaningful to them!

6. Be Bold, Be Calculated

So, big ideas, an agile mindset and the grit and determination to take action are key to gaining those wins. But what about the risks?

Whether it's taking the leap to leave employment, saying 'no' to a gig offer, pivoting your proposition, launching a new product or service, entering a new market, or making a big investment, the way you look at risk should be baked into your entrepreneurial journey.

To be good at managing, you should seek to understand the risk first, weigh up the potential rewards, and make informed decisions to proceed with caution, amend your plans, or withdraw from your course of action altogether.

gighrly Tip: To minimise any risk, test the water with people you already know and trust. Launch pilot projects, or if you're a freelancer, only commit to short-term assignments if you're at all unsure about a client or brief.

7. Think Big, Start Small

Ah, this is an overused phrase, but it's so true. It can be tempting to think big and only big - this can however lead to paralysis and overwhelm. So, it's important to take action to hit those short-term goals as well as keeping your eyes on the bigger picture. Having a clear vision keeps you focused on what matters most, but it's the sum of all the small steps that are going to get you there! ' The 12-Week Year ' by Brian P Moran and Michael Lennington is a great book for focusing the mind on achieving those short term goals!

gighrly Tip: Break down your long-term vision into achievable 12-week milestones. This will keep you motivated and on track to success. And don't try to squeeze too much in too soon either - remember those marginal gains? ��

In a Nugget:

The mindset you cultivate will shape the business you end up with.
Don't be afraid to change course, pivot or withdraw after assessing the risks.
Stay focused, stay curious, and keep pushing forward by taking small steps.