Ever Been Left in Proposal Purgatory?

Your "perfect fit" client who was THRILLED about working together suddenly vanishes into thin air.

No replies. No feedback. Nothing but deafening silence.

Meanwhile, you're left checking your inbox every 5 minutes, second-guessing everything from your pricing to your professional worth.

In this week's episode, I'm ending the ghosting nightmare once and for all.

You’ll discover:

• The insanely clever question that gets a reply 95% of the time - even if it’s just to tell you, “no”.
• What to say to take control of the conversation so you aren't the one being ghosted anymore.
• How to improve your proposals so you don't get ghosted in the first place.
• Why ghosting happens - it's not always because they don't want to work with you.
• When to send chaser emails - and when to let the project go.

So tune in now to get all this and more so you never get ghosted again.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 00:51 | Why Do Clients Ghost Proposals?
• 00:51 – 02:09 | Is Ghosting a Rejection or Just a Delay?
• 02:09 – 03:31 | The Top 5 Reasons Proposals Get Ignored
• 03:31 – 05:13 | How Pricing Mistakes Cause Proposal Ghosting
• 05:13 – 06:25 | How to Write a Clear and Compelling Proposal
• 06:25 – 07:27 | The Best Time to Follow Up on a Proposal
• 07:27 – 09:30 | The Exact Follow-Up Email to Send After Being Ghosted
• 09:30 – 10:47 | The ‘Have You Given Up?’ Email That Gets Responses
• 10:47 – 12:26 | How to Politely Close the Loop on a Ghosted Proposal
• 12:26 – 13:53 | How to Qualify Clients to Avoid Ghosting
• 13:53 – 15:43 | Why Verbal Commitment Stops Proposal Ghosting
• 15:43 – 21:06 | How to Reconnect with Cold Leads and Win Back Business

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

This week's episode is all about making sure you don’t waste time talking with people who will never become clients—no matter how interested they claim to be.

You’ll discover:

• Why charging for consultation calls is a no-brainer move that every HR Consultant should do.
• How to ask for a paid consultation call without losing the lead.
• When you should ask to be paid for consultation calls (HINT - You shouldn’t ask every time you speak to a potential client).
• Why your corporate experience works against you as a self-employed HR Consultant.
• What to do if someone refuses to pay for your time and expertise.

So tune in now to get all this and more.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Why Should HR Consultants Charge for Consultation Calls
0:45 - Value of Your Time and Expertise
1:46 - What's the Difference Between a Sales Call and Consultation Call
3:14 - Importance of Bespoke Advice
3:35 - When to Charge for Consultation Calls
4:05 - Handling Outbound Outreach
5:01 - Qualifying Leads Before Consultation
6:08 - Importance of Charging for Consultation Calls
7:07 - How to Avoid Time Wasters with Consultation Fees
8:36 - How to Increase Client Base with Paid Consultations
9:39 - Overcoming Hesitations to Charge for Consultation Calls
10:35 - How to Confidently Explain Your Fees
11:33 - What to do if someone refuses to pay for a Consultation Call
12:41 - Benefits of Charging for Consultation Calls
13:42 - Final Thoughts on Paid Consultations

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

This week's episode is a behind the scenes coaching call with my client, Hannah Webb where you'll discover:

• Why charging for consultation calls is a no-brainer - and every HR Consultant should do it. (Find out how at the 8 minute mark)
• How to build a pipeline of leads and clients and avoid the dreaded feast or famine - FOREVER. 
• Grow your list of leads with this simple LinkedIn tactic (...adds 5+ qualified prospects to your pipeline every week!)
• The single best strategy for getting people onto your mailing list. HINT: This is so SIMPLE you’ll struggle to believe it.
• The BEST place to network your business — most HR Consultants overlook this!

So tune in now to get all this and more.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Nick and Hannah kick off the session with updates on their work and projects.
02:00 - Hannah’s lumpy mail strategy: How she followed up via LinkedIn and secured a client call.
05:00 - Structuring proposals: Hannah’s approach to modular pricing for flexibility.
08:00 - Pre-qualifying clients: Nick shares his framework for ensuring potential clients are ready to invest.
11:00 - Managing workload: Hannah discusses balancing large reorganisation projects while keeping a steady pipeline.
14:00 - Lead magnet strategy: Reviewing Hannah’s lead magnet and refining it for better impact.
17:00 - Lead generation tactics: How Hannah is structuring her outreach while ensuring she doesn’t overcommit.
20:00 - Preparing for a manufacturing summit: Hannah’s networking strategy and how she plans to stand out.
23:00 - Event marketing ideas: Discussion on branding, giveaways, and unconventional ways to attract attention.
26:00 - Final thoughts: Nick emphasises strategic networking and quality over quantity when approaching new leads.
28:00 - Next steps: Hannah and Nick plan a follow-up session for deeper brainstorming.

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

On this week's episode we discuss why retreats could be the secret ingredient to making you stand out as a HR Consultant.

🔊 Listen now to discover:

✅ How you can build stronger relationships with your clients – without spending all your time on calls.
💡 Why retreats lead to faster business growth (and how they can make you stand out to your clients).
🚀 The secret ingredient that turns an average retreat into an unforgettable experience.
🌍 How to create a high-impact retreat that YOUR clients would actually pay to join.
💰 Why retreats can become your most profitable offering – if you structure them the right way.

🎧 Hit play now and learn how to use retreats to create deeper connections with your clients, deliver more value, and grow your consultancy!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: What this episode is all about
02:15 – The real definition of a retreat (it’s not just about relaxing!)
05:30 – Why retreats create stronger communities and deeper client relationships
08:45 – The biggest mistake people make when running a retreat
11:20 – How retreats help you speed up results for your clients
13:55 – The role of retreats in positioning yourself as an expert
16:30 – Why some industries struggle with retreats – and how to make them work
18:50 – How HR consultants can use retreats to support their clients’ business goals
21:15 – A powerful way to turn retreats into a long-term revenue stream
23:30 – Where to learn more and how to plan your own retreat

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

On this week's episode we discuss how to transform your client interactions BEFORE you get on the phone with them...

So tune in and discover...

🎯 How to stop wasting hours on calls with people who were never going to become clients in the first place.

⏳ A simple strategy that helps you filter out time-wasters before you even pick up the phone.

🚦 How top experts protect their time—and why you should be doing the same in your HR consultancy.

💡 The tiny shift that makes clients see you as the go-to HR consultant (instead of just another option).

💰 Why you should charge for your calls so you NEVER give away free advice again—unless you choose to.

And much, much more.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Qualify Prospects Before Calls
0:44 - Understanding Qualification
1:19 - Filtering Before Conversations
2:10 - Protecting Your Time
2:55 - Advantages of Qualifying Prospects
5:09 - Avoiding Time Wasters
6:15 - Engaging With Serious Clients
8:29 - The Costs of Not Qualifying
12:38 - Steps to Qualify Prospects
15:44 - Starting Effective Conversations
16:50 - Managing Call Dynamics
18:02 - Creating a Mutual Understanding
20:45 - Outcomes of the Call
23:07 - Charging for Your Expertise
27:27 - Wrapping Up Qualification Process
28:51 - End Call with Clarity

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

In this episode, I'm joined by Zoe McKeown to discuss Facebook groups and how to get the most out of them... so you aren't posting and hoping without any ROI.

So tune in and discover:

🎯 The simple shift that turns a dead Facebook group into a thriving community bursting with potential clients.

💡 Why most HR consultants waste time posting about their expertise—and what to do instead to attract real leads.

🚀 The secret to making sales inside your Facebook group—without feeling pushy, awkward, or salesy.

🔑 How to get discovery calls booked straight from your group—so you never have to chase leads again.

🔥 The unexpected reason why some Facebook groups explode with engagement while others are ghost towns.

And much, much more.

Timestamps:

1️⃣ 00:00 – Introduction and setting the stage
2️⃣ 02:40 – How Nick and Zoe met + the power of Facebook groups
3️⃣ 05:20 – What makes a great Facebook group? (And common mistakes)
4️⃣ 08:00 – Why engagement matters more than endless content
5️⃣ 10:40 – The biggest reason HR consultants should have a Facebook group
6️⃣ 13:20 – How to turn your group into a lead generation machine
7️⃣ 16:00 – The importance of having clear goals for your group
8️⃣ 18:40 – How to use conversation starters to drive engagement
9️⃣ 21:20 – The secret to making sales inside your group without being salesy
🔟 24:00 – How Zoe grew her own paid community using this method
1️⃣1️⃣ 26:40 – How to balance personal and business content in your group
1️⃣2️⃣ 29:20 – Why most Facebook groups fail (and how to avoid it)
1️⃣3️⃣ 32:00 – The simple engagement hack that boosts visibility
1️⃣4️⃣ 34:40 – Biggest pitfalls to avoid when managing a group
1️⃣5️⃣ 37:20 – Final tips + where to find Zoe for more advice

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

In this episode you'll hear about the 9 essential elements that every HR Consultant needs if they want to build a business that earns £70K or more.

Specifically, you’ll discover:

• The #1 mistake HR consultants make in their marketing – and how to fix it.
• Your secret weapon for standing out in a crowded market – and how it can make clients come pre-sold.
• How to turn your LinkedIn profile and website into 24/7 sales machines.
• The simple strategy that builds trust, solves problems, and brings clients directly to your inbox.
• Why most HR consultants fail at lead gen – and what to do instead

👉 So tune in now to create a consultancy that gets consistent leads, more clients, and bigger profits – all without working yourself to the bone!

Timestamp:
0:00 - Welcome to Marketing Made Easy for HR Consultants
0:29 - Key Elements to Attract the Right Clients
0:47 - Deciding Your Niche for Success
1:12 - Benefits of Choosing a Specific Niche
1:44 - Reducing Overwhelm in Marketing Efforts
2:39 - Crafting Solutions That Resonate with Clients
3:31 - Standing Out in a Crowded Market
4:34 - Defining Your Target Market Avatar
5:36 - Understanding Your Target Audience's Pain Points
6:48 - Messaging That Speaks to Your Audience
11:09 - Setting Up Your Website to Attract Clients
12:31 - Importance of a Professional Website
14:26 - Establishing Your Social Media Presence
15:26 - Highlighting Your Expertise on LinkedIn
17:40 - Creating a Compelling Lead Magnet
19:59 - Making Your Lead Magnet Accessible
22:26 - Developing a Lead Magnet Nurture Sequence
25:36 - Deciding on Your Lead Generation Method
27:12 - Focusing on Effective Lead Generation Strategies
28:30 - Marketing as a System for Business Growth

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

In this episode, I'm joined by June Hogan from Wildwood Coaching to discuss her HR business journey - and how she went from struggling and overwhelmed to a market-leading HR Consultancy.

So, if you're struggling with leads, clients, sales, and profits then this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Tune in and discover:

🎯 The Mindset Shift That Transformed June Hogan’s Career – How she turned redundancy into a thriving HR consultancy.
🌟 How to Overcome the Fear of Niching – Why focusing on one area could unlock massive opportunities.
📖 June’s Inspiring Journey – From uncertainty to success, and the lessons she learned along the way.
🔧 Practical Steps to Creating Focus – Learn how clarity can supercharge your consultancy results.
📬 The Power of Starting Small – Why email lists and LinkedIn connections are more valuable than you think.
🤝 Building a Supportive Community – Hear June’s advice on finding your “tribe” and why it matters.
🎢 Balancing Flexibility and Focus – Actionable tips for committing to a niche without feeling stuck.

And if you want to connect with June then her website is here.


Timestamps:
0:00 - Welcome to Marketing Made Easy
0:23 - Meet June Hogan Career Coach
2:06 - Navigating the HR Landscape
3:14 - Defining Your Niche in Business
5:21 - Overcoming Initial Business Challenges
9:32 - Finding Focus with Ideal Clients
10:56 - The Importance of LinkedIn Engagement
12:04 - Building Audience Connections
19:00 - Website and Online Presence Tips
20:40 - Embracing Niching to Enhance Opportunities
25:39 - Reflecting on Growth and Changes
26:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future Steps

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

In this episode, I'm joined by Anna Barefield to discuss funnels and why you should have one for your business.

So tune in and discover:

• 🎯 How Funnels Can Simplify Your Lead Gen Process – Learn how to turn strangers into raving fans without endless networking or LinkedIn posts.
• 💌 The Secret to Building an Email List That Works for You – Why your email list is your most valuable business asset (and how to start one today).
• 🛠️ Step-by-Step Funnel Building Tips – From landing pages to follow-up emails, discover how to set up a simple, effective funnel.
• 📈 Tools and Platforms to Supercharge Your Funnels – Explore the best tools for your budget, including free options, to build a funnel that converts.
• 💡 Pro Tips for Turning Leads Into Loyal Clients – Strategies to keep your audience engaged and excited about your services.

✨ And so much more! Tune in now to discover how funnels can revolutionise your HR consultancy.

PS - Click here if you want to get in touch with Anna: https://bit.ly/Unleash-Sales-IWP 

Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Introduction: Nick welcomes Anna Barefield and sets the stage for the conversation about funnels.
2. [02:15] – What Is a Funnel?: Anna explains the concept of a funnel and why it’s vital for consultants to move leads from strangers to raving fans.
3. [05:30] – Why Email Lists Are Gold: The importance of capturing emails and nurturing leads through email marketing.
4. [08:45] – Simple Steps to Build a Landing Page: Anna shares how to create a basic landing page that captures leads effectively.
5. [12:00] – The Role of Freebies in Funnels: Tips on creating lead magnets that attract the right audience and why being generous with content pays off.
6. [15:30] – Email Sequences That Work: Structuring follow-up emails to deliver value, build trust, and lead to sales.
7. [19:00] – Choosing the Right Tools: A discussion on platforms like ConvertKit, Kajabi, and Mailchimp for building and managing funnels.
8. [22:15] – Maximising Funnel Performance: How to track metrics, tweak landing pages, and improve email sequences for better results.
9. [26:30] – Adding Paid Offers to Funnels: Strategies for upselling through funnels and turning leads into paying clients.
10. [29:30] – Closing Thoughts: Nick summarises key takeaways and Anna shares her contact details and special discount for listeners.

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick

Ready to make 2025 your most successful year yet? 

Good, because in this episode, you'll discover:

• Proven steps to set goals that stick – and the key actions to ensure you actually achieve them.
• The #1 reason people fail to achieve their goals – and a simple way to overcome it.
• Why goal setting is essential for achieving anything worthwhile in life – and how to do it effectively.
• A powerful ChatGPT prompt to help you create a personalised, foolproof goal-achievement plan that works even when life gets in the way.
• The difference between process and outcome goals – and why balancing both is the secret to long-term success.

...and so much more!

So tune in for actionable insights and strategies that will set you up for an extraordinary 2025.

Resources:

• The Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule Explained
• Desktop Planner
• 12 Week Planner
• James Clear Atomic Habits
• Michael Hyatt Your Best Year Ever
• Chat GPT Prompt to Copy and Paste to Get Your Plan to Achieve Your Goals

Timestamps:

0:00 - Understanding the Importance of Goal Setting
2:36 - Defining Your Goals Clearly
3:14 - Importance of Effort in Achieving Goals
4:16 - Creating a Road Map for Success
5:08 - Improving Focus and Time Management
6:35 - Building Confidence Through Achievements
7:31 - Steps to Set Effective Goals
8:14 - Identifying Your Financial Goals
9:20 - Finding Your Motivation for Goals
10:02 - Using the Smarter Framework for Goals
10:55 - Differentiating Outcome and Process Goals
12:33 - Strategies for Achieving Your Goals
13:34 - Finding Accountability for Your Success
14:57 - Building Habits for Long-Term Success
16:02 - Setting Up Your Environment for Success
17:35 - Making Marketing Activities a Priority
19:08 - Making Achieving Goals Easy and Satisfying
20:28 - Celebrating Small Wins Along the Way
22:00 - Managing Expectations and Preparing for Challenges
23:07 - Reinforcing Habits with Feedback Loops
24:06 - Staying Disciplined to Achieve Your Goals
24:24 - Summarising Your Goal Action Plan

Want to build a more predictable pipeline of leads and clients — and grow your HR consultancy to £100K and beyond?

Check out your options here:

https://nickponinski.com/work-with-nick