Balancing Client Work and Business Development

Podcast Summary

In this opening episode of Series 3, I reflect on one of the quiet but critical challenges of working independently in HE: balancing client delivery with the development of your own consultancy or freelance practice.

When you’re deep in delivery mode, business development can slip off the radar. And when you’re focused on visibility, networking, and strategy, it’s easy to worry that you’re not “earning” your time. This episode explores that tension and offers practical, sustainable strategies for building a practice that supports you, not just one that keeps you busy.

I share lessons from my own practice, questions I revisit when I feel stuck, and a few systems that help me maintain the ongoing balance between working in the business and working on it.

Key Takeaways

• Balancing delivery and development is not a one-time task; it’s a recurring rhythm that needs tending.

• It’s easy to slip into reactive mode when you’re busy with client work, but setting time aside for your own business is essential to long-term sustainability.

• You don’t need to do everything; just focus on a few strategic activities you can do consistently.

• Guilt is common, especially when business development feels intangible or self-indulgent. But it’s part of the work, not a distraction from it.

• Tools, habits, and boundaries can help, but so can reframing what counts as legitimate work in your week.

  
  

  Links to Relevant Resources

  
  

  • Thinking about going freelance or setting up a consultancy in HE? My short courses offer practical guidance to help you take the first steps. Find out more at khlconsulting.co.uk/courses

  • KHL Consulting Website: www.khlconsulting.co.uk

  • LinkedIn Profile for Karen Heard-Lauréote: www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

• • Network for Educational Enhancement Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14409504

  
  

  Calls to Action

  · Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode or are finding this series or previous ones helpful, please subscribe and share it with your network.

  · Connect on LinkedIn: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s podcast, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.

  · Look Out for Series 3 Episode 2: We’ll be back soon with thenext episode. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!