You’ve got the business name. You’ve got the legal setup. You’ve started thinking through your niche. Now comes the part many new consultants miss: How do people actually find you? In this episode of The Safety Consultant Podcast, Sheldon continues the 2026 business startup series by walking safety professionals through practical networking strategies that can help them start building real consulting opportunities. This is not theory. This is the “go make something happen” part of the business. If you are an EHS professional, safety manager, trainer, OSHA compliance specialist, or future safety consultant, this episode gives you practical places to start building your network before you leave your job, while you are still testing your niche, or while you are trying to land your next client. What This Episode CoversIn Part 1 of the series, Sheldon covered getting your business legal and structured. In Part 2, he talked about finding a profitable niche. In Part 3, he focuses on where to network and find consulting opportunities, including: Using Upwork to find project-based consulting workSigning up with Yellowbird as a safety professionalBuilding relationships through LinkedIn groupsNetworking inside Facebook safety groupsPartnering with your local safety councilUsing training events to build credibility and attract future clientsProving your consulting concept before leaving your full-time jobWhy This MattersA safety consulting business does not grow just because you know OSHA standards. It grows because people know what you do, trust that you can help them, and can find you when they need your expertise. That means you need more than technical knowledge. You need a network. This episode shows you how to start spreading that web in a smart, practical way so you can begin turning your safety experience into business opportunities. Featured Resources MentionedSheldon discusses several places safety consultants can use to start finding opportunities and building relationships: Upwork A freelance platform where you can bid on safety, training, writing, compliance, and consulting projects. Yellowbird A platform designed to connect safety professionals with companies needing EHS support. LinkedIn Groups A strong place to build visibility, answer questions, and connect with safety professionals and potential clients. Facebook Groups Including Sheldon’s Safety Consultant group, where safety officers and consultants can network and share opportunities. Local Safety Councils A powerful local networking option where you may be able to offer training, partner on events, or connect with organizations needing help. Who Should ListenThis episode is especially helpful for: Safety professionals thinking about becoming consultantsEHS managers wanting a side incomeOSHA trainers looking for more business opportunitiesNew consultants trying to find their first clientsExperienced safety pros who need a better networking strategyConsultants who want to build visibility without spamming people onlineKey TakeawayYour network can become your first business development system. But the goal is not to spam people. The goal is to show up, participate, answer questions, build trust, and let people see that you are the person who can help solve their safety and compliance problems. As Sheldon says, this is about taking action right now.
