"I'm not hugely familiar with a Fractional CMO. I understand the roles of a CMO and the implications of 'fractional', but I've actually never heard of the two combined."
This brilliant question popped through via our outreach campaign this week from the fabulous Flynn and it's one I answer on a daily basis đ
As more and more people move on from their "lifetime" careers and give themselves permission to try "something new" the rise of the Fractional Executive is giving way to new opportunities, where Fractional Executives can share the vast experience and knowledge they have gained within their domain to support businesses during their growth phase - at the same time.
What is a Fractional CMO or even a Fractional Executive?
Fractional Executives tend to be people who have a huge tool bag of experience and knowledge, often across various Industries within their domain, which they then use to support small to medium sized businesses on a "part time" basis đ
I am always reluctant to use the word "part time" as a Fractional Executive will embed themselves within the fabric of your business. They will invest their time and knowledge to help you to succeed and depending on the model you have agreed with them, for some this might be in the form of an advisory position, for others it may be 2-3 days a week and a few might even opt for the 4 day a week, full service option.
Fractional Executives will balance a combination of the 3 options, however most find they are unable to take on more than one client on a 4 day a week retainer and tend to lean more towards a combination of advisory and 2-3 days a week đ
Is it right for you?
Services provided by Fractional Executives are the perfect solution for growing businesses who aren't in a position to welcome a full time âC roleâ just yet, but need the experience to jump to the next level đđ» đ
This could translate into multiple ways:
For example: The need for a Fractional CMO: Could translate into pulling all of your marketing touch points together into a strong Marketing Strategy and Execution Plan, so that the entire business is swimming in the same direction.
It could mean working closely with you and your leadership team in an advisory role or as an integrated member of the business, to strengthen processes between Sales and Marketing and ensure there is a working continuous feedback loop in place for example.
Your marketing activities may be fragmented across your business and you might have several agencies pulling you in different directions, having just rebranded your website for the 4th time đ and you need somebody who can execute your strategy and align everybody to remove the friction and get you growing.
Or it may simply be that as a CEO, you are balancing everything and there is now a need to "make room" to work ON your business and so having an experienced C-Level executive next to you will enable you to focus ON your business rather than being IN it everyday đ
Fractional Executives are truly a gift, I am very cheekily saying this as by day I am indeed a Fractional CMO, running a Fractional Service agency. The need for my business has been created simply by the fact that businesses not only need money and growth etc.. they also need experienced support to help them reach their next level - after all entrepreneurs are changing the world we live in and the least we can do, is to provide the skills we have in the best possible way to help them on the journey ahead đ