What is a Fractional CMO and Why Does Your Company Need One?

Almost everything in our lives is on-demand; if we want something we can order it late at night and receive it the next day, if we want to learn something new we can start an online class in just minutes, and if we get hungry we can pay for someone to bring us food from almost any restaurant nearby. So, doesn’t it make sense that we bring some of this ease to the business world?

For years now, startups and high-growth companies have achieved this by hiring high-level CFOs to advise and manage their finances on an on-demand basis, essentially paying for a CFO’s expertise rather than hiring them full-time. Now, we can apply this same model to our marketing and sales departments. Getting marketing and sales right in a startup or high growth business is essential – it will supply the lifeblood that allows the company to grow. To fast-track this growth, you need a Fractional CMO.

What is a Fractional CMO?

A Fractional CMO is a high-level marketing executive, and hiring one means you can have the expertise of a CMO without the costs incurred of hiring full-time. They will guide your company on customer acquisition, sales growth and development.

In just the same way as CFOs have been hired to accelerate growth in startups, you can now hire a CMO, allowing you to afford a true expert to guide your company without paying for their full-time attention.

Why Does My Company Need a Fractional CMO?

1. They Are Experienced

A Fractional CMO is someone who has all the expertise necessary to make key decisions for your company’s marketing and sales departments. They’ve had years of experience in other businesses and have seen what succeeds, what fails, and why. A Fractional CMO will quickly see what’s causing problems and aren’t afraid to come down a few levels to guide those who need further down the ladder. If necessary, they can help you pull in their own trusted external resources to get things back on track or give your company the knowledge it needs.

2. They Can Be Laser-Focused

When a Fractional CMO is “on the clock” they are laser-focused on what your company needs to do to grow. They will make key decisions to make sure the heart of your business is pumping and ensure it stays on track to get bigger and stronger.

3. They Can Stand in Until Your Ready to Hire Full-Time

If the Fractional CMO and other executives in the company are doing things right, you’ll want to hire a permanent CMO or VP of Marketing in the future. A Fractional CMO can start working in that role so when you are ready to hire full-time or find the right person to fill the position, they can seamlessly handover the reins.