What Can You Expect From a Fractional CMO for Achieving Results?

Hiring a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) can be an invaluable asset for companies of all sizes looking for experienced leadership without committing long-term. Learn what kind of timeline should be expected from hiring one.

What Can You Expect From a Fractional CMO for Achieving Results?

When it comes to hiring a fractional CMO, Scalewise typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to make the placement. Fractional leaders are used to having an impact within a month, so they can start working right away and get results faster than a full-time alternative. Companies of all sizes can benefit from fractional CMOs as they don't consume as many hours of hiring and have a lower risk from a price point of view. If they don't fit right, you can part ways without paying severance or unemployment compensation. A fractional CMO can be an invaluable asset to your growing company and your in-house team.

They offer countless benefits, including years of experience, industry knowledge, new perspectives on marketing strategies, and more. If your company is ready for its next big move, it might be time to consider working with a fractional CMO. At Authentic Brand, we offer a free 30-minute meeting to discuss your current goals and weaknesses. Having a marketing director (CMO) makes your company feel very official, but great responsibility and a big impact come at a high price. If you need the experience that comes with a high degree and an extensive resume, but don't want to commit to hiring full time, you may need the talent of a fractional CMO.

A fractional CMO is a type of marketing executive who is dedicated to specific tasks related to marketing and growth, including customer acquisition and overall sales development. The difference between a fractional CMO and a typical marketing director is that a fractional position is not a permanent in-house position. Instead, you're outsourcing executive work to an expert who performs all the functions of a CMO, but without the long-term commitment. They can also bring an outside perspective to your business, which translates into a solid holistic strategy. A fractional CMO takes on those functions, allowing you to focus on things that only you can do. No split approach means there's no sacrifice on efficiency or effectiveness.

Opting for a fractional CMO instead of a full-time in-house marketing director means you'll get all the benefits of a C-level executive without having to fulfill a contract. Fractional CMOs are also valuable when you need a fresh set of eyes. It's not uncommon to be relatively happy with where your company is located, but still feel that there are things you could do better. Why settle for being good when you can be great? Hire a fractional CMO who can review your current marketing structure, KPIs, social media strategy, and more, and see how your business expands once you follow their advice. Make sure that any fractional CMO you bring into the mix will support your team and make your company better overall. A fractional CMO won't need to waste time convincing you to set SMART goals, since you're already doing this as part of your process. When the plan is in place, proven to work and transmitted to the internal team, the fractional CMO will move on to the next phase.

A fractional CMO usually fills exactly that kind of gap and offers “leadership, guidance and mentoring” to younger full-time employees so that their marketing careers don't “stagnate”. While you won't be working directly in the office every day, a fractional CMO will regularly collaborate with your team members. A fractional CMO has a specific purpose and isn't necessarily a substitute for a full-time marketing director. A fractional B2B CMO is an experienced executive who helps your company in all its marketing efforts by providing strategic advice and guidance. A fractional CMO understands which marketing channels will work best for your company and will use them well, allowing you to stay agile, reduce your inefficient marketing spend, and direct you to more fruitful channels. A fractional CMO can quickly inventory, cancel ineffective marketing expenses and improve their marketing to generate more profits.

Let's say you want to hire an expert to launch a new campaign; you can choose to hire a fractional CMO for a quarter to keep things moving in the right direction. A fractional CMO has been there, he has done it, and he can make your marketing program work faster than local talent and empower your team to get up to speed quickly and effectively.

Mike Volkin
Mike Volkin

Fractional CMO, author, speaker, and serial entrepreneur