Hiring a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer: An Innovative Solution for Growing Companies

As the business world continues to evolve, companies face an increasing number of challenges. Challenges that require experienced leadership, fresh ideas, and action. But finding the right leader for your organization, one that can navigate these challenges can be a difficult and expensive task.

Assuming you can find a great full-time candidate, they will likely come with experience, and that experience deservedly comes with a cost. However, one solution that many businesses are turning to is the hiring of fractional executives, or executives who bring experience and flexibility, filling the role in a part-time capacity.

No matter the company structure, surrounding yourself with individuals who can lead teams, project, or divisions, with a respect for business goals, and long-term vision.

A Great Business Leader, Knows when and how to Bring on Great Help

When we look at big successful businesses and brands we think of the visionary, or leader who lead those organizations to become the household name they are today. But what we don't hear about as much, are the effective leaders they employed, the individuals who helped handle projects, make decisions, and lead key areas of their business.

Let's look at a fictional scenario. John owns a small craft brewery. Business has been growing quickly, but he's starting to feel the strain of leading the company in multiple directions. Sales are up in his tasting room, but seasonal event rental sales are lagging and conversations with distributors aren’t progressing. Marketing efforts are limited, marketing spends are unclear, and limited strategic planning is able to take place.

John is feeling the pressure of not being able to keep up with the demands of a growing business. He can't be everywhere all at once, so what does he do? In this scenario, John can pursue a few different options. For example, he can go a more traditional route, and hire a marketing company. That company can help start campaigns, manage digital platforms, and increase leads, but John is still the main point of contact. And as the leader of the business he has other concerns to address.

John needs help, he needs a person he can trust as a point-person to make decisions on behalf of his business. But as a growing business, he doesn't have the budget for full-time Chief Marketing Officer, or any executive for that matter.

What is a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer?

A fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is an experienced marketing professional who provides leadership and strategic guidance on a part-time basis. These executives bring the skills and experience that companies need to navigate change and achieve their marketing goals without the cost of hiring a full-time CMO.

The Benefits of Hiring a Fractional CMO for your Business

Fractional CMOs offer many benefits to growing companies. They bring an outside perspective, fill the gaps in leadership, and provide the opportunity for companies to bring in experts for specific projects. They also provide a flexible solution, allowing companies to ramp up or down their marketing efforts as needed, without having to make a long-term commitment.

What John, our fictional brewery owner needs, is a fractional executive he can afford, and trust. A part-time executive who can hit the ground running and interface with vendors and media outlets. A flexible, goal driven leader who understands his vision as the founder and can help his business during a period of challenges, potential growth and necessary transformation.

Conclusion

Hiring a fractional CMO can be a cost-effective solution for growing companies. It allows them to bring in experienced marketing leadership without making a long-term commitment. With a fractional CMO, companies can navigate change, achieve their marketing goals, and reach their target audience effectively.

If you're a growing company in need of marketing leadership, contact Archer ATR today to learn how our team of fractional executives can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.