A Fractional CMO is an experienced marketing executive who provides part-time strategic leadership and expertise to companies. Instead of hiring a full-time CMO, businesses can tap into the talent of a seasoned professional on a fractional basis, enjoying the benefits of a top-tier marketing leader without the full-time cost.

Think of a Fractional CMO as a consultant who brings a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to your business. They can help you develop and execute effective marketing strategies without the long-term commitment of a full-time employee.

 

01.

What are the benefits of a Fractional CMO?

From large global companies down to small businesses, there are many successful companies that have hired Fractional CMOs and harnessed the benefits:

• Cost-effective: Hiring a Fractional CMO is often more affordable than a full-time CMO, providing access to top talent without the high salary and benefits.
• Flexibility: You can tailor the CMO’s involvement based on your company’s needs, increasing or decreasing their hours as required.
• Expertise: Fractional CMOs bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, often having worked with various industries and companies.
• Fresh perspective: An outside perspective can offer new ideas and strategies to revitalize your marketing efforts.
• Focus:  You can focus on core business operations by outsourcing the CMO role.

Think of it like outsourcing your payroll. Many companies outsource payroll without thinking about it because of the expertise and accuracy provided by full-time payroll professionals. The same logic applies to the CMO role.

 

02.

How can a CMO be ‘fractional’ and have a full-time impact?

Fractional CMOs often bring a team of people behind them. At AM, we bring more horsepower to the in-house marketing team by adding a multi-disciplined team that includes project management, graphic design, copywriting, and strategic leadership – all in one.

Your in-house team continues to work on ongoing initiatives. Meanwhile, the CMO brings clarity and leverages their team to move special projects forward faster by tackling needs that the in-house team may struggle to address. With subject matter experts as part of the team, we bring a new, faster pace to cut through the noise and accomplish the work.

 

03.

How do I know if a Fractional CMO will work for my company?

When you hire a Fractional CMO, you’re hiring someone with decades of experience in marketing. With AM Agency, we bring 30 years of experience versus 10 years of experience to a typical marketing leader. Decades of experience elevate the speed of decision-making, equipping your team to see the right solutions quickly based on more repetitions in making strategic marketing choices. Fractional CMOs also bring clarity through the ability to stay focused on strategic direction while keeping your team engaged in the day-to-day operational needs of marketing.

 

04.

How will a Fractional CMO integrate with my existing marketing team?

Harvard Business Review (source) states that 57% of in-house CMOs are likely to be in their position for three years or less. This means instability is likely coming to a marketing team near you.

A Fractional CMO can often improve team dynamics and morale. They can provide guidance, mentorship, and support, helping to develop the team’s marketing-specific skills and capabilities. A seasoned marketing professional has “done this a million times” and understands how marketing and design team members think. Knowing how to manage creatives with predictability and deep knowledge of what matters for their work creates an optimal environment for existing staff to grow.

 

05.

How can I ensure a Fractional CMO’s availability and flexibility meet my company’s needs?

If you’re used to having an in-house CMO, you may struggle with someone not being 100% available. As a strategic leadership role, Fractional CMOs work best when the marketing seat is a strategic leader casting vision for the team and providing the guardrails to move projects forward with accountability. A Fractional CMO should be adaptable and able to adjust to your company’s specific needs; however, their availability is restricted compared to that of a full-time employee.

• On-site Fractional CMOs: Offer the benefit of in-person collaboration, allowing for more immediate feedback and problem-solving. They can build stronger relationships with the team and better understand the company culture.
• Virtual Fractional CMOs: Provide flexibility and access to a wider pool of talent. They can leverage technology to collaborate effectively and often have experience managing remote teams.

06.

How does a Fractional CMO collaborate with the Leadership team?

Applying a predictable cycle to quarterly and annual planning meetings will ensure the strategy is set with a comprehensive leadership perspective. The fractional CMO will then be able to execute that strategy and describe the marketing activities clearly when reporting back to the leadership team. A clear strategy will create an effective and collaborative approach that can be reviewed regularly to keep goals and objectives on track at a leadership level.

 

07.

We’re in the middle of a transition or market challenge. Is this the right time for a Fractional CMO?

A CMO’s ability to handle unexpected challenges makes this strategic leader essential for business continuity during the transition. Unforeseen challenges are a part of the business that a Fractional CMO understands. As a seasoned executive, they will bring an ability to think on their feet, make quick decisions, and mitigate potential risks.

 

Are you ready to unlock your company’s growth potential? Consider hiring a Fractional CMO. A Fractional CMO can be a powerful asset for your business. By partnering with a seasoned marketing expert, you can gain a competitive edge, improve your marketing ROI, and achieve your business objectives.

AM Agency’s Marketing Strategists have served as Fractional CMOs for brands like Powered by Text, Van’s Kitchen, and Traveling Coaches. Start a conversation with our team and discover our passion for inspiring and equipping your business and your employees.