BY NORVIN EITZEN
As early stage businesses look to scale and grow, they often need to make strategic marketing decisions that can have a significant impact on their bottom line. This is where a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) comes in – someone who can oversee all marketing efforts and make informed decisions that will help the business achieve its goals. However, hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses that may not have the budget to support a senior-level executive. This is where a Fractional CMO comes in.
What is a Fractional CMO?
A Fractional CMO, also known as an outsourced CMO, is a senior-level marketing executive who works part-time for a business. They provide strategic marketing advice, develop marketing plans, and oversee the execution of marketing campaigns. Fractional CMOs typically work with multiple clients, allowing businesses to benefit from their expertise without having to pay for a full-time employee.
Why hire a Fractional CMO?
There are several reasons why a business may choose to hire a Fractional CMO over a full-time CMO. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits:
Cost savings: Hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses that may not have the budget to support a senior-level executive. Fractional CMOs provide the same level of expertise and strategic guidance at a fraction of the cost.
Flexibility: Fractional CMOs work on a part-time basis, which means they can be more flexible than a full-time employee. They can adjust their workload to meet the needs of the business, whether that means working more during busy periods or less during quieter times.
Specialized expertise: Fractional CMOs often specialize in certain areas of marketing, such as digital marketing or social media. This means they can provide expertise in areas that the business may not have in-house.
Objectivity: Fractional CMOs are not tied to the company in the same way that a full-time employee is. This means they can provide a fresh perspective on marketing efforts and make unbiased decisions that are in the best interest of the business.
Access to a network: Fractional CMOs often have a wide network of contacts and resources that they can tap into to help the business achieve its goals. This can include marketing agencies, freelancers, and other marketing professionals.
Hiring a Fractional CMO can be a smart move for businesses that need strategic marketing guidance but don’t have the budget for a full-time CMO. With their expertise, flexibility, and specialized knowledge, Fractional CMOs can help businesses achieve their marketing goals and drive growth.
Where to Find a Fractional CMO?
Finding full-time marketing staff and contractors is typically as easy as putting up a job post, but hiring a skilled Fractional CMO that has the experience in your industry vertical can be tricky. At Eitzen & Associates, we specialize in providing clients with Fractional CMO services for a wide range of B2B/B2G industries such as:
- Water & wastewater treatment & process technology
- Infrastructure condition assessment technology
- Linear infrastructure (water / sewer / energy / oil / gas) technology
- Software-as-a-service (SaaS)
With extensive experience across various industry verticals, our team is adept at swiftly aligning with our clients’ unique requirements. Schedule a discovery call to explore how our Fractional CMO services can be tailored to fit your business and elevate your marketing leadership.