You've probably noticed over on LinkedIn the fairly new role of Fractional CMO, Fractional CTO, Fractional Sales Manager, etc. but...

Is it a new role?

Not really. Fractional roles aren’t a brand new concept, but they’ve gained more attention lately. The idea of sharing or dividing resources, whether it’s talent or assets, has been around for decades. What’s new is how it’s being packaged and renamed.

Is it just another trendy term we’ll forget in a few years, or does it actually mean something useful?

“Fractional” means splitting something into smaller, more manageable pieces. In the business world, it’s using only what you need instead of going all-in on something big and expensive. It's the business version of ordering a slice of pizza instead of the whole pie. Sometimes, a slice is all you need.

How a Fractional Executive Works: 

You're a top level professional that works with individuals or companies on a part-time or project basis instead of full-time. They're receiving the benefits of something awesome without breaking the bank.

👉FAQ: Fractional Roles

Why Is “Fractional” Such a Big Deal Right Now?

Turns out, it fits right into some big shifts happening in how we work and live.

Saving Money

For a smaller company, the fractional option is a smart way to access high-level talent without going broke.

Tech Makes It Easy

Thanks to tools like Zoom and Slack, companies may not need the fractional CFO sitting in house every day. Remote work has made fractional roles more accessible than ever.

Sharing Is the New Owning

From ridesharing to Airbnb, we’ve gotten pretty comfortable with sharing stuff instead of owning it outright. Fractional roles takes that same idea and applies it to business.

Is It Just a Fancy Buzzword?

It’s fair to ask if “fractional” is just a flashy way of saying “part-time” or “shared.” And yeah, it definitely sounds cooler. Sure, it’s trendy, but it’s also practical. And when something is both trendy and useful, it has a good chance of sticking around.

That said, like any buzzword, it can get overused. Not every part-time gig needs to be labeled “fractional.” The term only works if it actually adds value or solves a problem.

What is the the Future of “Fractional”?

Right now, “fractional” feels trendy. But it’s also solving real-world problems. As more industries figure out how to make fractional work for them, it could become less of a buzzword and more of a normal way of doing business.

Should I (or am I already) become a Fractional Consultant?

Becoming a fractional professional can be an excellent fit if you already work part-time with multiple companies under contract. 

Why should I consider becoming a fractional consultant?

• It communicates a specific value proposition. This rebranding can make you more appealing to businesses looking for strategic leadership on a flexible basis.
• Fractional roles are in high demand for those wanting access to experienced professionals but can’t justify a full-time position.
• By framing your work as a fractional role rather than general consulting, you signal high value expertise, which can command premium rates as a strategic leader.
• Fractional work often involves ongoing contracts or retainer based arrangements, providing more financial stability than one-off consulting gigs, so easier to establish recurring revenue streams since the company will consider you a part of their team.
• You have the freedom to diversify your client base, work across industries, and control your workload which is great way to scale your business on your terms.

Things to Consider Before Going Fractional:

• Are you providing strategic leadership? If you’re doing more tactical or project-based work, you might be better positioned as a consultant or contractor.
• Since you’ll work with multiple companies, it’s essential to define your scope, hours, and availability in your contracts. Fractional roles can sometimes blur into full time expectations if boundaries aren’t clear.
• Juggling multiple clients means you’ll need excellent time management and need to be cautious of any potential conflicts of interest between companies in similar industries.

Is it a matter of just changing my career title?

In many ways, yes, but it’s also about how you position yourself and the way you deliver your services. 

First, define your strategic value. Fractional roles focus on leadership and strategy, not just execution so you'll want to highlight your ability to solve high level problems as well as how you contribute to a company’s overall goals such as growth, efficiency, and/or profitability.

Next, you'll package your services in a way that reflects the fractional model to include retainer agreements for consistent work, outline of deliverables tied to business outcomes, and defined hours of availability.

Finally, you'll rebrand to include updating your LinkedIn, website, and portfolio, using language like “Fractional [Role]: Strategic leadership without the full-time cost.” Your new target market will be startups, small-to-medium businesses, and/or companies in transition, so your new messaging will reflect this.

How to Test the Waters

#1 Update your LinkedIn headline by adding “Fractional [Role]” to your title and see how people respond.

#2 Talk to your current clients, “I’ve been thinking about positioning my work as a Fractional [Role], as it reflects the leadership and strategic input I'm providing for companies similar to yours.” What's their response? 

#3 Experiment with outreach by updating your pitch and website to position yourself as a fractional expert and see if you attract different opportunities.

In conclusion, positioning yourself as a fractional professional can open doors to new opportunities while showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with modern business. This shift could change how potential clients perceive your value.

👉What about you?

Have you considered calling yourself a fractional [Role]? Does this approach resonate with your current work? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!