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Know When to Walk Away: A Guide for Fractional Leaders

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I've caught myself saying the following more times than I can count: "Fractional work allows me to have all the fun associated with working at a startup without the bullsh*t associated with a startup." For most of my career, that has been true. But based on a recent experience, I have started thinking about the times when the bullsh*t of a startup does rear its ugly head and how I could advise new fractionals on how I've approached it. Here’s my list for how to know when to walk away. Reasons to Walk One of the most powerful concepts that I learned in that time is the concept of "firing a customer." There are many reasons why you might need to let a customer go: Nonpayment or chronic late payment; Violation of terms and conditions—for example, work outside scope; Unreasonable demands or expectations—3 AM replies; Abusive behavior; Lack of engagement—they forget they hired you; Misalignment of a target market; Merger and acquisitions; Legal reasons; Strategic
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The Future of Work is Here: Expertise as a Service (EaaS)

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    The future of work is here, and it's called Expertise as a Service (EaaS). EaaS is the latest form of digital collaboration that allows companies to outsource their expertise needs to an external service provider. This means that companies no longer need to hire full-time employees for every role; instead, they can access deep expertise when needed from an on-demand pool of experts. Let's take a look at what EaaS is, how it works, and how it can help companies.
      How Does EaaS Work?
        Expertise as a Service (EaaS) is a business model in which professionals sell their knowledge and skills by offering their services to clients on a project basis, interim, advisory, or fractional basis. In today's constantly evolving workplace, the concept of expertise as a service has become increasingly popular. So, who are the types of workers that offer their expertise in this way? Generally speaking, these professionals are individuals who possess specialized knowledge and skills that can be contracted out to other businesses or individuals. They may include consultants, freelancers, subject matter experts, and even coaches, who provide valuable advice and guidance in various fields such as business, technology, and personal growth. These workers offer a unique combination of expertise, experience, and flexibility, making them valuable assets to any organization or individual seeking to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment.

        Which disciplines are best for EaaS?

        Expertise as a Service (EaaS) is a valuable resource for industries seeking highly specialized skills on-demand. This innovative approach to outsourcing allows businesses to tap into a global talent pool of experts, each with their unique niche. Jobs and disciplines that excel in this model are those that require specialized knowledge and experience in a particular area. For instance, fields such as IT, legal, marketing, HR, operations, and finance are great candidates for EaaS. eTechnology is particularly important, as it enables professionals to offer their services remotely via video conferencing or collaboration tools. Overall, the EaaS model presents exciting opportunities for both service providers and clients alike, offering a new way for professionals to monetize their skills and clients to benefit from specialized knowledge.

        How Can It Help Companies?
          One of the main benefits of Expertise as a Service is that it allows companies to access specialized skills quickly and cost-effectively without having to commit to hiring full-time employees for every role or task. Additionally, companies are able to benefit from working with experienced professionals who have valuable insights into industry trends, emerging technologies, best practices, and more. This helps them stay up-to-date on what’s happening in their field so they can make informed decisions about how best to move forward with their projects or goals.

          How do Fractionals fit into the fold?

          Fractional executives are the prime definition of EaaS, with seasoned professionals offering their expertise for businesses looking to fill workforce and skill gaps. These executives work part-time, offering their expertise to companies that may not have the budget to hire a full-time executive or may simply require specialized expertise. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in their field, which they bring to the table in order to help companies achieve their goals. Fractional executives can provide invaluable insight into a company's operations, strategy, and overall performance, helping them to better understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Overall, the expertise provided by fractional executives can be a key asset to any business looking to stay ahead of the curve in today's fast-paced economy.
            Conclusion
               
            Expertise as a Service (EaaS) has revolutionized the way companies access specialized skills quickly and cost-effectively without having to commit fully by hiring full-time employees for every role or task. By leveraging this service model, businesses are able to tap into deep expertise when needed from on-demand pools of experts while also staying up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies so they can make informed decisions about how best to move forward with their projects or goals.  In short, EaaS provides organizations with quick access to skilled professionals who can help them accomplish more in less time—and at a lower cost than ever before!
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