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Showing posts from February, 2024

Why Labels Matter and What Fractional Is and Is Not (Karina Mikhli)

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Words and what you call things matter. Can you think of one successful movement that didn't have a clearly labeled word and concept at its core? I can't, and that's why it's so important to call a spade a spade. Consulting isn't bad, it's just not fractional.  Part-time employment isn't less, it's just not fractional. I've shared this chart before, but will do so again in the hopes it helps. We also created a site  to further help define the differences, and to help others share and spread awareness. I believe in fractional, both for the leaders and for the companies who need the expertise but not full-time. And one of the main reasons it's so hard to find fractional work today is because the concept isn't understood and therefore those that could use the help don't know it exists. Fortunately I'm not the only one who believes in both the value of fractional and the distinction between it and the other types of part-time or flexible w

Why Understanding Domain Expertise Is the Secret to Hiring Fractionally (MIchelle Albon)

In Academia, it's easy to pin down experts by their title (Professor, Lecturer, Chief Scientist...) and there are specific milestones (undergraduate, masters, doctorate degree...) which define an individual's level of expertise within their field.  But in Business, things aren't nearly as clear-cut.   It's easy to say that we're usually operating more on art than science—but when you look a little deeper, the truth is that all Founders and CEOs rely deeply on measurable, tested theory from a small group of experts in their inner circle whose experience can guide a company to grow and thrive—or if poorly executed, can cause it to go under.  Whether these experts sit directly on their Board, in their Executive Team, or adjunct as Advisors or Fractional Leaders, business owners have always known that when they bring in someone they trust to steer, it's important to know exactly which kind of business "potholes" that person has seen before, to ensure they

Unlocking Sales Success with Fractional Sales Leaders (Mike Macioci)

 I decided to become a part of the Fractionals United community with a simple goal in mind – to learn from those who have been successful fractional workers, some for many years. What I found was an invaluable opportunity to engage with a community that boasts a wealth of skills and experiences. My primary intent was to navigate the uncharted waters, for me anyway, of this model and determine whether it was the right fit for me. I wanted to understand if there was value for me. But before addressing this question from my perspective, I realized that it was crucial to examine whether there was inherent value for clients within this model and, if so, what that value looked like. So, in this blog post, I will take you on a journey through my exploration. We will delve into the concept of fractional work and dissect what it means for the clients they serve. Navigating the complexities of sales leadership can be a formidable challenge, particularly for smaller or high-growth companies

The Triad of Startup Success: Validation, Customer Centricity, and Operational Mastery (Jacob White)

The Triad of Success In the dynamic landscape of startups, the journey from ideation to scale is a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. At the helm of this entrepreneurial adventure, founders navigate uncharted territories, striving to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. To embark on this path with confidence and resilience, founders must prioritize validation, instill a customer-centric mindset, and operationalize themselves at every stage of growth. Validation: A Launchpad for Success In the world of startups, the term "validation" is not just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of sustainable success. Before diving headfirst into development, founders need to meticulously validate their ideas. This process involves gauging market needs, identifying pain points, and ensuring there's a demand for the proposed solution. One of the key benefits of robust validation is risk mitigation. By engaging potential users early in the process, founders gain va