The Rise of the Fractional Chief Executive Officer
- jamiecreative0
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
The Rise of the Fractional CMO: Why I’m All In
Heads up: I’m speaking from the fractional CMO hot seat—so this isn’t theory. It’s what I do, day in and day out. So yes, I’m slightly (very) biased, but also deeply experienced.
Let’s unpack why the role of the Fractional CMO is growing, what it actually looks like, and whether it might just be the thing your business needs next.
🎯 What even is a Fractional CMO?
A Fractional CMO is a senior marketing leader (like yours truly) who works with businesses part-time—usually on a retainer or project basis—to drive strategy, results, and growth.
You get big-picture marketing brains without hiring a full-time exec. It's like hiring the brains of a seasoned CMO… without the six-figure salary or needing to find them a desk.
✅ Why Businesses Are Making the Shift
1. It’s cost-effective (without cutting corners). You get top-tier marketing strategy for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. No overheads. No leave loading. No long onboarding. Just senior thinking, ready to go.
2. You skip the trial-and-error phase. Instead of wasting time with assistant or mid-level marketers guessing their way through things, you get someone who's made the mistakes already (so you don’t have to). Strategy and results from the get-go. Compliments a junior hire.
3. You get fresh perspective + focused strategy. As a Fractional CMO, I bring a Bird’s Eye view—outside the daily noise, with a clear focus on what moves the needle. I’m not tangled up in Slack threads or office politics. I’m here for smart decisions and long-term impact.
4. You’re still getting a team player. Despite the ‘fractional’ bit, I fully integrate with your business. I get to know your brand, your team, your goals. I’m not just consulting—I’m collaborating.
5. It’s flexible. Need me heavy in the trenches one month, then lighter touch the next? No worries. My role flexes with your growth.
⚠️ The (Honest) Downsides
Now, I won’t sugar-coat it. There are things to consider.
1. I’m not full-time. I’m not internal. But—I do my best and I'm always contactable via email. I only work with a very small handful of clients at any one time. That means you still get the access, support, and attention you need. I don’t stretch myself thin.
2. I’m not embedded in your office. I won’t be at your Monday standups or Friday arvo beers (unless invited—love a crisp rosé). But what I bring is a clear, focused, outside-in view that most internal roles can’t. I see the gaps and the opportunities clearly.
3. I split my focus. Yes, I work across a few businesses. But I choose them carefully and show up fully for each one. If I’m in, I’m in. That’s my promise.
🆚 Fractional vs Full-Time: The Trade-Off
📈 So… Why Is This Role on the Rise?
Because businesses are getting smarter.
They’re realising they don’t need another generalist or another internal hire who "figures it out as they go." They want real strategy, accountability, and results—without the bloat.
The rise of the fractional exec is about flexibility, access, and impact. And right now? It’s exactly what many growing businesses need.
👋 So, is it right for you?
If your business is growing (or ready to), and you’re tired of piecing together patchy marketing with no real plan—then yes. A Fractional CMO could be exactly what you need.
Let’s find out.
👉 Book a free discovery call. We’ll chat about your goals, where you’re stuck, and whether this model is the right fit for your next stage of growth.
No fluff. Just straight-up, honest advice—whether we work together or not.
Love, Jamie xo
Fractional CMO • Bedford Avenue MarketingStrategic. Cost-effective. Results-focused.
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