5 Reasons a Fractional Leader Can Accelerate Your GTM
The media has been buzzing about the rise of professional solopreneurs and fractional executives throughout 2023. These experts are having a big impact on the GTM community landscape. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, temporary business management roles were up 18% from 2021 to 2022 and 57% since 2020. The trend is expected to continue growing, with a projected 42 million self-employed individuals in the U.S. by 2026, according to research from Statista.
Why are these part-time experts a growing trend for businesses? Because they’re finding that fractional executives and solopreneurs are an efficient way for companies to access the expertise of highly skilled professionals without the cost of a long-term commitment.
Let’s say you’re running a SaaS startup, and you’re having a hard time breaking into a new market, developing your messaging, navigating a restructuring, or filling a leadership gap. Perhaps your in-house team is stretched thin and could use some help to get more strategic projects across the finish line. You know you need help, but you just can’t swing another full-time hire.
This is where a fractional can make a big impact without being on your payroll 24/7.
Before we get into some of the specific advantages of working with a fractional leader, let’s break down the different type types of solopreneurs you’ll encounter:
- Interim executives: Best for short-term leadership gaps
- Project-based executives: Great for specific project expertise or guidance
- Strategic advisors: Ideal for long-term planning and opportunity identification
- Ongoing support: Perfect for smaller companies that need continuous assistance
As you assess the kind of fractional you need, here are five reasons why you should consider bringing one onboard:
Top-Notch Expertise without Breaking the Bank
Imagine having an experienced GTM leader on your team, someone who’s been around the startup block and knows the ropes. Sounds expensive, right? Not with a fractional. You get all that valuable expertise without the hefty price tag, making it a cost-effective choice. Save on recruiter fees, equity, time, and of course, save on full-time salary and benefits.
Immediate Impact from Day One
Do you want someone to start solving your problem in 4 months or 4 days? Startups move at the speed of light, as do most fractionals. They’re accustomed to diving in headfirst and getting results. With their knowledge and experience, they can hit the ground running with almost no ramp-up time, so you can reach your goals faster.
Flexibility to Match Your Needs
GTM planning can be a rollercoaster of demand. Some months you’re launching a new product, and others you’re fine-tuning your sales and marketing strategy. Fractional leaders give you the flexibility to scale up or down based on your current needs. It’s like having an on-demand expert whenever you need them.
A Fresh Set of Eyes on Your Business
Ever heard of the saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees?” Well, that’s where a fractional product marketer shines. They come in with fresh eyes, free from any internal biases, and spot opportunities and areas for improvement that you might have missed. Their unbiased perspective can be a game-changer for your business.
Let Your Team Focus on What They Do Best
Your core team has a ton on their plate, from product development to sales. By enlisting a GTM expert, you free up your in-house talent to concentrate on what you hired them to do.
Running a company is always a balancing act. You need to make the most of your resources and ensure your offering gets the attention it deserves. A fractional GTM expert offers a budget-friendly way to access expert guidance, stay agile, see your product with fresh eyes, and let your core team excel.