Fractional CMO Experience Matters

Written by Nick Stamoulis

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When it comes to finding a Fractional CMO, you will find that each one that you find will have different experience levels. Some may have just gotten started professionally or have been in the business for just a few years. Others may have ten or twenty years or more of experience. To be honest, each candidate is probably qualified in their own way. However, it’s important to note that experience really does matter here, no matter how qualified a candidate looks. Here are some of our thoughts:

Verifying a Fractional CMO Credentials

Your first step when hiring a Fractional CMO is to verify their credentials. It is easy for anyone to say they have experience, but whether or not you can confirm the experience is another story. The issue is, there are so many people out there who inflate their experience. You want someone whose claims are verified. Here are some things you can do:

  • Review their LinkedIn profile and other social media.
  • If they provide references, check in with them.
  • Assess their portfolio, if they have one, to determine the quality of their work.
  • Hire them for a trial period. The truth is in the results!

Compatibility Is Also a Factor When Hiring a Fractional CMO

Sure, credentials are important, but you also need to consider compatibility, too. Someone can have great credentials on paper that may make it look like they are a good fit for your business. However, the reality is that other things play a part in determining if you should hire them. These are traits that all have to do with compatibility, and what determines if this is the case can be rather mysterious.

Basically, you need to assess intangibles, such as their manner of speaking, the way they connect and relate to you and your team, and their overall vibe. In other words, you need to have a genuine feeling that you like them. In our experience, those with more experience in the industry are the easiest to get along with. They have experience navigating different types of personalities and can adapt. Inexperienced Fractional CMOs may not have developed this skill yet.

Your Fractional CMO Doesn’t Need Direct Industry Experience

Did you know that your Fractional CMO doesn’t need direct industry experience? He or she just needs to have a background in a related type of industry. Some people believe that the Fractional CMO they hire needs to have specific experience in the industry, but we’ve found that this could actually do more harm than good.

That’s just it. Fractional CMOs with a lot of experience can adapt their skills to any type of business. Pitching “industry experience” is often a tactic of someone newer to the task of being a Fractional CMO. Those who have been doing this for a while have nailed down their process, and they’ve learned to adapt that process no matter the industry.

Also keep in mind that experienced Fractional CMOs often have experience implementing what needs to be done. This is a true asset to you, as it’s a lot easier to work with someone who knows how to do the work.

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