The Fractional Blog

The fractional CFO market has splintered into distinct categories with different cost structures and matching models. We ranked the five best platforms and services for 2026 to help you find the right fit.

Stop hiring fractional talent by title. The companies that get the most value define the work first, matching specific skills to 90-day outcomes instead of filtering by job titles and years of experience.

The fractional hiring market has splintered into distinct categories with wildly different cost structures and matching models. We break down the top five fractional talent platforms for 2026, including our #1 overall pick, Fractional Jobs, so you can find the right fractional executive for your company.

Stop keyword stuffing your LinkedIn profile. Fractional execs who get hired understand LinkedIn's "Ideal Candidate" algorithm. It matches your expertise and trajectory to what hiring managers actually want. Here's how to become the prototype they're searching for.

Fractional executives cost less than full-time hires because companies only pay for the time worked and avoid expenses like payroll taxes, benefits, bonuses, and equity. Typical rates vary by seniority and function, but fractional leaders can deliver high-impact work quickly while giving companies more flexibility and lower overall costs.

We walk through how to create a contract for mutual success in a fractional engagement. We cover fractional-specific best practices - like contract length, retainers, payment terms, scope, time commitment, cancellation clauses, NDAs, and redlines - to help both companies and fractional workers align expectations and avoid common pitfalls.

This playbook breaks down what a strong fractional proposal is, why it matters, and how to create one that sets clear expectations and drives better client alignment. It includes a lightweight, practical framework, plus real examples, to help fractional leaders close more deals without overcomplicating the process.

Josh Hannen, Linkedin expert, shares the top questions he gets asked by fractional executives about using Linkedin to generate new clients, along with the answers that will help you use Linkedin more productively.

Raven Health brought in fractional sales leader Chris DeNoia and, within six weeks, went from struggling to close deals to hitting sales targets three months in a row by changing how the team talked to prospects and leading with discovery instead of product demos. By focusing on the right customers and coaching existing team members rather than rebuilding the sales organization, the company unlocked real momentum without the cost or risk of another full time executive hire.

Josh Hannen shares the five LinkedIn strategies Fractional Executives need to attract clients in 2026. A practical framework for positioning, content, writing clarity, and pipeline building that drives consistent inbound leads.

LinkedIn coach Josh Hannen breaks down the four biggest reasons Fractional Executives aren’t getting leads from LinkedIn—and how to fix them. Learn the positioning, content, writing, and pipeline shifts that turn your profile into a client-generating system.

LinkedIn coach Josh Hannen breaks down the real source of “cringe” on LinkedIn and how to eliminate it for good. Learn how authentic writing can help Fractional Executives build trust and attract more inbound clients.

LinkedIn coach Josh Hannen shares the 10-second headline fix that can double your leads. Learn how a simple formula can turn your LinkedIn profile into a powerful client magnet for Fractional Executives.

Most fractionals post on LinkedIn but don’t get clients. Josh Hannen says it’s usually due to weak positioning, vague content, and no system to convert interest. His fix: focus on your ideal client, share real insights, post with purpose, build trust, and use DMs and CTAs to turn engagement into leads.

Solo Health Collective offers health insurance designed for freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors. Learn how it compares to ACA and short-term plans—and why it might be a better fit for your business-of-one.

Philip Kean, founder of Lane Gate Advisory and ex-VP of Finance at UiPath, shows how a fractional CFO can modernize finance with tools like Rillet, Tabs, and Maximor. His approach cuts close times from weeks to a day, automates revenue recognition, and builds scalable systems that keep delivering long after he leaves.

Natalie Hoop, a seasoned fractional operations leader, helped Moose’s March streamline their vendor badge approval process by building automated, integrated workflows that cut approval times by 75%, reduced errors, and boosted revenue. By working just five hours a week, she freed the founder’s time, increased partner onboarding, and ensured lasting operational efficiency that fuels the nonprofit’s mission to fund early cancer detection for pets.

Alex Ruiz, a Fractional COO, shares how his RAP framework (Responsible, Adviser, Participant) helps fractional leaders manage scope creep, stay focused, and expand engagements intentionally without diluting impact.

Angelina Masini, a Fractional COO, shares how she built a flexible and affordable healthcare strategy with MightyWELL and ShareWELL, empowering executives, whether new to fractional or already aligned, to confidently pursue their careers without losing peace of mind.

This case study explores how Ritika Strauss, a Fractional Marketing & Communications leader, rebuilt her business after back-to-back downturns. Drawing on her expertise in strategic narrative, community-building, and cross-functional growth, she shares six powerful lessons on staying resilient, communicating your value, and building a sustainable fractional practice.

Mark Jackson, a longtime fractional CMO and CRO and now CEO of Besolo, shares his journey into fractional work and why he’s building tools for independents. He reflects on challenges like building a client pipeline, the rise of portfolio careers, and how fractional work is reshaping the workforce. Key takeaways include the growing choice-driven shift toward self-employment, what to look for when hiring fractional talent, and the need for better support systems for solo workers.

This case study explores how Erika Weiss, a Fractional CMO with 20+ years of consumer marketing experience at Disney, 20th Century Fox, Beachbody, and DTC startups, helped Human Touch reposition its brand, modernize marketing strategy, and drive consumer-led growth, all in just 10 hours a week.

Connie Lund, a Fractional Marketer, shares how she built Growth Rebel; a system that helps fractionals attract clients on LinkedIn without cold-pitching or daily posting, using a simple, repeatable 20-minute-a-day approach.

The interview series continues with Harris Brown, Fractional Head of Product, who shares his journey into fractional leadership after his time at Airbnb. Harris discusses his experience helping early-stage startups, balancing multiple clients, and the impact he drives even part-time. Key takeaways include how Harris navigates the challenges of scaling his time, the value of embedded fractional work, and the personal autonomy that comes with this career path.

This case study explores how Ryan Hunt, a Fractional CMO with 15+ years of experience in sports, entertainment, and consumer technology, helped Amalfi, a private community for athletes and investors, enhance their brand, grow membership, and implement a marketing strategy that drove scalable business growth.

The interview series continues with Chris Bee, Fractional CTO, who shares his journey into fractional leadership after a successful exit from Lesson. Chris discusses his experience balancing multiple fractional roles and side projects, adding value to startups, and the flexibility that fractional work offers. Key takeaways include the importance of leveraging past experience, the structure of balancing fractional work with side projects, and the personal fulfillment that comes from fractional leadership.

This case study explores how Diana Maichin, a Fractional CFO with deep health-tech expertise, helped Primefocus Health, a corporate spinout from LG, secure funding, build financial infrastructure, and shape strategy, all in just two days a week.

In this article, Taylor Crane shares five spicy, no-punches-pulled takes on fractional work. These are personal opinions—meant to spark conversation, not deliver universal truths. Read on if you're up for some honest, possibly controversial thoughts.

In this conversation, Taylor shares practical advice on finding your first fractional clients, including strategies for transitioning from project-based work, choosing between hourly or retainer pricing, and managing multiple clients. He also discusses the state of the fractional talent market across regions and industries, with a focus on early-stage startups and the unique challenges of balancing multiple roles.

Hiring full-time execs takes months, time BigCos often don’t have. Learn how Fractional leaders step in quickly to drive innovation, launch products, and deliver real results. Not a stopgap, but a strategic advantage.

See how Jonathan Irwin, Fractional Head of Product, helped his client Family Promise scale a nationwide platform in just six months, delivering real results while staying lean.

The discussion covers various retirement account options for Fractionals, including tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and Solo 401Ks, emphasizing the importance of saving over tax savings. It highlights strategies such as the Mega Backdoor Roth conversion to maximize contributions to Roth IRAs.

How setting up an S Corp election in addition to your LLC can provide significant tax savings, on average $10K per year, for fractional workers who meet certain criteria.

Fractional sales leadership often requires compensation structures that reflect the strategic responsibilities involved, typically favoring a hybrid model of base pay plus commission or base-only arrangements, especially in early-stage startups focused on building sales infrastructure rather than immediate revenue generation.

Alex Pracher and Katelyn McArdle emphasize the importance of networking for fractional business growth, advocating for intentional connections through community involvement and mastermind groups to unlock opportunities and foster relationships aligned with personal values.

Evan shares how he uses weekly planning in his fractional work to fight overcommitment and intentionalize his priorities—especially long-term goals that often get pushed aside by urgent requests.

Craig Finster, a Fractional CFO for tech companies, shares insights on managing late payments and defaults, emphasizing the importance of understanding client circumstances, setting clear expectations, and implementing preventive strategies to protect fractional workers from recurring financial challenges.

Katie Perry, a fractional marketing leader, shares her experience of creating a custom AI "COO Agent" using GPT-4 to manage her business operations efficiently, streamline client work, and optimize time. She highlights the importance of organizing key business data as a foundation for the AI tool.

A detailed guide on how to land your first few fractional clients. Hint: It's about your network. We walk through the primary strategy, and then a host of tactics designed to jumpstart your fractional business.

The interview series highlights the insights of successful fractional leaders, starting with Christina Garnett, a Fractional Chief Customer Officer, who discusses her journey, client engagement, and the unique benefits of fractional work. Key takeaways include the importance of personalized scope, preferred monthly retainers, and effective communication around client priorities.

In the inaugural episode of The Fractional Interview Series, Katie Perry, a Fractional Head of Marketing, shares her insights on generating leads, client engagement, and the challenges of maintaining energy in a multi-client environment. This series aims to illuminate the best practices of successful fractional leaders.

Christopher Bereton discusses the significance of fractional leadership, particularly Level 2 roles like Heads of Product, in startups. He emphasizes the inefficiencies and missed opportunities that arise when founders overlook the need for dedicated product leadership, often relying on internal team members or waiting for full-time solutions.

The author, Shantanu Verma, shares three strategies that fractional executives can use to land high-value clients. These strategies include the Micro-Offer, B2B Shortcasts, and The Hiring Swap. Shantanu Verma reflects on his journey as a fractional executive and the challenges he faced, emphasizing the importance of client acquisition for business success. He details how these strategies have personally helped him land clients outside his existing network and provides examples of how to implement each strategy effectively.

David discusses the concept of hiring fractional professionals for specific tasks in business, drawing parallels with hiring specialized professionals in other areas such as cleaning services or healthcare. He emphasizes the benefits of hiring experts for specific tasks rather than trying to master all skills internally.

Mason Smith is a government and community relations expert with experience in leading industry-defining companies. In his article, he emphasizes the importance of government relations for startups and the value that a fractional government relations person can bring to early stage startups, including defining company policy, articulating the company's position on public policy, and shaping the policy landscape.

Bara Elhag envisions a future where fractional executives, gig workers, and AI redefine the corporate landscape. The emergence of "Centaur" and "Cyborg" professionals highlights the need for adaptable T-shaped skill sets and expertise-as-a-service. However, challenges such as maintaining company culture and consistent strategy execution remain as the corporate world evolves towards unprecedented flexibility.

Kelly Olson, a fractional Customer Success leader, emphasizes the power of incorporating video into your fractional practice to boost client engagement and demonstrate your impact consistently. She underscores the significance of using video for internal communication, training updates, customer outreach, proposal walkthroughs, delegation, and advocacy and marketing.

The most popular fractional leadership roles today are in marketing, finance, engineering, and design, as these positions are clearly defined and easily identifiable needs for companies. As the fractional movement gains momentum, Level 1 fractional roles, such as Finance and Marketing, are paving the way for Level 2 roles like Sales, Product, and HR, which are less understood for fractional hiring but increasingly important.

We'll cover whether to set up an LLC, the different types of tax benefits, and even retirement planning.

Consider hiring fractional nonprofit executives to address specific challenges within your organization. Fractional leaders offer a strategic and innovative solution to drive your nonprofit's mission forward.

A fractional CMO is a part-time senior marketing executive responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing marketing efforts for multiple companies. To excel in this role, one needs skills like strategic planning, comprehensive marketing knowledge, leadership, digital proficiency, flexibility, excellent communication, and financial management.

Erika Noll Webb explains the importance of having a dedicated UX Research leader and the value they bring, including building toolsets, providing training for consistent feedback, and conducting proactive research to improve product decision-making. She emphasizes that smaller companies can benefit from fractional work to enhance their UX research capabilities.

Businesses can benefit from fractional executives, but both parties must address challenges like role clarity, resource constraints, and the distinction between fractional executives and consultants.

Considering a shift to fractional work? Remember to strategically position yourself by identifying the demand, unique solutions, and your ideal customer profile to differentiate yourself.

Zach, an NYC-based Fractional GM, shares his journey into fractional work and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. From his first client engagement to tactical tips for standing up a fractional business, Zach's story provides insights into the world of entrepreneurship and client engagement.

Tom White offers the transformative 4Cs framework to ensure your message not only resonates but also remains memorable in the congested world of fractional work.

Fractional Chief Customer Officers offer startups affordable access to expert leadership for customer experience, enabling strategic growth and competitive advantage in fast-paced markets.

The comprehensive guide to hiring a fractional leader. Learn the steps to assess your needs, target the right candidates, conduct effective interviews, determine compensation expectations, navigate the contract process, and more.

Learn how to cultivate a successful team dynamic in the evolving fractional work landscape by understanding the key values of trust, respect, transparency, and empathy. Explore the dynamics of fractional work environments and discover how they differ from traditional employment models.

Fractional work is the next major shift in the workplace after remote work. Do you know what it is, and are you prepared to take advantage of it? Shannon explores how you can start exploring.

David talks through his journey from a Fractional Marketing Leader to VP of Marketing at Owner.com. He highlights the benefits of fractional work, why he went back to full-time, and why startups should consider making a fractional hire.

Fractional employees offer more flexibility, they cost less, you can choose how many hours you need, and their responsibilities are that of a full-time employee. In this post we break down all the benefits of hiring fractional.

Short answer, a lot more than what you're making now as a full-time employee. We explain how, in detail.

We explore several key areas of fractional work that will help you determine if you're a good fit to pursue it.

A detailed overview of what goes into a fractional job, particularly how it's different from a full-time job.

Fractional work is part-time work, typically paid on a monthly retainer, by experts in their field. In this post we’ll break down exactly what fractional work is in more detail, and why it’s exploding in popularity.