Can't Afford a CMO? Here's How to Hire Senior Help Anyway
with Lance LeFort
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About this episode
Questions this episode answers
What is a fractional expert and how is it different from a contractor or VA?
A fractional expert is a senior-level professional — think CMO, CFO, or CTO — who works part-time (two to three days a week) for your business. Unlike a VA who handles tasks, a fractional expert brings high-level strategy and decades of experience without requiring a full-time salary.
Can a small business actually afford a fractional CMO or CFO?
Yes. Because fractional executives only want part-time work — often due to lifestyle priorities like family or semi-retirement — you access their full expertise at a fraction of the cost. You pay for the days they work, not a full-time package, making senior talent genuinely accessible for growth-stage businesses.
How do I know when my business is ready for a fractional hire?
You're likely ready when VAs and task-based workers can no longer solve your growth problems. If you're hitting strategic ceilings — in marketing, finance, or operations — and need someone who can build infrastructure and lead decisions, it's time to consider a fractional expert.
What happens if the fractional arrangement outgrows itself?
Many fractional relationships naturally evolve. As your business scales — especially after a funding round or revenue milestone — you can increase the person's hours or convert them to a full-time role if both parties want it. Lance calls it the "date before the marriage."
What types of roles can be filled fractionally?
Almost any senior function can be filled fractionally — marketing (CMO), finance (CFO), technology (CTO/CIO), operations, and executive production. The model works anywhere you need strategic leadership but aren't yet at the stage to justify a full-time hire.
How is the current job market making fractional hiring more appealing?
With a cautious hiring market, many businesses are hesitant to commit to full-time executive salaries. At the same time, experienced professionals prefer the flexibility of part-time work. Fractional hiring meets both needs — lower commitment for the business, better lifestyle for the expert.
How do I find the right fractional expert for my business?
Work with a specialist recruiter like Lance LeFort who understands both the business need and the talent pool. The right match isn't just about skills — it's about energy, cultural fit, and threading the person's specific expertise into your exact gaps.
Key insights
"You could get a very senior person with a great resume who doesn't want the five-day-a-week hustle — and you're not having to pay the full freight charge on that salary." — Lance LeFort
"Think of it as the date before the marriage. They work together for six months, the business starts to ramp up, and then it potentially becomes a full-time gig — if both sides want it." — Lance LeFort
"I'm like a doctor and someone says, here's the ailment — I've got this solution, or this solution, or let's try this. I'm matchmaking to solve their problem." — Lance LeFort
"It mitigates the risk on both sides. Do I really want to go back full time? No. Does this person really have the money to hire someone full time? No. So let's do this little dance for a bit and let it evolve." — Lance LeFort
About Lance LeFort
Lance LeFort is a seasoned recruiting and talent matchmaking expert with a rich background spanning creative industries, marketing, manufacturing, sales, and distribution. He began his career as a creative professional before transitioning into recruiting after being approached by a headhunter who recognized his unique blend of artistic sensibility and business acumen. Lance built his own boutique recruiting agency, growing it to include contractors worldwide, specializing in placing talent across video game studios, animation houses, visual effects companies, and corporate environments. What sets Lance apart is his holistic understanding of how organizations function — from operations and sales to creative and executive strategy. He has evolved his practice to meet today's cautious market by specializing in fractional executive placement, connecting growing businesses with senior-level professionals who deliver strategic expertise on a part-time basis. Lance acts as a 'corporate matchmaker,' diagnosing organizational needs and prescribing the right talent solution, whether that's a fractional CMO, CTO, operations lead, or a specialized consultant brought in for a defined project.
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About Chuck Anderson
Chuck Anderson is the founder of EventAffiliates.com, helping coaches and consultants fill events and grow revenue through affiliate partnerships instead of ads or cold outreach. He's the creator of PartnerPilot and host of a show on partnership-driven growth.
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