(This is the fourth article in a series about hiring fractional executives. Last week, we discussed why you should hire fractional leadership.)
Now that you have determined that hiring fractional leadership might be right for your organization, let’s discuss where to find the right ones.
Let us begin by saying that it is vital that whomever you hire understands you, your wants, needs, desires, fears, goals, aspirations, and budget. It is not enough that they know how to solve problems; it is critical that they understand how to solve your problems.
A great place to begin is to leverage your professional network. It is amazing that fractional leaders are still a best-kept secret today. That is because leaders seldom take the time to talk to people outside their organizations about their challenges and solicit expertise from those they know, like, and trust. This is not about exposing corporate secrets or making yourself look smaller. It is about talking in general about problems and asking people within your network if they know people who can help you solve them.
Most people, whether they have had a great experience or a bad one, are happy to share. This not only provides you with recommended sources to consider and contact but also a list of those who should immediately be removed from the shortlist.
Engage with specialized recruiting firms. There are firms out there that specialize in fractional talent. They have a stable full of people with years of experience who no longer are looking for full-time employment but rather prefer project work. Two examples are The Free Agent and Talent Magnet Solutions, but a quick Google search of fractional employment firms will bring the right people to the forefront.
Different talent agencies specialize in different fractional experts. The more specific you are in your search, including if you desire or require someone local, the more successful you will be.
Utilize online marketplaces: There are many online marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr where you can find fractional leadership and talent to fulfill your specific requirements. The good news with these types of marketplaces is that you can start small, give them a specific project to start on, evaluate your satisfaction, and then move the relationship forward.
Consult industry associations: We have yet to run into a business type without a trade association that focuses on its industry. These organizations want to promote and support their membership, and each usually has either a list of approved vendors that have been vetted or members who support their other members.
Searching through their online databases could very quickly and easily provide you with the contact of local or regional fractional experts who understand your industry and that you can bring on board quickly and easily.
Attend industry events and conferences: Conferences and events are full of people looking to solve problems and those solving problems. They may be exhibitors on the trade show floor or provide a keynote, workshop, or panel. The more you go to these events with specific purposes in mind, the more you can ensure you focus on being where these key partners are.
Finding the best fractional leaders involves leveraging professional networks, engaging specialized recruiting firms, utilizing online marketplaces, consulting industry associations, and attending industry events. Businesses can hire top-notch fractional executives by following these strategies and thoroughly evaluating candidates.
If you need further assistance or specific recommendations, feel free to ask!
About Ben Baker
Ben Baker has been a Fractional Chief Communications Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Podcast Officer for his clients for over a decade. "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” - George Bernard Shaw We help you fix that problem and make sure you are listened to, understood, valued, and engaged with by internal and external clients, prospects and stakeholders in meaningful and profitable ways.
Ben Baker has been a Fractional Chief Communications Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Podcast Officer for his clients for over a decade.
"The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
- George Bernard Shaw
We help you fix that problem and make sure you are listened to, understood, valued, and engaged with by internal and external clients, prospects and stakeholders in meaningful and profitable ways.
