I was leaving a marketing job when I started Renew and Heart Hackers. Once I had made the decision that I was going to build the tools I wish I had when I went through a life-changing breakup, I decided to focus on this… and only that… building and teaching.
But I also have to make sure that if I was going to throw myself into it full time, I had to make sure I could support myself. It’s not just scaling. we are going to do it sustainably and smartly, ensuring that our core values and mission remain intact. In order to reach as many people as possible, I had to get rid of the business operations and marketing work. On the business side, I started with an assistant and then moved into filling senior business roles. Professionals to help me create the logistics for the first Breakup Bootcamp, and I hired more junior freelancers to help me with marketing, but it wasn’t until I hired a fractional CMO (he was in Vancouver then) to build the strategy, that I learned what the scale looked like.
The nature of my business requires that I have a lot of free time for reading and research. Hiring a full-time CMO, while beneficial, didn’t seem like the most effective move early on due to varying levels of commitment at different stages of development. Freelancers and fractional marketers offered a perfect solution by providing high-level marketing expertise on a part-time or project basis. This flexibility has allowed us to leverage different skill sets tailored to specific challenges or goals without committing to a full-time executive salary.
As a company conscious of our burn rate and keen to optimize our resources, the cost-effectiveness of fractional CMOs has been a game-changer. We could invest in top marketing leadership without the hefty price tag, directing the saved capital toward product development, improving the customer experience, and scaling our operations. This approach was not only cost-effective but also effective in increasing growth metrics.
Strategic focus with regular support
Initially, my concern with hiring a fractional was whether they could be as committed and integrated into our team as a full-time executive. However, this model has provided us with a strategic focus at the leadership level, combined with the ability to scale tactical support as needed. Fractional CMOs have worked closely with our fellow freelancers, imparting knowledge and strategies that build our internal capabilities while directing us toward our long-term vision.
My path to continuous growth
The decision to integrate fractional CMOs into our development strategy was decisive. Not only did we benefit from high-level marketing expertise, flexibility and cost savings, but we also enriched our team with diverse perspectives and strategic guidance. As Hearthackers.com continues to evolve, the knowledge and agility provided by the team we are cultivating will no doubt play a critical role in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Embracing freelancing and fractional assistance was more than a strategic decision. It has been a catalyst for growth, allowing us to remain nimble, innovative and always aligned with our mission. To fellow entrepreneurs considering this path, my advice is to see it not just as a temporary solution but as a strategic approach to building a resilient, adaptable and growth-oriented business.
