Fractional expertise: Is it a fad?

It's understandable why some people might think fractional expertise is a short-lived trend. It's a new idea, and sometimes, new ideas can seem like a fad. But before you dismiss it, let's look at what’s really going on here.

Fractional experts aren't just consultants with fancy titles looking to make a quick buck. We’re talking about some highly skilled professionals who offer businesses precisely what they need—focused expertise, without the bloated overhead.?

Think about it: why hire a full-time CMO when you need their strategic insight for just a few key projects a year??

After all, you wouldn’t buy an entire restaurant just because you want to eat there once a week.

When we at OpenGrowth started out…

When we first launched, gaining people's trust was one of the toughest hurdles we faced. The concept of fractional expertise was still relatively new, and convincing businesses to welcome this innovative model felt like an uphill battle.?

We had our share of skeptics—some thought it was a passing trend, while others believed it was too risky to bring in part-time experts without fully committing to them.?

Frankly, it wasn’t easy. There were times we questioned if the market was even ready for something so different.?

But we kept pushing because we knew the value of what we were offering. We believed in the power of flexibility, and that businesses could scale smarter by tapping into expertise only when needed. Still, it took more than just belief—it took proof.

We started small. We focused on delivering tangible results for every client, no matter the size of the project. We dug in deep, understanding their challenges and working our way into the market. Slowly but surely, those early clients began to see the value, and word spread.?

Over time, we realized that trust isn’t something you can demand—it’s something you earn. And the key to earning it was transparency.?

We've always been transparent about our offerings and limitations. No hidden fees, no unrealistic promises. Just honest solutions tailored to your needs.?

Our team of experts, with over 15 years of experience, are readily available for consultation. Unlike other platforms, we've made their profiles public, ensuring you know exactly who you're working with.

And that’s when the tide began to turn.?

Companies started coming to us, not just because we were offering something new, but because they knew they could count on us.

Looking back, gaining trust wasn’t about convincing people to buy into a concept but more about proving that fractional expertise works and it works exceptionally well.?

Now, that foundation of trust is what keeps our clients coming back—and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

The numbers don't lie.

Still skeptical about fractional expertise? Let’s look at the data. A recent report shows that 36% of the U.S. workforce freelanced in 2023, contributing 76.4 million to the economy.

Why? Because the ROI is undeniable. A company can save 30-40% in costs just by hiring a fractional executive compared to a full-time employee.

Can you trust a fractional executive?

Some may have had negative experiences with unqualified individuals claiming to be experts, leading to a generalized distrust. Yet, the key is to thoroughly vet candidates, just as one would with any hire.

Many businesses mistakenly assume that fractional professionals are less committed or skilled than full-timers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.?

The real issue lies in how businesses approach hiring fractional talent. Just like any hire, the key is to thoroughly vet candidates.

Why choose OpenGrowth

At OpenGrowth, we’re not here to sell you on a full-time hire you don’t need. We’re here to connect you with experts who can understand your business challenges, execute like a full-timer, and leave when the job is done.?

When you come to us, you won’t find a hard sell for a full-time hire you really don’t need. We get it—businesses evolve, needs shift, and sometimes, all you really need is a fresh perspective or a set of hands to tackle a specific project.?

That’s where we come in.?

Our mission is simple: to connect you with experts who don’t just have impressive resumes but actually understand your business challenges inside and out. They’re not just here to punch a clock; they’re here to roll up their sleeves and get the job done—just like a full-timer would but without the long-term commitment.

No excess, no fluff, just pure value. And for companies operating in an unpredictable economy, that flexibility isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Contact our fractional executives here!

And in case you missed my last newsletter, take a walk: My unconventional journey—from a software engineer to a B2B startup founder.

Cheers,

Akriti Verma,

Co-founder, OpenGrowth