Kickstart Your Fractional Business in Three Steps

Starting a fractional business can seem daunting, but with the right guidance and practical steps, you can set yourself up for success faster than you think. Today I hosted a Fractional Fifty ?? workshop with Aliza Kogan where we shared three actionable steps to kickstart your fractional business. Whether you’re working in a 9-to-5 job or looking to transition to full-time consulting, these tips will help you hit the ground running.

Step 1: Leverage Your Zone of Influence

“If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to help build theirs.” — Tony Gaskins

Every business begins with relationships. One of the most critical aspects of starting a fractional business is leveraging the network you already have. Think about your current and past colleagues, clients, and professional connections. These are the people who can vouch for you and open doors.

In our workshop, we talked about identifying three key types of people in your network:

• Connectors: These people know everyone and thrive on making introductions.
• Mavens: Experts who collect and share information within their field.
• Salespeople: Persuasive individuals who can talk about your services as if they were their own.

Spend time listing the people in your life who fit into these categories and focus on building genuine, helpful relationships with them.

Step 2: Build a Simple Pricing Structure

When creating your pricing, simplicity is key. Clients need clear and straightforward options to make fast decisions. Consider creating three tiers of services:

1. Starter Package — This could be an entry-level package offering a few hours of work per month.
2. Mid-Tier Package — More hours or services, offering slightly better value.
3. Premium Package — The best value, often bundled with extra services or a discounted rate for more extensive work.

For instance, you can base your pricing on an hourly rate (e.g., $200 per hour), but offer discounts for clients who buy larger packages upfront. Remember to keep the number of options manageable — no more than four tiers — and provide clarity on what each includes.

Step 3: Generate Conversations on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is your house party, and you’re here to network. Cold emails are losing their effectiveness, but LinkedIn offers a dynamic way to engage with your potential clients. Here’s how:

• The 5x5 Approach: Spend five minutes a day leaving meaningful comments on five posts by key influencers in your industry. By consistently engaging, you’ll organically attract attention and build relationships with the right people.

The best way to grow your business is through conversations and genuine interaction. Focus on booking meetings, and you’ll see your profile views — and leads — skyrocket.

By implementing these three steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting and growing your fractional business. Whether you’re offering consultancy services part-time or going full-time, success starts with leveraging your existing relationships, pricing yourself effectively, and building your presence on LinkedIn.

Next Steps: Thank you for diving into this journey with me! If you found value in today’s insights, I’d love to stay connected. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn where I share more tips and resources to help you thrive. Missed the workshop or want a refresher? Catch the workshop replay here. Lastly, if you’re ready to take the leap and build your fractional business alongside a supportive community, apply to join the Fractional Fifty Slack Community. Let’s grow together! ??