Setting Up a Fractional CMO for Success with Jessica Zall

Startups often need strategic marketing leadership but not necessarily the full-time commitment of a traditional CMO. Enter the fractional CMO- an experienced marketing executive who comes in to provide high-level guidance and expertise on a part-time or contract basis. In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Zall, a fractional CMO herself, to unpack everything from finding the right CMO to what to expect from this working relationship and how to effectively leverage this flexible leadership model. This week, episode 53 of the FiredUp! podcast is about setting up a fractional CMO for success!

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In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Jessica Zall shares the difference between working with a fractional CMO and a marketing consultant and actionable steps you can take right now to effectively find, onboard, and get the most from your fractional CMO.

Jessica Zall is an accomplished, forward-thinking B2B and B2C marketing and communications leader with over 20 years of global business experience. She is recognized for aligning sales and marketing strategies to generate significant growth, with a special emphasis on fintech, financial services, and B2B SaaS. Through her work, Jessica has built and led highly skilled marketing and communications teams and devised high growth marcom strategies for companies at $5MM to $20B+. 

Jessica, Morgan, and Nicole discuss:

• The primary goals and problems a fractional CMO can be brought in to solve.
• What level of engagement, duration, and time commitment you might expect when working with a fractional CMO.
• Things to consider when selecting the right fit for a fractional CMO and where to find one when you’re ready.
• What to realistically expect from an FCMO in the first 90 days.
• Key factors that contribute to the success or failure of a fractional CMO engagement in a startup.

Remember, marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires long-term vision, consistent effort, and patience. 

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

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Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne

Chapters

• 0:00 Setting Up a Fractional CMO for Success with Jessica Zall
• 2:17 The role of a fractional CMO in a startup.
• 4:12 The various roles and engagements of fractional CMOs.
• 4:30 Choosing the right fractional CMO for a startup's success.
• 17:44 The onboarding and reporting structure of an FCMO.
• 25:45 Realistic expectations startups should have for their fractional CMOs.
• 34:37 Common challenges and best practices when integrating a fractional CMO into your business.
• 44:06 Fired Up Five Segment