Comments on: The Rise of Fractional Executives in Direct Selling

By: Jeff Dahl

Jeff Dahl — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:46:25 +0000

Great article Brett. Fractional is very common in other industries, and in time it will catch on in Direct Selling too. Although as you mention above, several companies have been using fractional services for years, but just under a different moniker. I also think fractional services can materialize organically during an extended advisory engagement. Different paths, but all good!

By: Rich Makover

Rich Makover — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:50:11 +0000

Brett-so glad to see this article! Of course, I am biased…as we have spoken many times about why I became a Fractional CSO/CRO after years as an executive both in and out of Direct Sales.
I have found it to be a great balance for newer companies looking to scale.. as well as those who have hit a plateau yet are not ready for the expenses of a full time Chief Sales Officer.
Direct Selling organizations are a perfect fit for Fractional support.

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 20:33:53 +0000

Great article Brent and agree there is an important role for filling gaps in leadership needs – and not losing momentum until the right full-time position is hired. I’ve seen critical roles hired too quickly just to fill the position and not properly vetted. Then you have the painful and expensive process on the back end managing a wrong hire which can hurt the organization and culture. Of course these fractional leaders would be very well-vetted to avoid risk. There are so many exception leaders out there who’ve left the traditional workforce that can add value and meet the needs for companies and executives!

By: Sushant

Sushant — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 01:26:30 +0000

Good insightful article and has rational advice to evaluate option for leadership gaps. Like this one especially “what happens when there is a lack of leadership? And not just in cases when someone if filling a leadership position, but simply not fulfilling it, but also when there’s simply no one in the position to begin with?”

By: Steven Proffit

Steven Proffit — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:26:27 +0000

Great article, but I see this as a way to prevent better collaboration within a company. How can a fractional executive really understand the problems of this particular company. They would either come in and apply what works according to their experience without really understanding the problem. They would draw a large salary, and potentially implement costly changes. Or… on the other hand they would do nothing, and still draw a paycheck for doing nothing.

In my opinion it is better to have an interim/acting executive that has been with the company and have them work with a mentor.

One other problem I have with the fractional execs is that it perpetuates even further a problem we see all to often in the MLM industry where an exec who should have never been or has committed some aggregious transgression at one company, now goes to another company.

I am for utilizing the experience of those successful execs and giving them time with their family, but not for this “fractional executive” concept.

By: Brett Duncan

Brett Duncan — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:02:28 +0000

In reply to Kate Gardner. Why, thank you! ;-) - bd

By: Brett Duncan

Brett Duncan — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:02:00 +0000

In reply to Richard Perry. Thanks so much, Richard. - bd

By: Richard Perry

Richard Perry — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:22:46 +0000

Great article Brett

By: Kate Gardner

Kate Gardner — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:26:06 +0000

Superb!