Introducing Fractional Digital: A New Era of Business Leadership

Hello, I'm Rob Smith, founder of Fractional Digital, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to this blog. This platform is designed to be a valuable resource for professionals, solopreneurs, consultants, and gig workers interested in fractional work, digital strategy, and the ever-changing landscape of business leadership. Through this blog, I aim to share insights, experiences, and practical advice that can help you navigate the complexities of modern business and thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.

My Journey to Fractional Work

My path to founding Fractional Digital began in the fall of 2022, marking a significant turning point in my career. After dedicating 25 years to 3M, I found myself facing an unexpected layoff as the department I worked within was downsized. This sudden change was initially jarring, but it ultimately became the catalyst for an exciting new chapter in my professional life.

With an abundance of experience in marketing and business under my belt and retirement far from my mind, I knew I had much more to offer the business world. So I embarked on what I thought would be a traditional job search. My initial strategy was to pursue roles within Fortune 500 companies, leveraging my extensive experience in corporate environments.

The job search process was encouraging at first. I went through several rounds of interviews, even receiving verbal offers, only to be told, “December is a terrible time to start. We’ll reach out in January.” But January came and went without follow-up.

This radio silence was frustrating, but that’s when my network stepped in.

The Power of Professional Networks

It was during this period of uncertainty that I truly realized the power of professional networks. After activating LinkedIn's “#OpenToWork” banner, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my network. I received over 500 messages, many of which weren't just expressions of sympathy, but concrete opportunities and suggestions.

A significant number of these messages introduced me to the concept of fractional work. This wasn't a career path I had initially considered, but the more I learned about it, the more it resonated with me. With my wealth of experience in solving complex problems in marketing, digital strategy, and eCommerce, I recognized the immediate value I could bring to companies in a fractional capacity.

This realization was a turning point. Instead of continuing to pursue traditional full-time roles, I made the bold decision to build something new—Fractional Digital LLC. This decision allowed me to leverage my skills and experience in a way that offered flexibility and diversification, while still allowing me to make a significant impact on businesses.

The Birth of Fractional Digital

The transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur wasn't without its challenges. To ensure I was well-equipped for this new venture, I participated in a bootcamp through VoyageurU in early 2023. This program was instrumental in helping me set up my business, providing valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and fractional work.

With this newfound knowledge and a clear vision, I officially launched Fractional Digital. Since its inception, the company has evolved into more than just a consultancy—it's become a thriving ecosystem of interconnected ventures, each designed to address specific needs in the market.

One of my key initiatives is MarTech Circle, a network of marketing technology executives. This platform facilitates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among professionals at the intersection of marketing and technology. It's a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and innovation thrives.

Another exciting project I'm working on is Atomic Elevator, a cutting-edge marketing AI tool. We're developing this in collaboration with other fractional CXOs, combining our collective expertise to create a solution that promises to revolutionize how businesses approach marketing strategy and execution.

In addition to these ventures, we also host FRAK, an in-person conference designed specifically for fractional executives. This event provides a unique opportunity for professionals in the fractional space to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. It's a testament to the growing importance of fractional work in today's business landscape and our commitment to fostering a strong community in this field.

My Mission and Specialization

At its core, Fractional Digital's mission is straightforward yet powerful: We provide CMO-level digital and eCommerce strategy and solve the complex marketing challenges that clients face. Our team brings decades of experience to the table, offering insights and solutions that drive real business growth.

I've chosen to specialize in offering services tailored to a specific set of professionals:

1. Fractional Executives: I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with fractional work, and provide strategies to help these professionals maximize their impact and grow their businesses.
2. Fractional CMOs: My expertise in marketing allows me to offer specialized support and resources for fractional CMOs, helping them deliver exceptional value to their clients.
3. MarTech Executives: With the rapid evolution of marketing technology, I help these professionals stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest tools and strategies effectively.
4. C-suite Leaders in Manufacturing and eCommerce: I have particular expertise in these industries, allowing me to provide targeted, high-impact strategies for leaders in these sectors.

What to Expect from This Blog

This blog will serve as a knowledge hub where I'll share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and thought leadership on topics that impact today's business leaders. My goal is to provide content that is not just informative, but also practical and immediately applicable to your work.

Some of the topics you can expect to see covered here include:

1. The ins and outs of fractional work: How to get started, best practices, and how to scale your fractional business.
2. Digital strategy deep dives: Exploring the latest trends and techniques in digital marketing, eCommerce, and customer experience.
3. Leadership in the digital age: How to effectively lead teams and drive change in today's fast-paced business environment.
4. MarTech insights: Reviews and analyses of the latest marketing technologies and how to integrate them into your strategy.
5. Case studies and success stories: Real-world examples of how fractional executives and our clients have overcome challenges and achieved success.

I'll also be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and technologies that power my work. This includes platforms like Reclaim.ai for time management, Clay for networking and relationship management, HubSpot for marketing automation, and our very own Atomic Elevator. By sharing my experiences with these tools, I hope to help you make informed decisions about the technologies you use in your own work.

Additionally, I'll be keeping you updated on the projects I’m working on at Fractional Digital. From our upcoming conferences to new mastermind groups we're forming, you'll get an insider's view of Fractional Digital’s growth and the opportunities these initiatives might present for you.

Who This Blog is For

Whether you're a fractional executive looking to scale your operations, a CMO seeking strategic guidance, or a business founder navigating digital transformation, I hope you'll find inspiration and practical advice here.

For fractional executives, this blog will offer strategies to grow your business, manage your time effectively, and deliver maximum value to your clients.

CMOs and marketing leaders will find insights on the latest marketing trends, technologies, and strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Business founders and entrepreneurs can expect advice on leveraging digital strategies for growth, building effective marketing teams (whether in-house or fractional), and navigating the challenges of scaling a business.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this journey together, I'm excited about the conversations we'll have and the insights I'll share. The world of business is evolving at a breakneck pace, with new technologies, methodologies, and challenges emerging constantly. Through this blog, I hope to create a space where we can navigate these changes together, learning from each other and growing in the process.

I encourage you to engage with the content, share your own experiences, and let me know what topics you'd like to see covered. This blog is as much for you as it is for me, and your input will be invaluable in shaping its direction.

Stay tuned for more updates on services, insights into the world of fractional work, and tips on how Fractional Digital can help you grow your business. Together, let's embrace the future of work and leadership.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey. Here's to your success in the world of fractional work and digital strategy!