If I were starting a brand today, I'd lean on fractional teams for as long as possible
07.02.24 I Sydney Badger
When I was running Public Habit, an on-demand knitwear line, I was bootstrapping like so many other founders. Every decision I made had to be ruthlessly in consideration of the best ROI for my budget. And what I really needed was a powerful network. A network that could take my brand from here to there with one call, one conversation or one new connection. Whether that be sourcing (hi Mile One), PR, wholesale distribution, partnerships, you can’t put a price on that. Case in point, one connected collaborator singlehandedly put Public Habit in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and on the map as a leader in sustainable business models.
You're Nothing Without a Network
Earlier this year, I decided to join a team of exceptional C-suite executives turned fractional operators at WE ARE THE BOARD because I recognized the power of a network that can harmonize together and amplify each others’ talents. Together, we could help emerging fashion (and beauty and CPG and insert any kind of) companies achieve miracles.
Walk Before You Run
When the cost of a fractional executive ranges between 19 to 31 percent of a full-time employee, it makes business sense to walk before you run and start fractional. The talent at TB extends from PR and Marketing (Kristen Palmer Bastian) to Brand (Natacha Hildebrand) to Operations and Finance (Avia Yudalevich), and now Sustainability leadership (hi Maggie Spicer and yours truly, Sydney Badger). I knew that joining a network of highly networked and passionate individuals would accelerate any work I was trying to accomplish on behalf of my clients.
Genius Zone
And it's not just the network. As a recovering corporate supply chain leader and entrepreneur, I have never felt so inspired as I am when connecting with others who are leaning into their genius. It's just a different energy than I'm used to and it is so motivating.
In short, fractional talent is the smart accelerant that many businesses need. I believe that these networks and fresh perspectives are critical for successful companies in 2024 and beyond unless you're last name is Bieber or Kardashian.
To learn more about WE ARE THE BOARD, or to reach out about working together in this year and beyond, contact me, April Uchitel or WE ARE THE BOARD.
#wearetheboard #fractionalCOO #personalbrand #fractional #executive #futureofwork #sydneybadger #futurework #mileone #consulting
