What is a Fractional COO?

PICTURE THIS: You’re a small or mid-sized business owner with big dreams and ambitious goals. You have a vision for your company’s growth, but you may not have the resources—or need—for a full-time executive-level leader. Enter the fractional COO: your strategic partner and secret weapon for success.

In a nutshell, a fractional COO is a highly experienced leader who works with your business part-time, offering the expertise and guidance of a Chief Operating Officer without the full-time commitment. They’re your go-to for strategy, operations, leadership, and scalability, bringing clarity and direction to your business.

A Case Study in Fractional COO Impact: Sara Schultz

Time for a story…

Five years ago, I attended a women’s networking event that would change everything. At the time, I had just started my virtual assistant business, juggling my four kids under 11 and searching for a way to contribute to my family while pursuing something meaningful.

At this event, I met Sara Schultz, a dynamic entrepreneur building her branding and web design business. During her talk, Sara mentioned how much she struggled with the parts of her business she didn’t love—back-office tasks, admin work, and systemization.

That was my sweet spot.

Despite my nerves, I reached out to Sara after the event, pitching how I could help streamline her operations and free her up to focus on the creative side of her business. To my surprise (and relief), Sara said yes. A few weeks later, I began working with her as her virtual assistant.

Fast forward five years, and my role has evolved into Sara’s fractional COO and Operations Director. Together, we’ve transformed her business:

• Scaled the Team: We grew her team from one to eight people.

• Systemized Operations: From client onboarding to project delivery, we developed processes that ensure consistent excellence.

• Expanded Revenue Streams: With efficient operations in place, we unlocked new opportunities for growth and scalability.

• Built a Supportive Partnership: Beyond the analytics and logistics, we built a rare partnership. Sara and I have navigated personal and professional challenges, celebrated wins, and shared a vision for long-term success.

Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but finding a trusted partner who understands and complements your strengths makes all the difference.

The Role of a Fractional COO

So, what exactly does a fractional COO do? Here’s a breakdown of the key responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning

A fractional COO works closely with you to create and execute a clear roadmap for your business. They bring fresh perspectives, helping you identify growth opportunities and optimize resource allocation.

2. Operational Excellence

Fractional COOs fine-tune your operations, identifying bottlenecks and implementing efficiencies across your business.

3. Team Leadership

They mentor and support your team, ensuring everyone is aligned with your vision. This fosters collaboration, boosts morale, and drives performance.

4. Change Management

If your business is going through a transition, a fractional COO provides guidance to ensure a smooth process while managing risks effectively.

5. Business Scalability

Whether it’s expanding into new markets or launching new services, they help you navigate the complexities of growth.

Lessons From the Journey

Reflecting on my journey with Sara, I’ve realized that success isn’t just about revenue—it’s about relationships.

What started as a virtual assistant role turned into a transformative partnership. We didn’t just build a business; we built trust, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose. That’s the magic of working with a fractional COO who truly invests in your success.

For me, the biggest takeaway has been the power of long-term connections. Whether it’s cultivating meaningful client relationships or finding communities of like-minded entrepreneurs, relationships are at the heart of sustainable growth.

Why Hire a Fractional COO?

Here are just a few reasons why hiring a fractional COO might be the best decision for your business:

• Expertise on Demand: Gain access to top-level strategic insight without the cost of a full-time hire.

• Flexibility: Scale their involvement up or down as your business needs evolve.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for the expertise you need, whether hourly or project-based.

• Fresh Perspective: A fractional COO brings outside expertise and innovative ideas to the table.

If you’re ready to elevate your business operations, a fractional COO might be the missing piece. And if you’re lucky, you might just find a partner who transforms not only your business but also your journey as an entrepreneur.

My Final PSA

Entrepreneurship is hard—but it’s less lonely when you have the right people by your side. Whether it’s a client, a mentor, or a trusted advisor, focus on relationships that challenge you, cheer you on, and grow with you.

Invest in partnerships, find your cheerleaders, and embrace the journey. You never know how one connection might change everything.