Hiring someone fractionally can feel like an unfamiliar concept for many. But when you break it down, it’s not as complicated as it seems. The word fraction is a big clue: fractional hiring is simply a part-time version of the roles you’re used to, tailored to fit businesses that aren’t yet ready—or don’t need—a full-time hire.

But here’s the big question: How can less of something actually be effective?

In every job, there's a perpetual challenge: the never-ending workload. It's a familiar tale—no matter how hard you work, there's always more to be done. For Fractional COOs, who offer premium services to multiple clients, this reality is magnified. So, how can Fractional COOs navigate this delicate balance of responsibilities, delegation, and leadership? Here are some practical strategies.

Let's face it: time is the ultimate currency. And just like any good leader, you want to invest it wisely. By drafting your Ideal Week Plan, you're essentially creating a blueprint for how you want to spend your time. It declares what (and who) is most important to you. Whether it's blocking off chunks for focused work, scheduling in those all-important coffee breaks, or carving out time for family and self-care, you're calling the shots.

Bringing clarity and calm to the inner workings of your business shouldn’t be a complicated process. It does take something difficult, though - a commitment to addressing the problem. I speak often with business owners who are “too busy” dealing with fire drills to spend the needed time addressing the root causes of the problems. So why do so many leaders linger in the mess?

Staffing doesn’t look like it did 10 years ago. Today’s leaders are navigating talent shortages, demand for increased flexibility, and an unpredictable economy while still trying to build a strong team culture and increased business output. Modern problems require modern solutions, right? Here are some tips for gaining traction with your workforce ecosystem.

As we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, it's the perfect moment to set some baselines. Knowing where you’re starting is an important part of planning for the year ahead. Since people are the most important part of any business, a collective empathy check is a solid first step. How are the people on your team, your valued clients, and most importantly, how are you as you enter into this fresh calendar year?

Small businesses, we feel your pain. From tangled workflows to time-consuming processes, we know the struggles that come with growth. Let's dissect the common hurdles you face daily and explore why streamlining roles and areas of ownership is the silver bullet you need to unstick what’s stuck.

In the world of business innovation, the voice of the customer carries immense weight. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that actively seek and utilize customer feedback are the ones best positioned for long-term success. Business must innovate and improve to stay competitive. Customer feedback should be the starting point for your continuously enhancing your products and services.

Opportunities come knocking, and they often seem exciting and fun. But they can also stretch us thin and drain our resources, just like taking care of a kitten when you're not a pro at it. Setting boundaries isn't about saying "no" to everything; it's about making thoughtful choices that align with your capabilities and priorities. It's about understanding when to pass up on the fun opportunities so you can focus on what truly matters.

In the early days after my 2nd was born, the last thing I wanted to do was try to shop for clothes when I had no idea what fit anymore. It was in that overdone, overwhelmed state of mind when I encountered a remarkable sales clerk, a woman in her 50s, who turned my dreaded shopping experience into something unexpectedly positive.

I am clinging hard to every last bit of summer right now. Your early Halloween decorations are an offense to the warm, lazy days of the best season of the year. But the seasons are changing and the cooler weather is coming. We can’t slow down time. We have to learn how to dance with it.

Finding the right balance between work and personal life can be a daunting task. As leaders, we often find our calendars and energies at the mercy of others, responding to fire drills and questions all day until we realize we’ve worked on everyone else’s todo list but our own. Crafting an ideal week that not only boosts productivity but also aligns with your unique lifestyle is an art, not a science.

Sometimes rainy days can be just the mood you’re looking for but after a few of them in a row, the gray weather can put a damper on our spirits. But fear not, because we’ve got some fantastic tips to help you turn rainy days into productive and motivating work experiences.

As we gear up for the back-to-school season, the shift in our children's routines can sometimes feel like trying to solve a complex equation. Fear not, for we've got some nerdy yet practical time management hacks to help you efficiently manage your time and maintain your sanity. So grab your virtual pocket protectors and let's dive into some productivity techniques and tools!

Mindfulness in meetings isn't just about following a set of rules; it's a mindset that fosters a collaborative and productive environment. Turn seemingly mundane meetings into transformative opportunities for growth and innovation. Embrace mindfulness, and watch as your meetings evolve into powerful collaborations that drive your business forward.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of your goals, losing motivation because progress seems slow or unattainable? It's time to change your perspective and embrace the power of small wins in goal setting. By celebrating little victories along the way, you can unlock a hidden force that propels you forward, creating unstoppable momentum.

Personalization is the foundation of exceptional customer experiences. As your business grows, the challenge of maintaining that personalized customer experiences becomes more complex. How do you scale operations while preserving the personal touch that sets your brand apart? The secret to growing bigger while preserving that small company feeling is in the art of balancing.

Do you wish your employees would invest more in your business? Bring more to the table? Stop waiting to be told what to do?

Trust and collaboration serve as the cornerstone for building strong, high-performing teams. When leaders prioritize trust, they empower their team members to reach their full potential, unlocking a wealth of untapped talent and creativity.