Part-Time CMO

As a Part-Time CMO, I bring over 15 years of proven expertise in driving business growth through innovative and strategic marketing initiatives. Whether you're a small business, start-up, or mid-sized company, my services are tailored to meet your unique needs without the commitment and cost of a full-time executive.Gain access to top-tier marketing leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire. My extensive experience spans various industries, ensuring your business benefits from the latest marketing trends and strategies.

Tip the see-saw in your favor & win the crowd

I’ve been working in the digital marketing field for over 15 years and as an independent consultant working with companies all sizes – advising on content marketing, google penalties, brand, audience development, technical SEO, digital PR, organizational design, and growth.

Let Me Be Your Part-Time CMO

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What can I bring to your company when you hire me as Part-Time CMO

I find myself in a privileged position through hosting my SEO meetups, where I have access to a wealth of data alongside my fellow members. These gatherings serve as a fertile ground for the exchange of insights and information stemming from diverse industries. My team and I take it upon ourselves to meticulously gather and arrange this data, ensuring that every participant can reap the benefits from a broad pool of knowledge. As we all are aware, unstructured data holds little to no value, akin to unmined gold lying dormant underground, awaiting to be discovered and valued.

We delve into this data reservoir, sifting through to find and present the most valuable pieces of information — the golden nuggets that can offer substantial learning experiences to our attendees.

Would you be interested in granting your attendees access to this repository of golden opportunities?

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Experienced Part-Time CMO

I have worked in numerous large enterprises within the marketing & SEO departments. Taking these businesses up the search engine result pages (SERPS), these roles formed the bases of my experience.

I have also been fortunate enough to advise & consult numerous smaller and medium businesses across a wide array of verticals and this also greatly enhanced my knowledge about the market and of course how to implement a ‘search’ strategy to garner visibility and generate revenue.

I have also been fortunate enough to participate in some more unique projects

Who is Ross Kernez?

First and foremost I am curious. I am curious to understand what makes a search engine place one website above another.

What makes these vastly complex and nebulus algorithms tick? Some of my friends & colleagues will tell you I have an unbalanced curiosity/obsession.

I like to quote an unknown source in response: “Don’t judge people for the choices they make when you don’t know the options they had to choose from.”

When others ‘stamp out at’ 5pm and head to the bar. I head home to dig deeper.

I have been experimenting and learning with SEO for the past 15 years. In that time I have worked with numerous large businesses pushing them up the SERP’s and driving more traffic, conversions and most importantly gathering data to empower future improvements.

Mentor at ‘Starta Venture Capital’

Mentoring startups has put me in front of some incredible talent, it has allowed me to test my skills to the limit across a diverse marketplace. Founders are highly motivated and bright individuals mentoring them has been both an honor and an ongoing challenge. It perfectly compliments my other activities as it constantly tests and sharpened my skills set. Not to mention building my network.

Grace A.I

I was part of the team that built the search engine Grace AI that was powered by IBM. This was a fantastic experience to work with some great minds, this was another project that took me outside my comfort zone, tested my skills & exposed my weaknesses.

When hiring a part-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), you should expect a strategic leader who can provide high-level marketing expertise tailored to your business’s unique needs. One of the main things to anticipate is the development of a strong, cohesive marketing strategy that aligns with your overall business objectives. A part-time CMO will work closely with your leadership team to assess the current marketing landscape and identify key areas for improvement. This process involves evaluating your brand positioning, target audience, customer acquisition strategies, and competitive landscape. They will craft a clear plan that includes both short-term and long-term goals, designed to drive growth and build a solid market presence.

Another expectation is that the part-time CMO will provide guidance and leadership to your marketing team. Rather than replacing your existing staff, the CMO will act as a mentor and leader, offering strategic oversight and ensuring that your team’s efforts are aligned with broader company goals. This will help streamline processes, improve internal communication, and elevate the overall performance of your marketing department. You should expect regular check-ins and updates on key performance indicators (KPIs), allowing you to track progress and make data-driven decisions. The CMO will ensure that the team remains focused on executing campaigns and initiatives that directly contribute to achieving your business objectives.

In addition to strategic leadership, you can expect your part-time CMO to offer expert-level insights into digital marketing, brand management, and market positioning. Depending on your company’s specific needs, they will help with optimizing digital marketing channels, enhancing your content marketing strategies, and refining your social media presence. If your business is planning a product launch, rebranding, or entering new markets, the part-time CMO will lead these efforts, providing hands-on guidance from concept through execution. Their expertise will be critical in maximizing the impact of these key marketing initiatives.

A significant aspect of working with a part-time CMO is their ability to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Since they often work with multiple companies across different industries, they are well-versed in the latest marketing trends, technologies, and best practices. You can expect them to apply this knowledge to your business, offering new strategies and approaches that your internal team may not have considered. Whether it’s leveraging the latest in digital marketing tools or adopting new content strategies, the part-time CMO will ensure that your marketing efforts remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Flexibility is another important element to expect. Since a part-time CMO works on a fractional basis, they will adjust their time commitment based on your company’s evolving needs. This means that during critical periods, such as a product launch or major campaign, they might be more involved, dedicating more hours to ensure success. Conversely, during quieter times, their involvement can be scaled back, allowing you to maintain cost-efficiency while still benefiting from their strategic oversight. This level of flexibility ensures that you get expert marketing leadership without the financial burden of a full-time CMO.

What should you expect from your Part-Time CMO

Here’s some feedback from someone who has worked with Ross

Sedi E.

As a lean startup, hiring a full-time CMO was financially out of reach, but we knew we needed senior marketing leadership. Our Fractional CMO was a fantastic solution! They acted as part of our core team, yet the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the arrangement allowed us to get high-level marketing strategy and execution without the hefty salary. Their guidance on digital marketing, growth hacking strategies, and data-driven decision-making helped us improve our marketing efficiency by 30%. For any startup hesitant about hiring senior marketing talent, a Fractional CMO is the way to go – you get top-tier expertise without the long-term commitment.

Pomg A.

We brought in a Fractional CMO to help us with our product launch, and it was a game-changer. They brought fresh ideas to the table and used their vast network to amplify our reach. What stood out was their ability to bring industry best practices and apply them to a startup environment, where budgets and timelines are always tight. They also gave us clarity on our branding and messaging, which has helped in positioning our product effectively. While the engagement was short-term, the value they provided was immense, though I wish we could have continued working with them longer. Fractional CMOs are perfect for startups needing focused, strategic input on specific projects.

Fed S.

Hiring a Fractional CMO was one of the best decisions we made as a startup. As a small team with limited resources, we needed someone who could come in and create a clear marketing strategy without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. Our Fractional CMO quickly understood our vision, defined our audience, and helped implement a robust marketing plan that brought in leads almost immediately. They were able to blend strategic insight with practical, hands-on work, giving us the best of both worlds. With their expertise, we saw our customer acquisition costs drop by 20%, and our monthly active users grew by 40% within six months. Highly recommend for startups looking to scale quickly without breaking the bank!

Objective and Unbiased Analysis

The core value of a digital marketing expert witness lies in their ability to provide objective and unbiased analysis for legal cases. This impartiality is essential for the integrity of the legal process, as it ensures that their testimony is credible and reliable. Objective analysis means that the expert witness examines all relevant data, facts, and evidence without allowing personal opinions or external pressures to influence their findings.

An unbiased expert witness offers a clear, fact-based perspective on complex digital marketing issues, which is invaluable in a courtroom setting. Their role involves scrutinizing digital marketing practices, campaigns, and analytics to determine compliance with industry standards and legal regulations.

Commitment to Professionalism and Ethical Integrity

Ethical integrity involves adhering to strict ethical guidelines and principles. This includes avoiding any conflicts of interest, ensuring that their findings and opinions are based solely on factual evidence and sound analysis. An expert witness must remain impartial, providing testimony that is free from personal or financial bias. Their role is to assist the court in understanding complex digital marketing issues, not to advocate for either party.

A digital marketing expert witness’s commitment to these principles is crucial, as their testimony can significantly impact the outcome of a case. By maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical integrity, they contribute to a fair and just legal process, ensuring that their insights and opinions are respected and valued.

Topics that I can cover:

Search Marketing

Paid Search

Email Marketing

SMM Marketing

Fractional CMO

Just SEO?

Absolutely not, although i started in SEO, when I am a full stack marketer i realized that a good SEO strategy without a holistic understanding of marketing. Is like a funnel with holes in it. No matter how much traffic you drive through the funnel you will be leaking leads and wasting your resources.

I have garnered a solid understanding of digital marketing and how to juggle the many disciplines and allow them to fit and work together. I also have managed teams of freelancers and employees in the double digits. I love to help people manage their teams more efficiently.

FAQs

What is a Part-Time CMO?

A part-time CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is an experienced marketing leader who works with your company on a contractual or fractional basis, rather than being employed full-time. This model allows businesses, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups, to leverage top-tier marketing expertise without the cost and commitment associated with hiring a full-time CMO. The part-time CMO typically focuses on high-level strategy, overseeing marketing campaigns, and ensuring the brand’s marketing initiatives align with business goals.

How does a Part-Time CMO differ from a Full-Time CMO?

The most obvious difference is the amount of time each devotes to the company. A full-time CMO is a salaried employee who works exclusively for one company, while a part-time CMO works for multiple businesses and dedicates only a fraction of their time to each client. This can be advantageous for smaller companies that may not have the budget or workload to justify a full-time position. Another difference is the flexibility a part-time CMO offers. Because they are working on a contractual basis, companies can scale their services up or down depending on their needs and budget. This arrangement also offers access to high-level expertise without the long-term commitment.

Why would a company choose to hire a Part-Time CMO?

There are several reasons why a company might opt to hire a part-time CMO. First and foremost, cost efficiency plays a significant role. Hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive, particularly when you factor in salaries, benefits, and bonuses. A part-time CMO provides the same level of expertise but at a fraction of the cost. Another reason is flexibility. Many companies do not need a CMO every single day, and a part-time arrangement allows them to access expert-level leadership without the burden of a permanent hire. Additionally, companies that are scaling up, or undergoing major transitions such as rebranding or entering new markets, can benefit from the focused and strategic expertise a part-time CMO brings to the table.

What kind of companies benefit the most from Part-Time CMO services?

Startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and companies undergoing growth or transformation phases are the most common beneficiaries of part-time CMO services. Startups often need marketing expertise to launch effectively, but they usually don’t have the budget or immediate need for a full-time CMO. For small to medium-sized businesses, having an experienced marketing leader on a part-time basis allows them to compete with larger companies without overspending. Additionally, companies facing a specific marketing challenge, such as entering a new market or launching a new product, can benefit from the concentrated expertise that a part-time CMO offers.

What tasks does a Part-Time CMO typically handle?

A part-time CMO performs many of the same tasks as a full-time CMO, focusing primarily on developing and implementing marketing strategies that align with a company’s overall business objectives. They may oversee digital marketing efforts, brand management, content strategy, social media, and paid advertising campaigns. Part-time CMOs also guide teams, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensuring that all marketing efforts are tracking towards measurable goals. Additionally, they often work on customer acquisition and retention strategies, identify new market opportunities, manage budgets, and report on campaign effectiveness. In some cases, they may also be involved in investor presentations or aligning marketing strategies with product development.

How many hours per week does a Part-Time CMO typically work?

The number of hours a part-time CMO works varies depending on the needs of the company. Some businesses may only require a few hours a week, while others might need 20 or more hours. The key advantage here is flexibility; businesses can scale the level of involvement up or down based on current needs and marketing goals. During certain times—such as product launches or rebranding efforts—the part-time CMO might work more hours, while in slower periods they might work fewer. This model ensures that companies are paying for exactly what they need, without unnecessary overhead.

How is success measured when working with a Part-Time CMO?

Success in working with a part-time CMO is typically measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) that are established at the beginning of the engagement. These KPIs may vary depending on the company’s goals but could include metrics like revenue growth, increased website traffic, improved conversion rates, brand awareness, and customer engagement. Regular reporting is a critical part of the part-time CMO’s role, and they will often provide insights and analysis to show how marketing strategies are performing against the agreed-upon goals. Additionally, success can be measured by how well the company’s marketing aligns with its overall business objectives and whether the marketing department is more efficient and effective due to the CMO’s leadership.

How does a Part-Time CMO collaborate with the existing marketing team?

A part-time CMO typically works closely with the existing marketing team to ensure that all marketing efforts are streamlined and working toward the same objectives. Rather than replacing team members, the CMO takes on a leadership role, offering strategic guidance and helping to elevate the overall performance of the team. In some cases, a part-time CMO might also provide mentorship or training to junior team members, helping them grow in their roles. By setting clear priorities and focusing on key performance metrics, the part-time CMO ensures that the marketing team is aligned with the company’s broader business strategy.

What industries do Part-Time CMOs typically work in?

Part-time CMOs can work across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, retail, finance, and more. While some CMOs specialize in certain sectors, many have diverse backgrounds and can apply their strategic expertise to any business model. The most important factor is the alignment between the CMO’s experience and the company’s specific marketing needs. For example, a company in the technology sector might need a part-time CMO with a strong background in digital marketing and product launches, while a retail company might seek out someone with expertise in branding and customer engagement.

What qualifications should a company look for when hiring a Part-Time CMO?

When hiring a part-time CMO, companies should look for someone with a proven track record of success in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive business growth. Experience in the company’s specific industry can be helpful, but it is not always necessary. More important is the CMO’s ability to quickly understand the company’s business model, competitive landscape, and target market. In addition to experience, companies should look for someone with strong leadership skills, as the CMO will often be responsible for guiding and mentoring the marketing team. Finally, effective communication is key, as the part-time CMO needs to be able to clearly articulate marketing strategies and present results to both the marketing team and senior leadership.

How does pricing work for Part-Time CMO services?

Pricing for part-time CMO services can vary depending on the scope of the engagement, the level of expertise required, and the number of hours worked per week or month. Some part-time CMOs charge an hourly rate, while others work on a retainer basis, where the company pays a set fee each month for a certain number of hours. There may also be additional costs for specific projects, such as a website redesign or major marketing campaign. While the cost of a part-time CMO is typically much lower than hiring a full-time executive, it’s essential for companies to clearly define the scope of work and agree on pricing before beginning the engagement to avoid any surprises.

How long does a typical Part-Time CMO engagement last?

The duration of a part-time CMO engagement can vary widely depending on the company’s needs. Some companies may hire a part-time CMO for a specific project, such as a product launch, which might only last a few months. Others may engage a part-time CMO on an ongoing basis to provide consistent strategic oversight and leadership for their marketing efforts. In general, engagements can range from a few months to several years, with many companies opting to renew contracts as their marketing needs evolve. Flexibility is one of the key benefits of the part-time CMO model, allowing companies to adjust the engagement as needed.

What are the benefits of hiring a Part-Time CMO versus a marketing agency?

While both part-time CMOs and marketing agencies can provide valuable marketing services, the roles they play are quite different. A part-time CMO works within the company, providing high-level strategic guidance and leadership to the existing marketing team. They become part of the company’s leadership structure, often working closely with other executives to ensure that marketing aligns with overall business objectives. In contrast, a marketing agency is typically an external partner that executes specific campaigns or projects. While agencies can be highly effective for tactical execution, they do not usually provide the same level of strategic oversight as a part-time CMO. For companies looking to build long-term marketing strategies and ensure that all marketing efforts are integrated, a part-time CMO is often the better choice.

How do I know if my company needs a Part-Time CMO?

There are several signs that a company might benefit from hiring a part-time CMO. If your business is struggling to develop or execute a clear marketing strategy, or if your current marketing efforts are not delivering the desired results, it might be time to bring in expert leadership. Similarly, if your company is undergoing a major transition—such as entering new markets, launching new products, or rebranding—a part-time CMO can provide the strategic guidance needed to ensure success. Another sign is if your marketing team lacks senior leadership or is struggling to align its efforts with broader business objectives. In these cases, a part-time CMO can offer the leadership and experience needed to get your marketing efforts back on track.

What challenges can a Part-Time CMO help my company overcome?

A part-time CMO can help your company overcome a wide range of marketing challenges, from developing a clear brand identity to improving customer acquisition and retention. They can also help optimize your digital marketing efforts, ensuring that your website, social media, and paid advertising campaigns are all aligned with your business goals. Additionally, a part-time CMO can identify new market opportunities and help your company develop strategies to reach new customers. For companies facing internal challenges, such as a lack of leadership or alignment within the marketing team, a part-time CMO can provide the guidance needed to improve efficiency and performance.

How do I choose the right Part-Time CMO for my company?

Choosing the right part-time CMO for your company starts with identifying your specific marketing needs. Are you looking for someone to lead a product launch, improve customer acquisition, or provide long-term strategic oversight? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can begin evaluating candidates based on their experience, qualifications, and track record of success. It’s also important to find someone who is a good cultural fit for your company and can work effectively with your existing team. Finally, make sure to discuss expectations, timelines, and pricing upfront to ensure that both parties are aligned before beginning the engagement.

Can a Part-Time CMO help with digital marketing?

Yes, digital marketing is often a core component of the services provided by a part-time CMO. They can help develop and oversee digital marketing strategies that include SEO (search engine optimization), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. A part-time CMO will work to ensure that all digital efforts are aligned with the company’s overall business goals, and that the marketing team is tracking and optimizing performance across all channels. They may also help select and manage any external partners or agencies that are involved in executing digital campaigns.

How do I onboard a Part-Time CMO?

Onboarding a part-time CMO typically involves a series of steps designed to ensure they quickly get up to speed on your company’s business model, marketing goals, and competitive landscape. The process usually begins with an in-depth discovery phase, where the CMO meets with key stakeholders to understand the company’s objectives and challenges. They will also review existing marketing efforts and data to assess what’s working and what isn’t. Once they have a clear understanding of the business, the part-time CMO will work with you to develop a marketing strategy and set clear goals. Regular check-ins and open communication are essential throughout the engagement to ensure that the CMO is fully integrated into the company and that all marketing efforts are aligned with business objectives.

What should I expect in the first 90 days of working with a Part-Time CMO?

In the first 90 days of working with a part-time CMO, you can expect a period of discovery and strategy development. During this time, the CMO will be assessing your company’s current marketing efforts, meeting with key stakeholders, and working to understand your business goals. They will likely conduct a thorough audit of all marketing activities, including digital campaigns, brand positioning, and customer acquisition strategies. Based on this assessment, they will develop a strategic marketing plan that aligns with your overall business objectives. In some cases, the CMO may also start to implement quick wins, such as optimizing existing campaigns or improving internal processes. By the end of the first 90 days, you should have a clear marketing roadmap and a set of measurable goals to track progress moving forward.

How do I measure the return on investment (ROI) of a Part-Time CMO?

Measuring the ROI of a part-time CMO can be done through a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. On the quantitative side, you can track key performance indicators such as revenue growth, customer acquisition costs, lead generation, website traffic, and conversion rates. These metrics will give you a clear sense of how the CMO’s marketing strategies are impacting the business. Qualitatively, you can assess the overall improvement in your marketing team’s efficiency and alignment, as well as the strategic direction of your marketing efforts. Additionally, consider the long-term value that the part-time CMO brings to your company, such as improved brand positioning or entry into new markets.

What happens if my company no longer needs a Part-Time CMO?

If your company no longer requires the services of a part-time CMO, you can typically scale back or end the engagement, depending on the terms of the contract. One of the key benefits of the part-time CMO model is its flexibility. You can adjust the level of involvement as your company’s marketing needs evolve. Some companies choose to move to a retainer model with fewer hours, while others may conclude the engagement altogether. It’s important to have a clear exit strategy in place, and to ensure that the marketing team is set up for continued success after the CMO’s departure.

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