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Ross Kernez | Consulting

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Part-Time CMO

Full Bio
Ross Kernez is a digital marketer, community builder, mentor, and author. He is the founder of NYC-based SEO Meetup, a group of 2900 marketing professionals who meet monthly to network and discuss the latest trends and happenings in the industry.
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Published: 07.11.2024
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.
Hiring a part-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a strategic move for businesses that need high-level marketing expertise without the commitment and expense of a full-time executive. Companies benefit from an experienced marketing leader who can develop and execute growth strategies, oversee campaigns, and manage teams while maintaining flexibility in budget and operations. A part-time CMO brings an outside perspective, fresh insights, and a wealth of industry knowledge, often having worked across multiple sectors.
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Part-Time CMO

Part-Time CMO
"If you can work with Ross, make it happen — you won't regret it!"
— Jennifer Anderson
Why Work With Part-Time CMO

By partnering with me, you gain access to top-tier marketing leadership, empowering your business to implement cutting-edge strategies specifically tailored to achieve your unique goals. With over 15 years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge across various industries, enabling me to adapt seamlessly to the distinct challenges and opportunities your business faces. My approach is comprehensive, incorporating omni-channel marketing, brand development, and demand generation to ensure your business not only stays competitive but also thrives in an ever-evolving marketplace.

In addition to core strategies like lead generation and customer acquisition, I focus on enhancing brand equity, fostering customer loyalty, and optimizing the customer journey across multiple channels. My process is data-driven, ensuring that every decision made is backed by actionable insights, maximizing return on investment (ROI) and streamlining resource allocation.

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

    For startups and mid-sized companies, this role ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with business goals without the financial burden of a full-time salary, benefits, and long-term contracts. It also allows businesses to access specialized skills on demand, focusing on specific challenges such as branding, digital marketing, or customer acquisition.

    Another advantage is the ability to scale marketing efforts as needed. A part-time CMO can work intensively during crucial growth phases, product launches, or rebranding efforts and scale back when a stable strategy is in place. This flexible model ensures that businesses only pay for the expertise they require without sacrificing the quality of leadership needed to drive results.

    Find out more
    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

    Part-Time CMO
    Part Time CMO
    Who is Ross Kernez?

    With over 15+ years of experience, I specialize in building marketing systems that consistently attract and retain customers. My approach is rooted in meticulous processes, ensuring that every aspect of my work is efficient, scalable, and impactful. From complex tasks like SEO to comprehensive strategies, I design systems that minimize friction and cost while maximizing results.

    Ross is deeply involved in the marketing and tech community, mentoring startups at organizations like Techstars and Starta. He is known for his expertise in search engine optimization, digital marketing, and leveraging data analytics for marketing success.

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

    — Sedi E.
    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.
    — Pomg A.
    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!
    — Fed S.
    Forget About Marketing Stress Behind
    My Process
    Let's Collaborate
    1. Describe your project
    2.Schedule a Call
    3. Develop Strategic High Level Plan
    4. Accountability on both sides
    Part-Time CMO
    What should you expect from your Part-Time CMO

    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.

    Topics that I can cover
    Brand Marketing
    Fractional CMO
    Content Marketing
    Email Marketing
    Programmatic Marketing
    Growth Marketing
    Paid Search Marketing
    Paid Social Marketing
    Marketing Strategy 
    Digital PR
    SEO Marketing
    Social Media Marketing
    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.