The Complete Guide to
Fractional Work

Fractional executives cost less than full-time hires because companies only pay for the time worked and avoid expenses like payroll taxes, benefits, bonuses, and equity. Typical rates vary by seniority and function, but fractional leaders can deliver high-impact work quickly while giving companies more flexibility and lower overall costs.

We walk through how to create a contract for mutual success in a fractional engagement. We cover fractional-specific best practices - like contract length, retainers, payment terms, scope, time commitment, cancellation clauses, NDAs, and redlines - to help both companies and fractional workers align expectations and avoid common pitfalls.

This playbook breaks down what a strong fractional proposal is, why it matters, and how to create one that sets clear expectations and drives better client alignment. It includes a lightweight, practical framework, plus real examples, to help fractional leaders close more deals without overcomplicating the process.