The popularity of the Internet has opened a number of possibilities for entrepreneurs and large corporations regardless of whether they belong to the tech or the non-tech industries. These days, businesses can now attract customers not only from their own locality but from around the world as well. Targeting and gaining more customers, though, involve more than just advertising the products and services of a particular business. For a business to gain better leverage across markets, it has to use technology-based processes that may require a lot of hard work and enough knowledge on the latest technologies.
For instance, a start-up business needs to have a strong online presence in order to reach a wider range of customers. To achieve this, the business has to put up a website and create social media accounts. The creation of a website may seem like a simple task, especially with all the free platforms available online. But what many do not know is that websites, particularly those used for business purposes, should be created with proper planning and with the right designs and features for it to work as intended. For this purpose, business owners should forego using a free platform and instead have a professionally created portal designed specifically for their needs. Apart from website design, business owners also must consider getting all the right extras that will help protect their business and their customers as well. Websites, as everyone may already know, are prone to cyber hacking that put business owners and their customers in danger of privacy breach.
But what if the business is a start-up and do not have the means to hire its own manpower to handle the technological aspect of the business? What if the business owner is not techy enough to understand the technological advancements required to keep the business running smoothly? This is where hiring a Fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) comes in handy.
What is a Fractional CTO?
A Fractional CTO is just one of the many types of CTOs that can be hired to help with the technological aspect of running a business. Other types include interim CTO, part-time CTO, and full-time CTO.
Unlike all other types of CTOs, the Fractional CTOs can be hired by companies for only a fraction of the project duration and for a fraction of the project’s entire cost. This means that they can be hired only as the need arises. This type of CTO is best for start-ups and small businesses and even for large organizations that do not have a need for a full-time CTO.
What a Fractional CTO Can Do for Non-Tech Businesses
It does not matter whether the business is in the tech or the non-tech industry. Any type of business that needs to use technology in its operations can make use of a Fractional CTO to help achieve its objectives. Below are just some of the many responsibilities that these professionals can handle on behalf of the business owners or the management:
- Collaborate with developers and the IT department regarding the best actions to take to improve the websites, online presence, and other technological processes required for better business operations
- Oversee the maintenance of computers and computer-related operations
- Establish a solid technological strategy that can help the business reach its objectives
- Create and manage product road maps
- Develop a scalable product
- Manage company infrastructure
- Map out strategies that may help solve technological problems within the organization
- Ensure that technology is properly distributed not only among the company’s internal IT teams but also among customers
- Establish partnerships with technology vendors
- Ensure that the right technologies are used and utilized by the right staff
Overall, a Fractional CTO can offer a cost-effective management of the company’s entire technological department.
A Fractional CTO is perfect for small businesses and start-ups. They are also good for large organizations that have less experienced top-level managers. These professionals can help mentor newly hired executives and can assist in creating an efficient IT team.
