Fractional vs full time: Which VP Sales is right for your business?

Ah, the age-old question of whether to bring on a full-time VP of Sales or test the waters with a fractional one. It's like trying to decide between a commitment to marriage or a casual fling. Both have their own unique charm. It's a tough decision, and just like relationships, it's all about your personal preference. An internal VP of Sales is like a marriage in that it's dependable and a sure thing, but it's also a big commitment. A fractional VP of Sales, on the other hand, is similar to a casual relationship, it's a bit more experimental and may not be for everyone, but it's a great way to test the waters before diving into something more serious.

So, should you take the plunge and get married or are you just looking for a casual relationship? Well, that's for you to decide. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of each option.

Internal VP Sales hire

Lets take a look at the internal VP of Sales option and some of the pros and cons that come with this choice. An internal VP of Sales is fully dedicated to your company, which means they're able to immerse themselves in the company culture and gain a deep understanding of the company's sales strategy and goals. They're also able to develop long-term relationships with clients, partners and your sales team, which can be crucial for the growth of your business. They can also provide a level of continuity and consistency that a fractional VP of Sales can't match, which can help to keep your sales on track. They will also play a big part in defining and maintaining your company culture and sales team morale.

On the flip side, an internal VP of Sales will be fully dedicated to your company, which might sound great, but it also means they can be tied to the company's existing sales strategy and goals, which might limit the potential for innovation and flexibility. Additionally, an internal VP of Sales can be more costly, as it requires a full-time salary, benefits, recruitment cost, onboarding and potentially severance. This can be a significant financial burden for a startup or a small company. Another potential downside of hiring an internal VP of Sales is that it can be difficult to find the right person for the job. A bad hire in this position can be devastating, and can have a negative impact on the company's sales performance & culture. It's important to take the time to find the right candidate, and ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to drive sales growth.

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“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur."

- Red Adair

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Fractional VP Sales hire

A fractional VP of Sales is not solely dedicated to your company, which means they can bring a fresh perspective and external expertise to your sales strategy and goals. They can provide a level of flexibility and scalability that an internal VP of Sales can't match, which can help to keep your sales strategy agile and adaptable. The fractional VP of Sales can be more cost-effective in the short-term as it eliminates the need of a full-time salary, benefits, onboarding etc. This can be a great option for a startup that is looking to grow their sales department, but aren’t ready to make a full-time commitment. What's more, a fractional VP of Sales can work on different projects, and with different clients, giving them a wealth of experience and a broader range of knowledge. They can bring new ideas and new strategies that can help to drive growth and increase revenue. Additionally, they can be a great option for companies that are looking to try out a new sales strategy before committing to a full-time hire, or need assistance on hiring their first internal VP of sales.

In contrast, a fractional VP of Sales may not have the same level of knowledge and understanding of the company's sales strategy, goals, and culture as an internal VP of Sales would have. They also may not be able to develop the same level of long-term relationships with clients and partners, or be present at all times to support the sales team. Furthermore, a fractional VP of Sales is often working with multiple clients at the same time, which may lead to them having less time to devote to your company & they may be slower to respond than an internal resource. They may also have less availability to attend important meetings, or to provide reports and updates on the sales process in real time.

Wrap up

In the end, whether to hire an internal VP of Sales or a fractional VP of Sales is a decision that will depend on your company's specific needs and goals. Both options have their own unique set of pros and cons, and it's important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.

It's worth considering that hiring an internal VP of Sales may be the better option for companies that are looking for long-term growth and consistency, while a fractional VP of Sales may be a better fit for startups or small companies that are looking for flexibility and scalability. It's also important to consider the size of your company and its budget, as hiring an internal VP of Sales can be more costly in the short run than hiring a fractional VP of Sales.

Ultimately, it's important to consider the big picture and to make a decision that aligns with your company's long-term vision and goals. No matter which option you choose, it's essential to be clear about the responsibilities and expectations of your sales executive, and to provide them with the necessary resources and support to be successful. Remember, sales is a critical component of any business, so choose wisely and good luck!.

Check out our next blog post on how you can reduce your chances of mis-hiring your VP Sales via our recruitment checklist.