Fractional vs freelance consulting - which is better?

Fractional vs freelance consulting - which is better?

Let’s break it down...

Fractional consulting means committing part-time, often for months or longer. Think “3 days per week Transformation Director”, for example. The focus is on addressing a specific business problem, eg costs are too high, or solving key operational problems such as confusing customer journeys. Or they might be there while you grow and need a full-time, permanent employee, or even while you search for that permanent hire.

Pricing is based on outcomes, not hours in the office or on the laptop.

Freelance consultants work in a different way. They’re project-based, delivering specific results in a pre-agreed timeframe. They are usually very flexible, bringing a wealth of skills and experience to bear to deliver the solution to your problem, perfect for quick adjustments and smaller budgets.

Why should companies use either of these options in preference to big brand consulting firms or contractors?

📍Cost savings: Freelancers can cut consulting costs by up to 70%

📍Targeted expertise: Both offer niche skills that deliver results

📍Flexibility: Adapting quickly is key, especially for fast-moving industries

📍Freelance consultants want to get in, fix stuff, and get out (there's no land and expand going on here!)

📍Fractionals will provide ongoing support and seamlessly integrate with your team from day one - ideal for strategic roles

Both models are powerful tools. Choosing depends on what you need to solve your specific problem. The good news is that more organisations are realising the benefits of using different independent consulting models to support and enhance their skills and experience needs. Which is very good news for those of us who love the freedom, flexibility and higher rewards that come from working in this way. 

If you're a professional woman interested in a career as a fractional or freelance consultant but you're not sure where to start, or what area to focus on a quick call can point you in the right direction: 

Book Enquiry Call: https://calendly.com/lesley-elder-aznar-coaching/shes-the-consultant-enquiry-call