Starting a business is an eye-opening experience. It challenges you in ways you don’t expect and forces you to grow quickly. Building a startup gave me firsthand insight into the struggles that startups face, and those lessons now shape how I approach my role as a fractional CMO.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
When you’re running a startup, you’re not just thinking about marketing. You’re balancing product development, operations, customer experience, and finances. As a fractional CMO, this broader perspective is invaluable. It helps me align marketing efforts with business goals, ensuring they contribute to sustainable growth rather than operating in a silo.
Resourcefulness is Everything
Startups often have limited budgets and small teams. This taught me to prioritise ruthlessly and make the most of what’s available. In my work as a fractional CMO, I bring that same mindset—focusing on high-impact activities that deliver the best return on investment without unnecessary complexity.
Agility Matters More Than Perfection
In the early days, speed was key. We had to test ideas quickly, learn from them, and pivot when needed. This experience reinforced the importance of agility in marketing. Rather than striving for perfect campaigns, I focus on launching, iterating, and improving based on real data and feedback.
Customer Insight Drives Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from running a startup is that you can’t succeed without deeply understanding your customers. Every interaction provides valuable insights. As a fractional CMO, I take the time to listen to customers, gather feedback, and use it to inform marketing strategies that truly resonate.
Leadership Means Wearing Many Hats
In a startup, you often step outside your comfort zone. You learn to be a strategist one minute and a hands-on doer the next. This versatility is crucial for a fractional CMO role. Being able to dive into the details while keeping an eye on the big picture allows me to provide leadership that’s both strategic and practical.
Final Thoughts
Running a startup taught me that successful marketing isn’t just about clever campaigns or big budgets. It’s about aligning with business goals, staying adaptable, and making data-driven decisions. These lessons continue to shape how I support startups today, helping them navigate the complexities of growth with confidence and clarity.
If your startup needs marketing leadership that understands the journey, let’s connect.