When you’re working as a fractional executive, the primary model I recommend is the Extended Model which I call Portfolio Executive. 

This is when you have a part-time, long-term relationship with a client, focused on taking responsibility for a particular capability—acting as the Head of, or Director of, a function for that client.   

As I work with Portfolio Executives in the early stages of developing their client portfolios, I encourage them to create compelling LinkedIn profiles. They should also post content regularly on LinkedIn and reconnect with their existing network.   

Over the last 10 to 15 years, discussions about the gig economy have become more prevalent. The concept of individuals working on zero-hour contracts, where a platform dictates their schedule, has gained prominence. More people are using platforms to seek employment, whether in food delivery or low-value knowledge tasks like website design and transcription.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, discussions about the gig economy have become more prevalent. The concept of individuals working on zero-hour contracts, where a platform dictates their schedule, has gained prominence. More people are using platforms to seek employment, whether in food delivery or low-value knowledge tasks like website design and transcription.

It would be great if there were a ready-made community that you could join. However, this opportunity is not always available.  So, how do you start a community?   

Community doesn’t just happen; it’s not the same as a network.  Nurturing a community requires intentionally finding opportunities for groups to come together.  Whether online, through specific social media platforms, or in person, the value of one-to-one contact cannot be overstated. 

As you enter the second half of your working life, you may naturally transition from seeking success to seeking significance. In that context, finding a community of purpose can be a powerful way to build relationships with others who desire to deliver a similar purpose, creating a sense of belonging and value.   

At one level, these terms—fractional Director, Fractional Executive, Fractional Leader and Portfolio Executive—could be seen as interchangeable.  Still, with the rising popularity of fractional, I am keen to preserve the term Portfolio Executive as different from a Fractional Executive.