What is a Fractional CMO?

Fractional CMO is simply “dressed up” terminology for an interim, part time and/or shorter term engagement CMO (Chief Marketing Officer). Fractional marketing arrangements are becoming more common, as organizations plan for marketing competency expansion, address short term strategic marketing initiatives and/or require an outside perspective and assessment. Fractional CMO arrangements provide flexibility; specialized outputs, low commitment/risk and an alternative to traditional consulting firms rigidity.

What makes a good Fractional CMO?

Having fulfilled many fractional CMO engagements over the past 10 years I have a strong and data-driven point of view on this. A fractional CMO should be output-centric and focused on growth. Strategic thinking is great, but frankly table stakes for any CMO. A coveted fractional CMO will seek to understand your challenges quickly (listen!), will rapidly assess gaps and low hanging fruit opportunities and inspire teams to think and act differently. A fractional CMO won’t be an expert in every facet of marketing. Think about which competencies are most important to you, but above all, select a fractional CMO with a growth mindset, output orientation and who will be hands on enough to optimize and build repeatability.

What is Go To Market (GTM) Planning?

Go To Market Planning is an umbrella term describing the steps needed to bring a product or service to market. This involves identifying your Target Market or ICP (Ideal Customer Profile), clarifying and articulating your value proposition and differentiators vs competitors, marketing plan, demand/sales plan, ideal customer journey and KPIs/measurements. For repeatable GTM initiatives like New Store Grand Openings and Weekly Ad Plans it’s a best practice to document prior plans and build a history of what’s worked well in the past (“playbooks”). For more complex projects, such as product market fit repositioning, it’s a great practice to revisit your ICP, competitive landscape and channel marketing plans.

What are “OKRs” and Operating Systems?

“OKRs”, simply “Objectives & Key Results” were coined by Andy Grove when he was CEO at Intel and taught to John Doerr who popularized them across high growth technology companies such as Google and Amazon. OKRs help teams understand, act and prioritize on company “objectives” and the “key results”, ie, the action steps required to achieve those objectives. Operating Systems, like Peak Operating System are methodologies leveraging OKRs to build accountability and alignment across teams. High growth and VC-backed companies adopt Peak Operating System tools and facilitators to scale growth.

Why should I consider Lucero Growth?

1) Highly flexible arrangements. Flat rate pricing, quick start, output focused.

2) Low overhead & expert implementation. The work is always implemented by seasoned. skilled & proven hands-on fractional experts. No junior associates, + low-overhead practice.

3) We are integrators. Marketing today is no longer a single-domain contributor. Our lens is performance marketing, with a cross-functional operating discipline and growth mindset.

Does Lucero Growth provide other services not listed?

Yes. Lucero Growth also provides support to early stage startups around product market fit (PMF) validation, fundraising (materials and outreach) and growth advisory. Maria always takes on at least one startup pro bono advisory project per year (committed for 2025). Advisory client portfolio includes CPG (consumer packaged goods), SaaS software (AI-specialization) and retailtech services for grocery.

How do I get started with Lucero Growth?

Please email Maria Gallegos at maria@lucerogrowth.com or call/text 323-372-5283 for a complimentary 30 minute consultation.