The Executive TCO Spec: Fractional vs. Full-Time — The $330K Decision
The Executive TCO Spec: Fractional vs. Full-Time — The $330K Decision
By Robert Burke
Your next executive hire will cost $330K+ fully burdened — and 40% fail within 18 months. That's a $500K+ write-off.
Sobo's AI matches your operational data to a fractional leader in 4-7 days. $60-120K/year. Month-to-month. Zero recruiting fees.
65-75% overhead reduction. ROI-positive in 30 days. Zero severance risk.
Diagnose
AI analyzes pipeline velocity, P&L structure, and team gaps to determine fix-vs-maintain need
Match
Matched to a expert who scaled similar GTM engines in your industry
Resolve
CRM audit, playbook build, and rep coaching live within 30 days
Resolution Scorecard
Total Cost of Ownership: Financial Architecture
W2 Executive — Fully Burdened
+ 40% mis-hire risk = potential $500K+ write-off
Sobo expert
Month-to-month. Scale up or down anytime.
Potential Overhead Reduction: 65-75%
Same caliber expertise. Zero hidden costs. Zero commitment risk.
Speed to Impact: 6 Months vs. 30 Days
Speed to Value: W2 Hire vs. Sobo Fractional
Recruiting & Interviewing
Still searching. $15-25K in recruiter fees committed.
Diagnostic + Immediate Execution
CRM audit complete. Pipeline gaps identified. Quick wins live.
Onboarding & Learning Culture
New hire learning internal politics, systems, and team dynamics.
First Strategic Milestone Achieved
Playbook built. Rep coaching running. Conversion rates improving.
Break-Even Point (Maybe)
Best case: starting to contribute. 40% chance they've already quit or been fired.
Process Hardened & Scaling
Systems institutionalized. Team self-sufficient. Ready to scale or exit.
Don't guess on your next $250K hire. Audit your P&L first.
Sobo's diagnostic engine determines whether you need a "fix" (fractional) or "maintain" (full-time) leader — using your actual data.
Start Diagnostic →Risk & Friction: The Costs Nobody Budgets For
Risk & Friction Table
The "Fix vs. Maintain" Decision Framework
Not every role should be fractional. Use this rule: Maintain roles require 40+ hours/week of ongoing operational work — hire full-time. Fix roles — implementing systems, building playbooks, solving bottlenecks — are ideal for experts who've solved this problem 10+ times before.
- Fix roles (fractional): GTM strategy, pipeline architecture, sales playbook, process automation, turnaround leadership
- Maintain roles (full-time): Day-to-day sales management, account management, ongoing customer success
Cross-Reference: ROI Calculator
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Sobo's diagnostic engine analyzes your actual P&L, pipeline data, and team structure to determine whether fractional or full-time is the right model — and matches you to the expert who fits.
Executive TCO: FAQs
Stop Guessing. Get a Precise Diagnosis.
Sobo's engine runs on your actual data — not the internet — and connects you with the exact expert to fix what's broken.
Get Your Free DiagnosisRobert Burke
Founder & CEO of Sobo.ai
Robert is a multi-generation entrepreneur with 20+ years helping SMBs scale through operational excellence and fractional leadership.
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