The responsibilities of the marketing function and daily operations are being drastically challenged by AI. Already, available apps and AI agents can streamline the creative and analytical aspects of marketing.

At Stubb, we estimate that with the right AI tools and a tech-savvy marketing leader, a full day’s work can be saved every week. This could be an easy move toward the desired four-day workweek.

This digital shift isn’t only enhancing efficiency - it’s challenging the norms of how traditional marketing leaders work. So, whether you’re a startup or a larger company in transition, deciding between a Fractional CMO and a Full-Time CMO is key to staying competitive in a dynamic market.

In this blog, we’ll explore costs, flexibility, and strategic impact - showing you why a Fractional CMO might be the ideal, agile choice for your Swiss business.

1. AI-Powered Transformation: The New Marketing Landscape

Marketing isn’t just about managing different experts to create and test expensive campaigns anymore. It’s about harnessing AI to analyze data, predict trends, and optimize every Swiss Franc you spend on marketing. With advanced AI tools, more responsibilities can be assumed by the marketing executive, and repetitive tasks can be automated, paradoxically allowing extra time for creative and strategic pursuits.

At Stubb, we estimate that innovations with AI and a tech-savvy marketing leader can already save roughly one day per week time that can be reinvested into refining your strategy and fueling innovation.

This time gain should be communicated by current CMOs to the entire management team, so more ambitious marketing goals can be set. If this hasn’t happened yet, it may be due to the comfort heuristic - a guaranteed full-time contract, fixed working schedule, and easily achievable goals.

Embracing AI-driven marketing solutions and being ahead of the game not only speeds up necessary processes but also sharpens a company's competitive edge. With the right talent, you can steer your organization toward greater competitiveness.

2. So, Full-Time CMO or Fractional CMO?

Full-Time CMO

• Cost & Commitment: A full-time CMO comes with a hefty salary and additional overhead expenses that can be challenging during periods of rapid market change.

• Deep Integration: They integrate fully with your team, providing continuous operational management and a long-term vision, which is valuable for constant, stable growth.

• Company Stage & Experience Fit: Talent is not equal across different playing fields. A full-time CMO must fit your company’s growth stage with their experience and, frankly, personality traits.

  
  

Fractional CMO

• Flexible Engagements with Temporary Commitment: Our Fractional CMO model offers flexible, temporary leadership with full-time commitment during critical phases. Although these leaders aren’t permanent hires, they’re dedicated to achieving the clear goals set upon joining your business.

• Transformative Expertise for Larger Companies: For larger Swiss companies undergoing transitions or rolling out transformative projects, a Fractional CMO provides high-level expertise to steer you through change. They know how to motivate teams and align the entire organization for a smooth transition.

• Agile & AI-Savvy Leadership: With hands-on experience with the latest AI tools, Fractional CMOs can quickly integrate innovative solutions that boost productivity and impact without the extended timeline of traditional onboarding.

  
  

  Bottom Line: For companies needing rapid, strategic transformation - and those looking to integrate AI with minimal long-term risk - a Fractional CMO offers cost-effective, results-driven leadership.

  
  

3. Benefits for Startups and Small Companies

While larger companies in transition gain tremendous value from a Fractional CMO’s temporary, full-time support during major projects, startups and small companies also have compelling reasons to opt for this model:

• Access to Executive-Level Expertise: Startups or small firms might not have the budget for a permanent executive but still need the strategic insight and experience of a seasoned marketing leader.

• Results-Focused and Agile: By focusing on outcomes rather than daily tasks, a Fractional CMO helps small companies drive tangible results-cboosting lead generation, conversions, and brand recognition.

• Scalable Involvement: The flexible nature of Fractional CMO engagements means you can scale their involvement according to your growth stage or market demands. This allows startups to innovate and quickly pivot as needed without a long-term commitment.

• Learning and Development: With continuous exposure to emerging trends and AI-driven strategies, even small teams benefit from the ongoing education and fresh perspectives that a Fractional CMO brings to the table.

  
  

4. Which Option Is Best for Your Swiss Business?

Consider a Full-Time CMO if…

• You have a budget that supports a permanent experienced hire.

• Your business requires day-to-day, deeply integrated leadership for long-term projects.

• Stability and continuous, dedicated operational management are paramount.

  
  

Opt for a Fractional CMO if…

• Your company is undergoing a transformation or needs to quickly adapt to AI-driven changes.

• You want high-level marketing expertise for a temporary period, with a full-time commitment during critical phases - without the long-term contract.

• You’re a startup or small company aiming for rapid, results-focused growth, or a larger organization needing agile leadership to navigate transitional phases.

• You value immediate access to a robust support network that can execute swiftly when challenges arise.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The Swiss business landscape is evolving - fueled by AI advancements, shifting market demands, and rapid digital transformation. Whether you’re a nimble startup or a larger enterprise in the midst of a transformative project, the right marketing leadership can make all the difference.

At Stubb, our Fractional CMO model offers a powerful, flexible alternative to traditional full-time hires, providing you with seasoned, AI-savvy expertise tailored to your current needs. Embrace a model that’s designed to drive rapid change, empower your teams, and ensure your marketing strategy stays ahead of the curve.