Cultivating a robust leadership team to drive a business’s priorities and navigate growth is one of the greatest challenges for any small to medium-sized organization. While you may be surrounded by capable people, you may have limitations hindering your ability to achieve your goals. If that thought resonates with you, you likely know that those gaps need to be filled to accomplish those goals. When addressing these gaps, companies will frequently evaluate the lead time, recruiting effort, and cost of the desired talent, only to succumb to the “we can do this ourselves” mindset. Whether you’re constrained by your team’s capacity, capabilities, or affordability there are more options than ever to integrate high-level outside talent to fast-track your company’s priorities. Resources such as management consulting organizations and fractional executives can leverage years of experience to accelerate your business priorities and accomplish your goals faster.

Outsource Talent

First, consider hiring the talent you need on a fractional basis. Whether you consider a management consultant or a fractional COO, CFO, or CEO, there are excellent part-time options in today’s market that can have a positive impact on your business. A part-time executive can take some of the burden off your shoulders and bring focus to an organization at a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee. For instance, on day one a fractional COO can immediately leverage years of experience for the benefit of your team. The ideal fractional COO understands their role and will deliver a proven, professional approach to growing your business.

Add an Advisory Board

Second, consider a board of advisors. A board of advisors (or advisory board) is an informal collection of individuals with unique business backgrounds who collaborate in support of the ownership or leadership group of an organization. The board should consist of individuals with unique, experience-driven perspectives that the business owner can lean on for guidance while navigating the strategic priorities of the business. Best of all, a board of advisors doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as gathering three or four people for a day, paying them for their time, and buying dinner. Do this 3-4 times per year and you’ll learn so much more about your business than you could ever imagine. In a short time, you’ll have the sounding board you’ve been missing, and your priorities will be in better focus than ever.

Networking

Lastly, join a local networking group. Sure, it might feel like you’re a target of the professional types in the room. Guess what: you are! Networking connections want to help you and the right ones are willing to go above and beyond to do it while growing their own businesses too. It’s a win-win opportunity for business owners like you and the professionals whose help you need. These professionals have amassed extensive experience and insights over the years and likely know of or have been part of a team that is trying to do the same thing you are. Don’t hesitate to tap into this knowledge base.

Building a leadership team to execute key business priorities can be a challenge. Thankfully, in today’s market, there are creative ways to enhance your team and your business without the cost, time, and complexity of traditional recruiting and employment paths. Whether through management consulting services or a fractional executive, fast-track your company’s priorities by leveraging the experience of professional outside help to achieve your goals.