Consulting vs fractional consulting - the fundamental differences

02/01/2025

Stay ahead of the competition. Drive efficiencies. Demonstrate profitable growth.

I bet all those sound familiar, yes? Businesses continue to need to find innovative ways to do these things and more - but often there's a realisation that the valuable expertise and insights they require to achieve those goals lie outside of their organisation. 

Sometime what you need is a fresh, objective pair of eyes to identify your business' strengths and weakness. And to mark out the path for change.

That's where either a consultant or fractional consultant comes in. But what sets these two apart, and which is right for you?


Traditional consulting Fractional consulting
Term Project-basis Part-time collaboration on a recurring basis
Duration  Weeks / months / years (depending on project length) Ongoing over a longer period, as needed
Expertise brought  Knowledge of various industries / practices Specific industry knowledge & skillset
Cost  Fixed price (based on project duration) Retainer (agreed monthly hours, based on project requirements)
Level of integration  Independent; providing recommendations but leaving implementation to the client Integrated into company’s team and operations
Scope of work  Focus on a specific problem or project Broader strategic advice 

While of course you'll see some overlap in the two roles, it's important to understand the distinction, so that you can make the right choice for your business.

Do you need a birds-eye perspective to analyse your business and provide expert guidance as a one-off? Or do you need someone on hand to work with you side-by-side to develop and execute plans while also (let's face it) providing a level of consultancy?

Both provide cost savings compared to the expense of a salaried employee, and each approach has its place and time. 

Knowing when to bring one or the other in, however, could be the difference to making an investment that truly will differentiate your business and allow you to scale successfully.

At Mission: Purple, we know the difference and the value each can add to any specific operational challenge you're facing. And it's our job to work with you to identify the right fit for your specific circumstances.

Let's talk.


But that's often easier said than done when timelines are tight, the pressure is on, and the business' focus is on revenue.

The word 'fractional' - though it's been around for a while, clearly - seems to be the new buzz word for businesses. In case you're not sure what all the fuss is about, in this article we quickly drill down into why it may be just the thing for your team to adopt, if you want to initiate change, ensure...