The 4 S’s of Modern Businesses: Smaller, Smarter, Sustainable, and Supported
Why more business owners are skipping the traditional hire—and thriving for it.
In today’s labor market, hiring is harder—and riskier—than ever.
Nearly half of U.S. small businesses say they’re struggling to find qualified applicants, with many roles going unfilled for months, according to the NFIB Jobs Report. Meanwhile, salaries are climbing, employee expectations are shifting, and traditional 9-to-5 structures are giving way to a new workforce model: fractional support.
If you’ve found yourself thinking,
“I don’t need a full-time person—but I desperately need help…”
You’re not alone.
This is your roadmap to understanding fractional talent—what it is, why it’s gaining momentum, and how real business owners are using it to grow sustainably.
What is Fractional Talent?
Fractional talent means bringing in skilled professionals on a part-time, contract basis. Think:
- 60 hours/month of operations support
- 10 hours/week of financial management
- A few focused hours on client communications, inbox control, or social media
- A recurring monthly call with a technical advisor
It’s not the same as hiring a freelancer or onboarding a full-time employee. Instead, you get a consistent, invested teammate—without the overhead, long-term commitment, or hiring delays.
In an economy where agility is the new advantage, fractional support lets businesses scale smartly and respond quickly.
Why It’s Gaining Ground
Sectors like financial services, healthcare, and professional services are experiencing record labor shortages, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. With traditional hiring pipelines stalled and the cost of full-time employees continuing to rise, business owners are rethinking how—and whom—they bring onto their teams.
Fractional talent has become an attractive solution because it offers a rare combination of speed, precision, and efficiency. Skilled fractional professionals often begin contributing within days, not months, and can scale their support based on your needs—whether you’re launching a new service, navigating a busy quarter, or entering a slower season. That kind of flexibility gives business leaders more control over their bandwidth and budgets, without being locked into long-term commitments or waiting for headcount approvals.
Just as important, fractional professionals often bring deep experience in your industry, systems, and workflow style. Rather than training someone from scratch, you’re getting someone who already understands the tools and terrain—and can plug in quickly to create momentum. And the financial case is hard to ignore: with no need to provide benefits, equipment, or payroll tax coverage, fractional support can reduce operational labor expenses by up to 60%, according to The Jule Group.
For many leaders, that means they can finally get the help they need—without compromising quality or breaking the budget.
But Wait—What About Full-Time Hires?
There’s absolutely a time and place for full-time employees. In-house roles often make sense for:
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Roles with complex internal dynamics
- Long-term leadership development
But not every role needs to be filled by a full-time team member.
With hiring costs rising and skilled talent harder to find, many leaders are asking:
“Do I actually need someone 40 hours a week—or just the right person, right now?”
Fractional support fills that gap with precision and flexibility.
Choosing the Right Partner
Fractional support can be a game-changer—but not all providers are created equal. From solo freelancers to talent marketplaces to agencies, the options are broad, and each comes with its own strengths and trade-offs.
Here’s what to look for—and why it matters.
Flexibility That Grows With You
A good provider won’t lock you into rigid retainers or force you to over-commit before you’re ready.
Look for services that allow you to scale up or down as your business needs change. You might start with 10 hours a month and grow into a multi-role support team. Or you may just need temporary help during a launch or life transition. True flexibility respects the natural ebb and flow of entrepreneurship.
Personalized Talent Matching
Fractional support works best when there’s alignment—not just in skillset, but in working style, communication preferences, and even personality.
A partner who takes time to understand your needs, goals, and workflow will match you with someone who actually fits—not just someone who’s available. That fit often means faster ramp-up, less micromanagement, and more strategic partnership over time.
A Human-Centered Experience
This isn’t just about checking tasks off a list.
The best providers see delegation as a relationship—not just a transaction. Look for signs that the company prioritizes communication, transparency, and accountability. Do they have a success manager? Are there regular check-ins? Is support proactive, not just reactive?
If you’re entrusting someone with your inbox, your clients, or your calendar, you want more than just competence—you want consistency, trust, and care.
Transparent Budgeting & Scope
Cost matters—but so does clarity.
A good partner will help you understand exactly what you’re paying for, how time is tracked, and what kind of outcomes to expect. That means clear scopes of work, well-defined roles, and honest conversations about what success looks like.
You don’t need the cheapest option. You need the right investment for where you are—and where you’re headed.
Solution-Oriented Support
You’re not just buying time—you’re solving a problem.
The best partners don’t just wait for instructions. They help you clarify what to delegate, how to build systems, and how to use their support most effectively. That kind of proactive, strategic collaboration is what turns task-doers into growth partners.
Real People. Real Results
Here’s how three business owners found clarity, growth, and breathing room by working smarter with fractional support:
Amy Zaroff | Amy Zaroff Events + Design
After switching from full-time staff to contractors post-COVID, Amy struggled to find consistent quality—until she was referred to Trusty Oak.
She began with 20 hours/month of executive support. One year later, her Trusty Oak fractional teammate, Amanda, now works 80 hours a month managing operations, Asana, SOPs, and vendor coordination.
“Amanda provides the left brain to my right. She handles the data, the deadlines, and the client communications—so I can stay creative.”
Julie Couret | Couret Leadership Lab
Julie was juggling three inboxes, a maze of files, and nonstop meetings. After a bout with a personal illness, she knew something had to change.
Her Trusty Oak VA, Dana, now manages her calendar, prospecting, client communications, and follow-ups—unlocking time for her to coach and grow.
“Dana is more than my assistant—she’s the key to stability in my fast-moving business.”
Janice Nugent | Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
While caring for her mom, Janice needed help keeping her business on track. She started with inbox and expense management, then expanded to website updates and social media with her fractional teammate, Nitin.
“I’m back to doing what I love—guiding my clients—while knowing the rest is handled with care by Nitin.”
Ready to Work Smarter?
At Trusty Oak, we match business leaders with fractional professionals who bring clarity, partnership, and peace of mind. We’ll help you build a delegation plan that supports your goals, respects your time, and keeps you growing—on your terms.
Not quite sure what you need yet? Start with a Business Strategy Session.
It’s a hands-on consultation with our CEO and COO designed to help you uncover what’s holding you back and exactly what kind of support will move you forward.
Sources
- NFIB Small Business Jobs Report – April 2025
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Understanding America’s Labor Shortage
- The Jule Group – Why Fractional Talent is the Future
Learn more about how you could benefit from working with fractional talent by visiting our “How It Works” page!
Bex has a passion for helping others and thrives in fostering relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs and virtual assistants. As a former VA with Trusty Oak, Bex has a unique perspective that allows her to hone in on the challenges business leaders face and offer solutions based in real world experience.
Bex is originally from New Zealand, and now resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband. She loves to travel - everywhere- experience new culture & places, architecture & people. Adventure is always around the corner!