Frequency Asked Questions

Every fractional will answer this question differently. For me, the answer is both yes and no. Currently I only take on one coding client at a time.

I do build out solutions for clients. I call these point solutions. Point solutions fall into two groups: 1. MVP Solution to prove a concept. 2. MVP solution to bridge to a funding event.

I work with three clients at a time. At most. This usually breaks down into two advisory clients and one deep code client. In the past I would take on more, but I have found that this balance works the best.

Again, depends upon your project. I have found that advisory engagement usually run for three months. Basically, it take some time to understand the business, some time to understand the founders, and some time to have an impact.

Advisory client never go away, they just grow out of my domain.

Hells yes, sometimes an hour is all a founder needs to evolve their thinking and move forward. Here is the calendar [link](https://calendly.com/stephan-smith/on-demand)

No package or letter of intent needed. Just book the time you want.

Yes, I stay in my lane. If a client needs what I can not offer, then I have a huge network of other fractional CTOs I can pull in and/or hand off to.

Err - No. I find equity clouds the conversation. There are time when it makes sense, but for the most part this is not an option.

Easy, when things do not work, the relationship ends. I stay away from long and involved contracts. I operate the way lawyers operate. I offer a single letter of intent.

Simple is easier.

No. I know the feeling and the desire to have someone working and helping you get to a fundraise. In my experience, it's a bad idea. Fundraising always takes too long. Missing fundraising deadlines can kill a good working relationships.

Founders do not need extra stress during a raise.

Yes. Within bounds. First I have a huge network of founders, investors and advisors. There are countless ways I can help. But in the end, only the founder/CEO can raise.

It's one of the only things that founders kind of have to do on their own.

Yes, but very very seldom. Firing a client means I did not choose well. And. I value network, having a client relationship end with a firing is not the way I operate.

It does happen. Its always about mixed expectations.

For me its like dropping a college class when I get a bad grade. Just not my style.

Easy question, but hard answer quickly.

• Automomy - I want a founder to own their idea. Value my input, but more importantly have the tools to move the concept forward. If I was hit by a bus, the company and team might slow down, but the core ideas are not lost.
• Enabled - My ideas are not really mine. I talke to hundreds of founders and CTOs every year. I learn from smarter people. So I want the founders I work with to feel enabled and powerful. Don't credit me. Anything I share it the founders to own!
• Socialized - I highly value network. I network like an olympian. Seriously. I want founders to feel that after working with me, they are plugged into an huge and growing network. This goal grew out of the benefits I gains while in the 2018 TechStars program.

The spring cohort was amazing. I learned a ton, but I value the network and the connections I made. I remain in contact with many of the founders and advisors from the period.

Network is everything.