The Foundations of a Thriving Fractional Career

If you’re staring down the ladder from corporate comfort to the wide open world of portfolio life, this one’s for you.

Becoming a Fractional Finance Director (Portfolio FD – depending on who you’re talking to!) was one of the most freeing, fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. But let me tell you – it came with a few surprises.

This blog is for anyone thinking of stepping away from a senior finance role to start their own thing. Maybe you’re tired of the politics. Maybe you crave more flexibility. Or maybe you’ve just got that fire in your belly that says: “I want to do things on my terms.”

Here’s what I wish I knew before I took the plunge.

Being “Good at Finance” Isn’t Enough

It might sound harsh, but it’s true: your technical brilliance will only get you so far in the world of self-employment.

To build a thriving portfolio FD career, you need to think beyond the spreadsheet. Marketing, positioning, sales, networking – they all matter. And yes, they can feel uncomfortable at first (hello imposter syndrome!), but they’re essential if you want to win the right clients and build a business that supports the life you actually want.

What helped me? Learning how to show up as myself. Not the corporate version. Not the bullet-pointed CV. But the real me – values, quirks and all. And guess what? That’s exactly what drew my favourite clients in.

Vanilla is a Vibe Killer

Being open to “any business” will bring in more work. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

When everyone sounds the same – “strategic FD support”, “helping businesses grow” – no one stands out. But when you dare to say who you really want to help, and why… magic happens.

Whether it’s creative industries, family-run firms, or tech start-ups, getting clear on your niche (or at least your sweet spot) gives people something to grab hold of. It doesn’t mean saying no to everything else – it just means making it easier for your dream clients to say “yes”. Trying to appeal to everyone attracts no one in the end. Think about it: business owners are busy and bombarded with options. Why should they choose you?

Your LinkedIn Isn’t a CV – It’s Your Shopfront

If there’s one platform to focus on, it’s LinkedIn. But not in the way you might be used to.

Think less “duties and responsibilities” and more “what do my ideal clients need to hear from me today?”

✅ Speak to their problems.

✅ Show your personality.

✅ Share what you believe in.

✅ Use your headline to tell them what you actually do.

One of the best things I ever did was rewrite my profile to focus on them, not me. And when the PowerUP! course participants do the same, the shift is immediate. People stop scrolling and start engaging. Because it sounds human – and that builds trust.

Sales Doesn’t Have to Feel Icky

I know, I know. The word “sales” can bring up all sorts of feelings – especially if you’ve come from years in-house where you were the one being pitched to.

But here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me: selling as a Fractional FD isn’t about persuasion. It’s about connection.

You’re not cold-calling people who don’t need you. You’re having conversations with business owners who are craving clarity, support, and someone to share the load. You’re solving real problems. That’s not pushy – that’s helpful.

Your Values Are Your Superpower

When I stopped hiding behind “professional” language and started being honest about what matters to me – the types of people I want to work with, the way I like to show up – everything clicked into place.

Clients don’t just buy your skills. They buy you. Your approach. Your integrity. Your energy.

So be bold in sharing what you stand for. Whether it’s fairness, transparency, collaboration, or just straight-talking Yorkshire honesty – your people will love you for it.

Final Thought: You’re Not Alone

One of the biggest myths about portfolio life is that it’s lonely. It can be – but it doesn’t have to be.

Finding your community is everything. That’s why I created my course – to give aspiring FDs the confidence, skills and support they need to build a business on their own terms. It’s practical, hands-on, and rooted in lived experience. And the best bit? You get to grow alongside others on the same journey.

Ready to Make the Leap?

If you’re seriously thinking about becoming a Fractional Finance Director – or even just quietly wondering “Could I actually do this?” – here’s your invitation to explore what’s possible.

💬 Drop us a message

📩 Sign up to the newsletter

💻 Watch our free webinars

 This work is powerful. It’s transformational. And if you’re ready, it could be yours too.