Are You More Suited to Fractional Consulting or Contracting?
By Robert Burke, Founder & CEO of Sobo.ai
Key Takeaways
- •Consulting Focus: Strategic advice, problem-solving, and high-level guidance
- •Contracting Focus: Executing specific tasks or filling temporary operational roles
- •Choose Consulting If: You want to advise and shape strategy without hands-on execution
- •Choose Contracting If: You prefer defined deliverables and project-based work
- •Know Your Strengths: Align your career path with your expertise and preferences
Understanding the key differences and finding the right path for your expertise in the evolving world of professional services.
Consulting vs. Contracting: Key Differences
Consulting focuses on strategic advice and problem-solving, while contracting typically involves executing specific tasks or filling temporary roles. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both professionals choosing a path and businesses deciding what they need.
The Consulting Path
Consultants provide expertise, recommendations, and strategic guidance. They diagnose problems, develop solutions, and advise on implementation—but often don't do the hands-on work themselves.
- Higher rates but shorter engagements
- Focus on strategy and recommendations
- Work with multiple clients simultaneously
- Success measured by outcomes and advice quality
The Contracting Path
Contractors execute specific tasks or fill defined roles. They're hired to do work, not just advise on it. This path offers more stability but typically lower rates.
- Longer engagements with single clients
- Focus on execution and deliverables
- Integrated into client teams
- Success measured by task completion
Which Path is Right for You?
Consider your strengths, preferences, and career goals:
- Choose consulting if: You love solving problems, enjoy variety, and want to maximize your earning potential
- Choose contracting if: You prefer hands-on work, value stability, and like being part of a team
Getting Started
If you're an experienced professional considering the consulting path, Sobo can help you find clients who need your expertise. Join our network of vetted fractional consultants.
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Robert Burke is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in go-to-market (GTM) strategy and AI-driven business solutions. He founded the precursor to Sobo in 2008 and has spent his career helping SMBs scale through fractional expertise and technology.