If you want to go fractional, don't forget this...

And it's not your hard hat and lunch pail.

January 10, 2025

2025: the year you go all-in on YOU

How many times have you thought about going fractional? Becoming a consultant?

Me…probably over 5,000 times.

I saw the Emma Stratton’s. The FletchPMM’s. The Jason Oakley’s.

But there’s only one thing that was stopping me. And there’s only one thing stopping you.

Confidence.

So let’s jump in and talk about why confidence is the key ingredient, and what you can do to jump out of that in-house airplane and land safely into a fractional role.

Welcome to the next episode of Dying 4 Influence. The weekly newsletter for misunderstood B2B product marketers.

Know how the best PMMs operate in B2B. Get a dose of knowledge to stand tall in a sea of unseasoned marketing.

If you’re a new skellie, you can sign up here and join the misfits.

🚂 You are the little PMM that could

Becoming a fractional PMM is like deciding to train for a marathon after watching one from the sidelines.

From the outside, it looks straightforward—just lace up your shoes and start running.

But the reality hits when you’re at the starting line, realizing you haven’t trained for this.

And that’s when the second-guessing starts.

What was I even thinking?

It’s easy to second-guess everything from

  • What’s my offer going to be?

  • How will I even get clients?

  • What should I charge?

  • Am I good enough?

And BOOM! Now you’ve arrived at Imposter Syndrome City. The place where all dreams go to die.

"I don’t think I’m ready for this yet. Let’s go back.”

But…there are also other reasons we go back to in-house. For example, I’m starting a new Senior PMM role on Monday.

Why? Because I need to feed my family. Plain and simple.

But that hasn’t stopped me from launching an agency this week.

And all of that is because I found the confidence to do it.

(Shameless plug: check out demodash.agency for more deetz.)

This is that full-time fractional confidence.

But let’s not gloss over the last 11 months that got me to this newsletter edition.

Here’s some of the things I learned along my way:

  1. Try getting a full-time consulting role: My first client was Klue, and we worked together as if I was an in-house PMM (without all the red tape.)

  2. Start talking to fractionals: Everytime I talk to the Emma’s, Fletch’s, and Professor Oakley’s…I’m picking up tips on how they get it done.

  3. Join a small group of fractionals: Gab, Zach, and I are in a group chat that constantly pushes us, holds us accountable, and gives us new ideas.

  4. Pick what you love to do: There’s so much PMM work to do, but I only enjoy some of it. Sure, this will make you happy but it’s critical if you want to be known for that “one thing.”

  5. Lay out a plan with your partner: If you have a supporting partner at home, get them in your corner early. Plan out the worst-case scenarios so you don’t have think about them while you get your first client.

🎙Featured Episode (The PMMisfits)
Bet on Yourself: Lessons from Going Fractional as a PMM

Episode 43 with the Skellie Boyz

It’s just the 3 PMMisfits this week. And it’s all about that fractional mojo.

In this episode of We're Not Marketers, we dive into the realities, challenges, and triumphs of betting on yourself as a fractional Product Marketing Manager (PMM). They explore:

  • The mindset shifts required to succeed in a fractional career.

  • Lessons learned from building your niche and refining your offer.

  • How confidence, community, and obsession fuel success.

  • Why intentional trade-offs and clear goals are the foundation for thriving as a solopreneur.

From navigating imposter syndrome to celebrating small wins, this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights to help you find your footing and take control of your career.

Whether you're a PMM considering the fractional path or a solopreneur looking to sharpen your approach, this episode offers the advice and encouragement you need to bet on yourself and thrive.

🎧 Tune in now and discover why "no one is coming to save you"—and how that's the best news yet.

Remember that agency I mentioned earlier?

Jason Oakley and I have teamed up for something better than Oreos and milk.

We want to help everyone in Product Marketing make interactive demos their top product marketing asset.

We’re doing that with a service and…another newsletter!

Check out both, right here.

SAVE THE DATE FOR S4

We have 2 more episodes for you. One with us, and one with the chill guy, Devin Reed.

After that, we’re taking a break and launching Season 4 on March 6th, 2025 🎙️💀💀

That’s all we’ve got for this week.

It’s your turn to tell us what you think with this one-second poll below.

See you next year 👋

Eric, Gab, and Zach

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