Title flexibility is an amazing tool in the small business recruiting toolkit. But be very (very!) cautious when you get to classic executive-level titles.

Every startup moves from needing generalists who can flex to specialists who can scale, and it’s more rare than we’d hope for this to be the same person.

If you have a “VP” who then needs to become a #2 or #3 in the hierarchy, you’re going to have to demote them rather than just promote or hire above them. Never fun. Always messy.

Instead, try “head of” to both convey responsibility and give yourself options down the line.

A fractional executive can be the perfect way to get the right expertise but at a price point and pace that’s a match. If you need a Fractional Head of People Ops, hit me up! I know someone. :)