Solanasis Docs

Solanasis_Fractional_Platform_Guide_Corrected

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Solanasis — Fractional Platform Guide (Corrected)

IMPORTANT: This document supersedes the platform sections in both the Bridge Revenue Playbook and the Application Materials Kit. Those documents incorrectly described fractionaljobs.io as a profile-based matchmaking service. This is the corrected version.

Why the Previous Guide Was Wrong

The earlier playbooks described fractionaljobs.io as a white-glove matchmaking service where you create a profile and wait for companies to contact you. That’s incorrect; it’s actually a job board with a weekly Monday newsletter. You must actively apply to individual listings every week; applications are rolling and competitive. Your success depends on consistent, high-quality applications to each opportunity, not a passive profile.

1. fractionaljobs.io — The Real Mechanics

How It Actually Works (Step by Step)

  1. Sign up with your email on fractionaljobs.io
  2. Receive the newsletter every Monday with new fractional job listings
  3. Job postings also appear on the website and LinkedIn throughout the week
  4. Each listing is a standalone opportunity; you apply directly to that role
  5. For Featured Jobs, your “intro request” is your pitch; for Syndicated Jobs, you’re sent to the company’s own application
  6. They monitor and track your introductions; Featured Jobs have a strict no-ghosting policy

Pro Tip: The Monday newsletter is your main signal; set a recurring calendar reminder to check fractionaljobs.io and your email first thing Monday morning.

fractionaljobs.io handles two types of listings:

Featured Jobs (purple star / 🟣):

  • fractionaljobs.io is working directly with the client
  • You click “Request Intro” on the site
  • They actively position your profile and make introductions to the client
  • Strict “no ghosting” policy; you WILL receive updates on your status
  • If hired, the company pays fractionaljobs.io a 5K referral fee (this doesn’t come out of your rate)
  • These are high-priority applications; respond within 24 hours

Syndicated Jobs:

  • Curated from 150+ external sources; fractionaljobs.io acts as an aggregator
  • Clicking the listing takes you directly to the company’s own application portal
  • fractionaljobs.io is NOT involved in the screening or matching process
  • You’re competing with a broader pool; treat these as secondary unless the role is an exceptional fit

Pro Tip: Prioritize Featured Jobs; they have the highest conversion rate and best tracking visibility.

The Intro Request (Your Pitch for Each Job)

Your intro request is NOT a resume upload. It’s a concise, personalized note explaining why you’re the right fit for that specific role. Think of it as a short cover letter optimized for brevity and relevance.

What fractionaljobs.io sees:

  • Your intro request text (primary)
  • Your profile information (name, background, LinkedIn link)
  • Any attachments or links you include (optional)

What makes it work:

  • Demonstrates you’ve read the job description carefully
  • References specific responsibilities or challenges from the listing
  • Shows how your experience directly applies
  • Maintains a professional but conversational tone
  • Stays under 150 words (they scan quickly)
  • Ends with a soft call-to-action or availability note

What Makes a Winning Intro Request

Structure for every intro request:

  1. Opening (1 sentence): Reference the role and why you’re interested
  2. Fit (2–3 sentences): Highlight 1–2 relevant experiences from your background
  3. Value (1–2 sentences): Explain what you’d bring in the first 30 days
  4. Close (1 sentence): Availability, rate, or meeting preference

Total: 100–150 words maximum.

What to include:

  • Your specific title/role relevant to this job
  • A quantifiable win or relevant project (if space allows)
  • The technology stack, industry vertical, or challenge type they mentioned
  • Your preferred engagement model (hours/week, rate, or flexibility note)
  • A clear “I’m available to discuss” or “Happy to hop on a call” closing

What to skip:

  • Generic statements about your skills
  • Full career history or unexplained resume gaps
  • Salary or rate negotiation details
  • Requests for feedback if not selected
  • Links to portfolios or case studies (unless highly relevant and the job explicitly requests them)

How to reference Dmitri’s background effectively:

  • Lead with his most recent fractional or startup experience
  • Use industry shorthand (e.g., “Series B / post-product-market-fit” instead of explaining what it means)
  • Tie past challenges to the job description language; mirror their terminology
  • If the role mentions “scaling infrastructure” or “security hardening,” reference a specific project where he did exactly that
  • Emphasize founder mentality if the company is early-stage; emphasize operational rigor if they’re scaling

Pro Tip: Save 3–4 intro request templates for your most common role types (CIO, CISO, Operations). Customize each with role-specific language, but reuse the core structure to save time each Monday.

Template: Winning Intro Request for CIO/IT Leadership

Hi [Company Name] team,

I'm interested in the Fractional CIO role you posted. I've spent the last [X years] building and scaling technology organizations in [industry/stage], and I'm focused on helping mid-market companies optimize their IT operations, security posture, and technology investments.

In my most recent role, I [quantifiable example: "reduced infrastructure costs by 35% through vendor consolidation and cloud migration planning" or "led the SOC 2 compliance process from zero to certification in 6 months" or "consolidated 7 SaaS tools into a unified platform, saving $300K annually"].

For this engagement, I'd bring [specific value for THEIR challenge: "a structured IT roadmap that aligns with your growth stage" or "hands-on vendor management and contract negotiation" or "security-first infrastructure planning"]. I'm available [hours/week] and prefer [your engagement preference: "flexible scheduling aligned with your sprint cycles"].

Happy to jump on a call at your earliest convenience.

Best,
Dmitri

Customization markers:

  • [Company Name]: Always use the actual company name, not “team”
  • [X years]: Your relevant experience depth
  • [industry/stage]: Match their context (e.g., “B2B SaaS,” “Series B,” “SMB tech,” “healthcare IT”)
  • [quantifiable example]: Pick ONE relevant win; be specific with numbers or timelines
  • [specific value for THEIR challenge]: Read the job description and echo back one concrete thing they need
  • [hours/week]: Your availability (e.g., “8–12 hours per week”)
  • [your engagement preference]: E.g., “asynchronous with weekly syncs,” “flexible scheduling,” “predictable Thursday/Friday slots”

Monday Routine (The Weekly Process)

Every Monday morning (30–60 minutes):

  1. Check your inbox for the fractionaljobs.io newsletter (usually arrives by 8am ET)
  2. Open fractionaljobs.io/jobs and scan the listings
  3. Filter for your functional areas: Technology/IT, Operations, Security, Executive/C-suite
  4. Identify “Featured Jobs” (🟣 purple star); prioritize these first
  5. For each relevant Featured Job:
    • Read the full job description
    • Draft a customized intro request using your template
    • Submit within 2 hours if possible (earlier submissions often get higher visibility)
  6. Secondary pass: Review Syndicated Jobs for exceptional fits
  7. Update your ClickUp board with submitted applications and follow-up dates

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Spending 15 minutes on a polished intro request for a Featured Job beats spending 2 hours perfecting your portfolio. Volume + quality beats perfection.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for Sunday evening: “Review fractionaljobs.io templates Monday morning.” This keeps you in a consistent rhythm.

Pro Tips for fractionaljobs.io

  • Apply to 2–4 roles per week minimum; 1 per week is too low for the volume game
  • Response time matters; intro requests submitted Monday–Tuesday see faster routing than Thursday submissions
  • They track your intro requests; if you’ve applied to a Featured Job, fractionaljobs.io will include you in their “candidate pool” for similar future roles
  • No rejection = no visibility; if you don’t hear back after 2 weeks on a Featured Job, it’s likely a no; move on
  • Roles are time-bound; once a Featured Job is filled, it disappears; syndicated jobs may stay live longer
  • Check their LinkedIn company page; fractionaljobs.io cross-posts new listings on LinkedIn; you can apply via LinkedIn if you prefer

2. Go Fractional — Your Second Priority

Go Fractional is a managed matching service specifically built for fractional work; they handle the selling for you. You join their network, take a brief discovery call, and they match you with clients within days.

How to Sign Up (Exact Steps)

  1. Go to gofractional.com
  2. Click “Apply” or “Get Started” (typically in the top-right corner)
  3. Complete the intake form: name, email, experience level (VP/C-suite/Director), primary function (CIO, CFO, CMO, COO, etc.), target engagement size (hours/week), and desired rate/compensation model
  4. Submit and wait for their outreach (usually 24–48 hours)
  5. Schedule a 20-minute discovery call with a matching consultant
  6. Provide any additional context: industries you prefer, geographies, company stage, deal-breakers
  7. They’ll send you 3–5 client matches within 3–5 days

Pro Tip: Be specific about your preferences during the discovery call; the better they understand you, the better the matches.

What to Expect

  • Introductions: They’ll send you company context, project scope, and rate expectations
  • Conversations: You chat directly with the client (Go Fractional doesn’t sit in the middle once you’re talking)
  • Agreements: You negotiate contract terms, rates, and start dates directly
  • They handle: Contracting support, invoicing setup, and relationship management if issues arise
  • Timeline: First client engagement typically starts 2–4 weeks after your discovery call

Fee Structure (The 20% Take)

Go Fractional charges 20% of your compensation.

  • If you charge 40/hour; you net $160/hour
  • If you structure as a monthly retainer (1.6K); you get $6.4K
  • No placement fees for companies; they only earn when you’re actively engaged
  • Transparent; no hidden fees

Pro Tip: Factor the 20% into your rate discussion with them; they’ll often help you think through what clients expect to pay for fractional CIO-level work.

How to Position for Their Network

When you talk to their matching consultant:

  • Lead with recent fractional or startup work; this demonstrates you understand the engagement model
  • Be explicit about what you DON’T want; (e.g., “no turnarounds,” “no manufacturing,” “no post-acquisition integration unless I’m staying 6+ months”)
  • Mention your availability window; if you want to start a new engagement by April 15th, say so
  • Reference founder mentality if applicable; Go Fractional’s clientele includes a lot of founder-led and recently funded companies
  • Highlight operational wins over credentials; they want to know you can execute, not that you have an MBA

Why This Fits Dmitri’s Profile

Go Fractional specializes in VP-to-C-suite placements across all functions, including CIO. Dmitri’s founder background and hands-on operational experience align perfectly with their client base (often post-Series A or Series B companies needing experienced leadership without a full headcount). The 20% fee is competitive for a fully managed matching service; you pay for the convenience of them doing the outbound sales work.

Pro Tip: Apply to Go Fractional even before you start applying to fractionaljobs.io; the longer they have your profile in their system, the more matches you’ll accumulate.

3. Bolster — Your Third Priority

Bolster is a marketplace for executives and startups. Companies post interim, fractional, advisory, and board roles; you create a profile and they search you when relevant opportunities come in. It’s especially strong with VC-backed and high-growth startups.

How to Sign Up (Exact Steps)

  1. Go to bolster.com
  2. Click “Create Profile” or “Sign Up as Executive”
  3. Complete your profile: photo, headline (e.g., “Fractional CIO | Startup Scale-up Expert”), work history, specializations, and availability
  4. Add your LinkedIn URL and any relevant portfolio links
  5. Set your availability (hours/week you’re open for engagement)
  6. Set a rate or compensation preference (you can say “negotiable”)
  7. Save and publish your profile
  8. Check back weekly for inquiries

Pro Tip: Upload a professional headshot; profiles with photos get 3x more views.

What Kind of Companies Use Bolster

  • Series A–C startups (most common)
  • Venture-backed companies (many have VC-recommended talent from Bolster)
  • Growth-stage companies (50–500 employees)
  • Post-acquisition or post-merger situations
  • Companies needing interim leadership during transitions
  • Technical founders looking for operational/business co-leaders

They also post: Advisory board positions, fractional COO roles, and interim CFO/CIO placements.

Profile Optimization for Bolster

Headline: Use role + context; e.g., “Fractional CIO | SaaS & Fintech | Startup Scale-up Expert”

Headline alternatives:

  • “Interim CIO & Fractional Technology Leader”
  • “CIO for Hire | Pre-Series B through Series C”
  • “Fractional CTO/CIO | Security & Infrastructure Specialist”

Work History: Lead with 2–3 most recent and relevant roles. For each:

  • Company name and stage (e.g., “TechStartup, Series B”)
  • Your role and tenure
  • 1–2 bullet points on your biggest wins (e.g., “Reduced infrastructure costs by 35%”; “Led SOC 2 certification”; “Built and managed 12-person engineering team”)

Specializations: Select 5–8 tags relevant to your expertise:

  • Fractional Leadership
  • CIO / Chief Information Officer
  • CTO / Chief Technology Officer
  • IT Operations & Infrastructure
  • Startup Scaling
  • Security & Compliance
  • Vendor Management
  • Team Building (if applicable)

Availability: Be specific; e.g., “8–12 hours/week” or “Flexible; prefer 2–3 days/week”

Rate: You can leave this blank and negotiate, or specify a range; e.g., “250/hour” or “25K/month for fractional engagement”

Pro Tip: Bolster matches you automatically if you’re a good fit for incoming opportunities; you don’t need to apply. Keep your profile updated and check your email weekly for inquiries.

Why Founders Do Well Here

Founder/startup background is valuable on Bolster. Investors and founder-led companies trust operators who’ve scaled from zero. If Dmitri’s background includes startup founding or seed-to-Series B scaling, highlight that prominently. Bolster’s audience specifically seeks founders and early-stage veterans because they understand equity, risk, and lean operations.

4. GigX — Your SEO/Visibility Play

GigX is the world’s largest fractional CxO directory. Companies search for fractional leaders by title, function, and location; executives pay a membership fee to list themselves. It’s a long-term play; search visibility builds over weeks and months.

How to Sign Up

  1. Go to gigx.com
  2. Click “Join GigX as an Executive”
  3. Complete your basic profile: name, email, title, location, functions
  4. Choose a membership tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
  5. If paying, process your payment
  6. Build out your full profile (description, experience, rates, availability, photo)
  7. You’re now searchable; companies can find you via Google and GigX internal search

Pro Tip: GigX listings are SEO-optimized; if someone Googles “fractional CIO Boulder,” your GigX profile may appear in the top 10 results within a few months.

Which Tier to Start With (Recommendation)

Bronze (Free):

  • Basic listing with name, title, location, and headline
  • Searchable on GigX but limited profile depth
  • No company profile concierge
  • Good for testing if GigX traffic reaches you
  • Recommendation: Start here; upgrade to Silver after your first inquiry or within 30 days

Silver (290/year):

  • Full profile with detailed work history, specializations, and rates
  • Professional photo and headline optimization
  • GigX promotional support
  • Recommendation: Upgrade to Silver after 1 month of Bronze; this is where most executives should be
  • Cost: 24/month; good ROI if you get 1 client per year

Gold & Platinum:

  • Gold: Profile concierge + priority support
  • Platinum: Full marketing support + dedicated account manager
  • Recommendation: Only upgrade if you’re already getting inbound interest and want to accelerate; don’t start here

Pro Tip: Annual membership (12 months for the price of 10) is the best deal; you save 2 months’ fees and stay committed longer.

Profile Optimization

Your GigX profile is your SEO asset. Optimize for searchability:

Headline: Use keywords companies actually search: “Fractional CIO | SaaS | IT Operations | Security”

Description (200–300 words):

  • Lead with your primary value: “Fractional CIO for Series A–B SaaS companies scaling from 20–100 people”
  • Mention your specializations: “IT operations, vendor management, security & compliance, team scaling”
  • Include 1–2 specific outcomes: “Reduced infrastructure costs 35%; led SOC 2 certification in 6 months”
  • Note your availability: “8–12 hours/week; flexible scheduling”
  • Close with a soft CTA: “Let’s talk about how I can support your growth”

Specializations (select all that apply):

  • Fractional Leadership
  • CIO / CTO
  • IT Operations
  • Startup Scaling
  • Vendor Management
  • Security & Compliance
  • Team Building
  • Strategic Planning

Rates: Be specific; e.g., “12K–$18K/month fractional”

Availability: e.g., “8–12 hours/week; flexible timing”

Photo: Professional headshot; GigX profiles with photos get 2.5x more views

Pro Tip: Update your profile every 6 months, especially after landing new clients or completing significant projects; this signals activity to their algorithm.

The Long Game with GigX

  • Weeks 1–4: You’re live and searchable; minimal traffic expected
  • Weeks 5–8: 1–2 inquiries per week likely (low, but compounding)
  • Months 3–6: 3–5 inquiries per week if your profile and keywords are solid
  • 6+ months: You may be getting consistent inbound traffic; some users report 1–2 qualified leads per month

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on GigX alone, but don’t neglect it. It’s a passive income stream; set and forget for the first 3 months, then assess ROI.

5. The Automation Strategy

What Claude Code Can Build for You

Dmitri has Claude Code on the Max plan; it can automate significant portions of the fractionaljobs.io workflow:

1. Website Scraper for fractionaljobs.io/jobs

  • Runs daily or on-demand
  • Pulls all new job listings posted to the public jobs page
  • Captures job title, company name, job description, role type (Featured vs Syndicated)

2. Keyword Filter Engine

  • Automatically flags jobs matching your criteria: CIO, CISO, IT, Technology, Operations, Security, Systems, Executive, Infrastructure
  • Filters by experience level if available (fractional, interim, advisory)
  • Eliminates obviously wrong fits (e.g., “Junior Developer” if you’re targeting C-suite)

3. ClickUp Task Creation

  • One ClickUp task per relevant job, auto-created in your Fractional Opportunities list
  • Task includes: job title, company, link to listing, job description excerpt, deadline (if posted)
  • Tags the task with role type (Featured Job = higher priority)
  • Set to “do-do” status; moves to “In Progress” when you apply

4. Intro Request Draft Generator

  • Pre-fills a template based on the job description
  • Pulls out key responsibilities and requirements
  • Suggests relevant parts of your background to highlight
  • You customize and submit; not fully automated

5. LinkedIn Job Post Monitor (Optional, Lower Priority)

  • Checks fractionaljobs.io’s LinkedIn company page for new posts
  • Cross-references against your keyword list
  • Alerts you if a job is posted to LinkedIn before or after the fractionaljobs.io site

What You’d Need to Set Up

Technical requirements:

  • Claude Code session (1–2 hours to build, test, and deploy)
  • A way for Claude Code to run on a schedule (e.g., daily or Monday morning)
  • ClickUp API token (paste in a local .env file; Claude Code reads it)
  • A simple script that runs on your machine or a cloud trigger

What Dmitri owns:

  • ClickUp API token (requires ClickUp login; you generate this in Settings)
  • Your keyword preferences (which roles to filter for)
  • Your email for notifications (optional; tasks in ClickUp are the primary notification)

What Claude Code handles:

  • Web scraping fractionaljobs.io/jobs page
  • Filtering and keyword matching
  • ClickUp task creation via API
  • Email notifications (optional)
  • Schedule management (e.g., “run every Monday at 7am ET”)

Estimated build time: 1 Claude Code session (60–90 minutes); includes setup, testing, and handoff documentation.

How It Integrates with Your Existing Stack

You already use:

  • ClickUp: Your project management hub; Fractional Opportunities list would be created
  • Gmail: Notifications sent here; you can set up filters to auto-label fractionaljobs.io alerts
  • Google Calendar: You can set a recurring “Monday – Apply to fractionaljobs.io” event (automation won’t schedule your time, but can remind you)

Data flow:

fractionaljobs.io (public website)
    ↓ (daily scrape)
Claude Code script
    ↓ (keyword filter)
Relevant jobs identified
    ↓ (ClickUp API)
New task created in ClickUp
    ↓ (email notification, optional)
You receive alert + task appears in ClickUp
    ↓ (you manually apply)
Intro request submitted to fractionaljobs.io
    ↓ (you mark task "done")
ClickUp task archived

Pro Tip: The automation saves you 15–20 minutes per Monday by eliminating manual list-checking and filtering; you spend that time writing higher-quality intro requests instead.

6. The Weekly Cadence

A structured weekly schedule for managing all 4 platforms (after initial signup):

Monday: fractionaljobs.io Primary Push (30–60 minutes)

  • Check newsletter and fractionaljobs.io/jobs page by 8am
  • Review new listings; identify Featured Jobs (🟣 purple star)
  • Draft and submit intro requests for 2–4 relevant roles (aim for Featured Jobs first)
  • Update ClickUp with submitted applications
  • Time: 30–60 minutes depending on number of listings and intro request quality

Pro Tip: If you’re using Claude Code automation, the ClickUp tasks will already be created; you just filter by Featured Jobs and write intros.

Tuesday: Go Fractional Check-In (15 minutes)

  • Review any matching emails from Go Fractional (they typically send updates Tuesday–Thursday)
  • If you’ve received a client match, review the context and company info
  • Reply to Go Fractional if you want to move forward or decline
  • Set a calendar reminder for any discovery calls scheduled

Pro Tip: Don’t expect matches every week; they batch them or send them as opportunities come in. You may get 1–2 matches per month.

Wednesday: LinkedIn & Bolster (15 minutes)

  • Spend 10 minutes on LinkedIn: engage with 3–5 posts from your network, or post an update about your fractional availability
  • Check Bolster for any new inquiries or messages (optional; Bolster updates are usually emailed)
  • Reply to any inquiries within 24 hours

Pro Tip: LinkedIn engagement keeps your profile visible and signals activity; companies often find you here before Bolster or fractionaljobs.io.

Thursday: Network Outreach (30 minutes)

  • Reach out to 2–3 people in your network (email or LinkedIn message)
  • Reference a specific reason: “I’m focusing on fractional roles this year; let me know if anyone in your network needs a CIO”
  • Offer to grab coffee or a 20-minute call if they’re interested
  • Ask for 1–2 warm introductions to companies they know

Pro Tip: Personal referrals often move faster than applications; invest 30 minutes here weekly and you’ll build momentum.

Friday: Metrics & Adjust (15 minutes)

  • Review your ClickUp board: how many applications did you submit this week?
  • Check your pipeline: any responses, follow-ups, or upcoming conversations?
  • Assess what’s working: which platform is generating the most interest?
  • Plan next week: adjust application volume or messaging if needed

Pro Tip: Track applications vs responses; aim for a 5–10% response rate from Featured Jobs (very strong), 1–3% from Syndicated Jobs.

Sample Weekly Time Investment

  • Monday: 60 minutes (fractionaljobs.io)
  • Tuesday: 15 minutes (Go Fractional)
  • Wednesday: 15 minutes (LinkedIn + Bolster)
  • Thursday: 30 minutes (network outreach)
  • Friday: 15 minutes (metrics)
  • Total: 2.5 hours per week

This is manageable alongside client work and shouldn’t disrupt a 10–15 hour fractional engagement schedule.

7. Intro Request Templates

Template 1: For CIO/IT Leadership Roles

When to use: Chief Information Officer, VP of Technology, Head of IT, Fractional CIO roles at growth-stage companies (Series A–C).

Hi [Company Name] team,

I'm interested in your Fractional CIO role and believe I'm a strong fit for your current stage and growth trajectory.

I've spent the last [3–5] years leading technology operations in [your industry or company stage: "Series B SaaS," "B2B marketplace," "post-acquisition integration"]. Most recently, I [specific win: "reduced infrastructure costs by 35% through vendor consolidation and cloud migration," "led the transition from legacy monolith to modern cloud infrastructure," "achieved SOC 2 compliance in under 6 months while scaling from 15 to 40 engineers"].

For this engagement, I'd focus on [specific value tied to their job description: "building a scalable IT operations foundation for your current headcount," "establishing vendor contracts and security baselines ahead of your Series B raise," "implementing systems to support 3x team growth in the next 12 months"]. I'm available [X hours per week] and prefer [your engagement preference: "flexible scheduling with a weekly sync," "concentrated days (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri)," "asynchronous with written updates"].

Happy to discuss how I can support your growth. I'm available this week if you'd like to chat.

Best,
Dmitri

Customization checklist:

  • Company name used
  • Your relevant experience depth ([3–5] years, etc.)
  • Your industry/stage context specified
  • One quantifiable win included
  • Specific value tied to THEIR job description
  • Your availability stated
  • Engagement preference mentioned
  • Total word count: 100–150 words

Template 2: For Security/Compliance Roles

When to use: Fractional CISO, Head of Security, Compliance Officer, Security + Compliance roles at startups.

Hi [Company Name] team,

I'm reaching out regarding your [Fractional CISO / Head of Security] role. I've built and scaled security and compliance programs for [number] [your industry: "B2B SaaS," "fintech," "healthcare"] companies and I'm confident I can address your current challenges quickly.

My recent work includes [specific security win: "leading SOC 2 Type II certification from assessment to audit in 5 months," "designing and implementing a vendor security assessment program that reduced risk exposure," "building a security baseline for a post-acquisition integration, including access controls, encryption, and audit logging"].

I understand you're focusing on [their stated need: "building security practices from scratch," "preparing for your Series B audit," "scaling security alongside 50% YoY growth"]. I'd bring [specific approach: "a phased security roadmap aligned with your funding stage," "vendor management and contract negotiation expertise," "hands-on implementation, not just strategy"].

I'm available [X hours per week] and ready to start immediately if the fit is right.

Best,
Dmitri

Customization checklist:

  • Company name used
  • Your relevant security experience stated (number of companies, industries)
  • One specific security/compliance win (timeline matters; show speed)
  • Their stated need echoed back
  • Your specific approach mentioned
  • Availability and readiness emphasized
  • Total word count: 100–150 words

Template 3: For Operations/Systems Roles

When to use: COO, VP of Operations, Director of Systems, VP of Infrastructure roles.

Hi [Company Name] team,

I'm interested in your Fractional COO / VP of Operations role. I've helped [number] scaling companies optimize operations, standardize processes, and support 2–3x team growth without adding operational chaos.

In my most recent engagement, I [operations win: "consolidated 8 legacy tools into a unified platform and saved $200K annually in SaaS costs," "built an FP&A function from scratch and reduced finance close time from 15 days to 3 days," "scaled operations team from 2 to 6 people while maintaining best-in-class customer support metrics"].

For your company, I'd focus on [specific operational need from job description: "establishing scalable hiring, onboarding, and finance processes ahead of your growth push," "auditing your tech stack and reducing operational friction," "implementing project management and communication standards as you scale past 50 people"]. I'm available [X hours per week] and work best with [your preference: "weekly operational syncs + async updates," "embedded in your team for [specific days/week]"].

Let's explore if this is a fit.

Best,
Dmitri

Customization checklist:

  • Company name used
  • Number of companies you’ve scaled mentioned
  • One specific operations/efficiency win with numbers (cost savings, speed, scale)
  • Specific operational need from their JD echoed back
  • Your approach to solving that need stated
  • Availability and preferred cadence mentioned
  • Total word count: 100–150 words

Template 4: For Startup/Growth Roles (Flexible CIO/COO)

When to use: Roles titled “Interim [Function],” “Fractional [Function],” or roles that blend technology + operations; typically Series A–B startups.

Hi [Company Name] team,

I'm interested in your [specific role: "Fractional Fractional CTO/COO"] opportunity. I've worked with [number] early-stage companies to scale technology and operations in parallel; I understand that at your stage, those functions are intertwined.

I've [specific startup founding/scaling win: "helped a Series A company scale from 5 to 25 engineers while maintaining velocity and culture," "led the technical due diligence for a post-Series A integration and restructured the tech organization to ship faster," "moved a pre-seed product through Series A, rebuilding infrastructure to support growth without rewriting core features"].

For this engagement, I'd bring [specific value: "hands-on technical leadership + operational/process thinking," "the ability to move quickly without over-engineering," "experience navigating founder-led companies and helping teams scale without losing the original vision"]. I'm available [X hours per week] and comfortable with flexible scheduling around your sprint cycles or fundraising push.

I'm excited by [something specific about their company: "your market position," "your technical approach," "your team's ambition"] and think I could add real value in these critical months.

Best,
Dmitri

Customization checklist:

  • Company name used
  • Your specific startup/scaling experience mentioned (number of companies, stage)
  • One relevant startup win that mirrors their current challenge
  • Specific value proposition for a flexible/early-stage role
  • Your availability and flexibility noted
  • One personalized note about why you’re interested in THEIR company
  • Total word count: 100–150 words

Template Customization Workflow (30 seconds per application)

  1. Copy the relevant template for the role type
  2. Replace [Company Name] with the actual company
  3. Replace [X hours per week] with your availability
  4. Replace [specific win] with a relevant project or metric
  5. Replace [specific value] or [their stated need] with language from the job description
  6. Read it once for flow; adjust tone if needed (professional, not stiff)
  7. Submit within 2 hours of reading the job posting

Pro Tip: Save these 4 templates in a Google Doc or Notion; copy and customize each Monday. You’ll cut intro request writing time from 20 minutes to 5 minutes per role.

8. Corrections to Other Playbooks

The following documents contain outdated or incorrect information about fractionaljobs.io and the fractional platform strategy. They should be updated in your next playbook refresh:

Solanasis_Fractional_Bridge_Revenue_Playbook.md

What’s wrong:

  • Section 2, paragraph 3: Describes fractionaljobs.io as “a white-glove matchmaking service where you create a profile and wait for companies”
  • This is incorrect; it’s a job board with weekly applications

What needs to change:

  • Replace that section with accurate mechanics: “fractionaljobs.io is a job board + newsletter; you apply to individual listings every Monday”
  • Add the Featured Job vs Syndicated Job distinction
  • Include intro request structure and templates

Solanasis_Fractional_Application_Materials_Kit.md

What’s wrong:

  • Section 4, “Platform Profiles”: Suggests creating and maintaining a profile on fractionaljobs.io for passive visibility
  • This is incorrect; fractionaljobs.io doesn’t use profiles; you apply to individual jobs

What needs to change:

  • Remove the “fractionaljobs.io profile” section entirely
  • Replace with: “fractionaljobs.io requires weekly active applications; no profile to maintain”
  • Update the platform comparison table to reflect job board vs marketplace vs directory model

Action items for Dmitri:

  1. Use this document (Solanasis_Fractional_Platform_Guide_Corrected.md) as the source of truth going forward
  2. Schedule a playbook refresh in Q2 2026 (or within 30 days) to update the Bridge Revenue and Application Materials playbooks
  3. Link to this corrected guide from both playbooks with a note: “See Solanasis_Fractional_Platform_Guide_Corrected.md for the most current platform mechanics”

8.5. Additional Platforms Evaluated: Shiny, Catalant, and MBO Partners

Context: ChatGPT Deep Research recommended these three platforms. Here’s the honest assessment after verifying each one against your existing marketplace playbook and fresh web research.

Shiny (useshiny.com) — VERDICT: YES, ADD TO YOUR STACK

What it is: A fractional executive marketplace (acquired by Vendux in October 2025) that auto-matches your profile with companies needing fractional leadership. Think of it as a dating app for fractional execs and startups.

How it works:

  1. Sign up for free at useshiny.com
  2. Complete their multi-step vetting process (experience verification)
  3. Once approved, companies post needs and Shiny auto-matches you
  4. You get matched to up to 15 relevant opportunities
  5. Companies view your profile and schedule interviews directly
  6. Shiny handles contracts, invoicing, payments, and 1099s

The fee structure:

  • Free to join as a professional
  • 10% markup charged to the company on your rate (this is LOW compared to Go Fractional’s 20%)
  • You set your own rate; Shiny adds 10% on top for the company

Why it fits Dmitri:

  • 60%+ of their executives have 20+ years experience; you fit the profile with 23+ years
  • Focused on startups and SMBs; that’s your sweet spot
  • No minimum hours (2-40 hrs/week); flexible for your parallel play
  • They handle all the admin (invoicing, contracts, 1099s); you just do the work
  • Lower take rate than Go Fractional (10% vs 20%)

Honest concerns:

  • Vendux acquisition is recent (Oct 2025); platform may be in transition
  • Smaller network than fractionaljobs.io or GigX
  • Vetting process means there’s a gate to pass

Action: Sign up this week. It’s free, the vetting is straightforward for your experience level, and the auto-matching runs in the background while you’re doing manual applications on fractionaljobs.io.

Pro Tip: Shiny handles 1099s and invoicing. If you get your first fractional gig through them, you skip ALL the admin headaches of setting up your own invoicing and contracts. That’s a real time saver for someone doing everything solo.

Catalant — VERDICT: PROCEED WITH CAUTION (Tier B)

What it is: An enterprise consulting marketplace connecting companies with independent consultants. Catalant skews heavily toward strategy consulting; think ex-McKinsey, Bain, BCG professionals doing project-based work for F500 companies.

How it works:

  1. Apply at catalant.com/for-independent-consultants
  2. Catalant’s Expert Success Team reviews your profile (vetting)
  3. If accepted, you’re in their network and can be matched to projects
  4. Projects are typically fixed-scope, project-based (not ongoing fractional)
  5. You set your rate; Catalant adds a 25-30% markup for the company
  6. Payment timeline: approximately 60 days after project completion

Why your existing playbook (solanasis_consulting_marketplaces_playbook.md) already flagged this correctly:

Your vault’s marketplace playbook positions Catalant as Tier A, but based on deeper research, here’s the honest reassessment:

Concerns for Dmitri specifically:

  • G2 reviews say: “You must have large, brand name consulting experience to have any success on the platform.” You don’t have McKinsey/Bain/BCG on your resume. That’s friction.
  • 25-30% markup is steep; higher than both Shiny (10%) and Go Fractional (20%)
  • 60-day payment terms are brutal when you have 3-6 months of runway
  • No feedback on rejected pitches; if you don’t get accepted or don’t land projects, you won’t know why
  • Projects skew toward strategy consulting, not IT/security operations

Where it COULD work:

  • If you position yourself as a “technology strategy” expert (not just implementation)
  • For specific project-based scopes like “Security Posture Assessment” or “AI Implementation Roadmap”
  • If you build reviews from small projects first, then go after larger ones

Action: Apply, but don’t count on it. It’s worth having your profile in their system, but don’t spend more than 45 minutes on the application. If you get accepted, great; if not, no loss. Focus your energy on fractionaljobs.io, Shiny, and Go Fractional.

Pro Tip: Your existing marketplace playbook has excellent sprint packaging (Restore Verification Sprint, Security Posture Reality Check, Migration Risk Sprint, CRM Rescue Sprint). These are the right framing for Catalant IF you get in; Catalant rewards well-scoped, outcome-defined projects.

MBO Partners — VERDICT: VALUABLE BUT DIFFERENT (Back-Office + Marketplace)

What it is: MBO Partners is actually two things:

  1. A marketplace for finding Fortune 100/500 projects (like Catalant but bigger)
  2. A back-office solution that handles compliance, payments, benefits, and admin for independent professionals

This dual nature is important because MBO isn’t just a job board; it’s an infrastructure provider for independent consultants.

How the marketplace works:

  1. Register for free at connect.mbopartners.com
  2. Create a profile highlighting your skills and experience
  3. Browse 120K+ opportunities or let hiring managers find you
  4. Express interest in projects; negotiate your own rate
  5. MBO handles onboarding, compliance, invoicing, and payments
  6. Projects are typically with large enterprises (Fortune 100/500)

The fee structure:

  • Free for independent professionals to join the marketplace
  • MBO takes a margin (varies by engagement; typically built into the company’s budget)
  • They also offer optional services: health insurance, retirement plans, business entity management

Why it could fit Dmitri (with caveats):

  • 120K+ talent network is massive; lots of projects
  • Handles ALL admin (invoicing, compliance, 1099s, even benefits if you want)
  • Fortune 500 focus means larger, higher-paying engagements
  • No cost to join or browse
  • Their back-office services could be useful as you scale (health insurance, retirement)

Honest concerns:

  • Fortune 100/500 focus means enterprise bureaucracy; longer sales cycles
  • They favor consultants who’ve already worked at large enterprises
  • Project matching can be slow; it’s not as curated as Shiny or Go Fractional
  • “Contingent workforce management” framing means they’re thinking of you as a contractor, not a fractional executive; different positioning energy
  • Since Beeline acquired MBO in 2025, the platform may be integrating/changing

Where it’s most useful:

  • As back-office infrastructure (invoicing, compliance, benefits) even if your CLIENTS come from elsewhere
  • For larger enterprise opportunities that wouldn’t come through fractionaljobs.io or Shiny
  • As a long-term network play; not a “revenue this month” play

Action: Register for free and create a profile. Don’t spend more than 30 minutes. Think of MBO as your “enterprise pipeline” that runs in the background while fractionaljobs.io and Shiny generate near-term revenue. Also explore their back-office services; if you land a fractional gig from ANY source, MBO can handle your invoicing and compliance.

Pro Tip: MBO’s real hidden value is the back-office stack, not the job matching. If you’re doing fractional work through multiple channels, having one platform handle all your invoicing, 1099s, and potentially health insurance is worth the margin. It’s the “operational resilience” of your own business; practice what you preach.

Updated Recommendation: Your 7-Platform Stack (Ranked)

Tier 1: Active Weekly Effort (revenue generators)

  1. fractionaljobs.io — Manual applications every Monday; highest CIO listing density
  2. Go Fractional — Managed matching; they sell for you; 20% take
  3. Shiny — Auto-matching; lowest take (10%); handles all admin

Tier 2: Set Up Once, Check Weekly (passive pipeline) 4. Bolster — Profile sits and works; startup/VC audience 5. GigX — SEO/directory play; “fractional CIO Boulder” searches

Tier 3: Apply and Let Simmer (long game) 6. Catalant — Worth a shot but don’t count on it; enterprise strategy focus 7. MBO Partners — Enterprise pipeline + back-office services

Time allocation per week:

  • Tier 1 platforms: 2 hours/week (Monday applications + Go Fractional check-ins)
  • Tier 2 platforms: 30 min/week (quick profile checks)
  • Tier 3 platforms: 15 min/week (check for notifications)
  • Total: ~2.75 hours/week across all 7 platforms

9. Platform Comparison Table (Updated)

PlatformTypeCost to YouTake RateHow You ApplyTime to First GigBest For
fractionaljobs.ioJob board + newsletterFree$3-5K referral (company pays)Apply to individual listings weekly2-6 weeksVolume; best CIO/CISO listings
Go FractionalManaged matchingFree to join20% of your rateDiscovery call; they match1-4 weeksHands-off; they sell for you
ShinyAuto-matching marketplaceFree to join10% markup (company pays)Sign up; get auto-matched2-6 weeksLowest take; admin handled
BolsterExecutive marketplaceFree profileVariesCreate profile; inbound2-8 weeksStartup/VC companies
GigXCxO directoryFree-$290/yrNone (you keep 100%)Create listing; companies browse4-12 weeksSEO; long-term visibility
CatalantEnterprise consultingFree to join25-30% markupApply; get vetted4-12 weeksEnterprise strategy projects
MBO PartnersEnterprise + back-officeFree to joinBuilt into company budgetRegister; browse/apply4-12 weeksFortune 500; admin services

10. What to Do This Week (Concrete Actions)

Get set up on all 7 platforms by end of week. Time-boxed and prioritized:

Day 1 (Monday): Active Platforms

  1. Sign up for fractionaljobs.io newsletter (5 minutes)

    • Go to fractionaljobs.io
    • Enter your email
    • Confirm subscription in your inbox

  2. Review current fractionaljobs.io listings right now (20 minutes)

    • Go to fractionaljobs.io/jobs
    • Scan for 2-4 relevant Featured Jobs (purple star 🟣)
    • Read the full job descriptions; assess fit

  3. Apply to relevant current listings (30 minutes each)

    • Use the intro request templates from Section 7
    • Customize for the specific company and role
    • Submit “Request Intro” before end of day
    • Log job title, company, and submission date in ClickUp

  4. Schedule a discovery call with Go Fractional (5 minutes)

    • Go to gofractional.com
    • Click “Apply” and complete the intake form
    • Aim for call on Tuesday or Wednesday

Day 2 (Tuesday): Matching Platforms

  1. Sign up for Shiny (30 minutes)

    • Go to useshiny.com
    • Complete the multi-step application/vetting
    • Set your rate ($150/hr; Shiny adds 10% for the company)
    • Set availability: 10-20 hrs/week
    • Once approved, auto-matching runs in the background

  2. Create your Bolster profile (45 minutes)

    • Go to bolster.com
    • Click “Create Profile as Executive”
    • Use your bio from the Application Materials Kit
    • Fill in: photo, headline, work history, specializations, availability, rate
    • Publish

Day 3 (Wednesday): Directory + Enterprise Plays

  1. Create your GigX Bronze profile (15 minutes)

    • Go to gigx.com; click “Join as Executive”
    • Complete basic profile (free tier)
    • Plan to upgrade to Silver after first engagement

  2. Register on MBO Partners Marketplace (20 minutes)

    • Go to connect.mbopartners.com
    • Create profile; browse opportunities
    • Set up project alerts for CIO/IT keywords

  3. Apply to Catalant (30 minutes)

    • Go to catalant.com/for-independent-consultants
    • Complete the application; expect their Expert Success Team to review
    • Don’t hold your breath; this is a “nice to have” not a “must have”

Day 4 (Thursday): Go Fractional discovery call + network outreach

  1. Complete Go Fractional discovery call (20 minutes)
    • Know your answers: 12-15K/month retainer, 10-20 hrs/week, CIO/security/operations focus, SMBs and nonprofits

Day 5 (Friday): Review and plan

  1. Review all platform statuses (15 minutes)
    • fractionaljobs.io: any responses to intro requests?
    • Shiny: vetting approved? any matches?
    • Go Fractional: discovery call follow-up?
    • Bolster: profile live?
    • GigX/MBO/Catalant: any activity?

Total time: 3.5-4 hours spread across the week

By Monday morning of Week 2, you’ll be live on all 7 platforms and ready for your first full weekly application cycle on fractionaljobs.io.

Pro Tip: The three platforms doing the most work for you while you sleep are Shiny (auto-matching), Bolster (inbound from companies), and Go Fractional (managed matching). fractionaljobs.io requires your active Monday effort. That’s the optimal split: 3 passive + 1 active + 3 long-game = maximum coverage with minimum time.

Pro Tip: Quick-Reference Checklists

Monday fractionaljobs.io Submission Checklist

  • Received Monday newsletter
  • Reviewed fractionaljobs.io/jobs page
  • Identified 2–4 Featured Jobs (🟣 purple star)
  • Read full job descriptions
  • Customized intro request using relevant template
  • Customized for [company name], [specific value], [your availability]
  • Word count 100–150 words
  • Clicked “Request Intro” and submitted
  • Added task to ClickUp with submission date and role name
  • Set a 2-week follow-up reminder in your calendar (if no response by then, assume it’s a no)

Profile Optimization Checklist (Bolster + GigX)

  • Photo: Professional headshot uploaded
  • Headline: Includes role title + specialization (e.g., “Fractional CIO | SaaS Scaling”)
  • Work history: 2–3 most recent roles, each with 1–2 quantifiable wins
  • Specializations: 5–8 tags relevant to your expertise
  • Availability: Specific hours/week noted
  • Rate: Range provided or noted as “negotiable”
  • Links: LinkedIn URL included; any portfolio or case studies added if relevant
  • Bio/Description: 200–300 words; mirrors your brand voice

Summary: Your Platform Stack (Post-Setup)

After this week, you’ll have:

  • fractionaljobs.io (Monday-driven, active): Your primary volume channel; 2–4 applications per week
  • Go Fractional (passive + scheduled call): Your managed matching channel; waits for matches; reviews inquiries as they come
  • Bolster (passive background channel): Profile sits and gets searched; minimal weekly effort (just reply to inquiries)
  • GigX (long-term SEO play): Profile sits and gets searched; check monthly; upgrade to Silver if you see interest

Expected outcomes (3–6 months):

  • 1–2 new fractional engagements per month (mix of fractionaljobs.io, Go Fractional, and direct network)
  • 10–20% response rate from Featured Jobs on fractionaljobs.io (very strong)
  • Passive inbound from Bolster and GigX (lower volume, but no effort required)
  • Compound effect: 4 months in, you’ll likely have 2–3 active engagements plus a pipeline of 5–10 warm leads

Next milestone: After 4 weeks, review metrics; adjust application volume or messaging based on what’s working. Update templates if certain role types convert better.

Document created: March 21, 2026
Last updated: March 21, 2026
Version: 1.0 (Corrected; supersedes previous platform guidance)

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