Marketing leadership can make or break an early stage company’s growth trajectory, yet many cannot afford a full-time CMO during critical scaling phases. This gap has created opportunity for fractional marketing leaders who provide executive-level strategy without the executive-level price tag. Jennifer Kling has built her career in this space, bringing nearly two decades of B2B tech marketing experience to companies ready to scale but not yet ready for a permanent marketing executive.
Bridging the Strategy-Execution Divide
Most marketing consultants either set high-level strategy or execute tactical campaigns. Few do both effectively. Jennifer positions herself differently. “I specialize in messaging, demand generation, and go-to-market strategies. For me, it’s about bridging the gap between big ideas and real-world execution,” she explains. This practical approach resonates with founders who’ve been burned by consultants delivering impressive slide decks but little actual impact. Jennifer doesn’t just diagnose problems – she sticks around to fix them. Her clients appreciate that she brings both strategic vision and tactical know-how to the table, especially crucial for companies without internal marketing leadership.
Here are 3 ways you can easily scale without hiring a full-time CMO.
Developing Teams, Not Just Strategies
Many companies hesitate to bring in outside help, fearing consultants will disrupt team dynamics or create dependency. Jennifer tackles this concern head-on. “When I come in as a fractional leader, I don’t just set strategy and disappear. I roll up my sleeves and work closely with your teams, whether it’s sales, product, support. But most importantly, I mentor your in-house marketers,” she says. This mentorship component distinguishes her approach. She works alongside existing team members, helping them grow their skills while driving immediate business results. “It’s a flexible partnership that combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. And because I genuinely care about your team, you’ll see professional growth as well as brand and revenue growth,” Jennifer adds.
Rethinking Demand Generation
Marketing departments often chase vanity metrics that look good in reports but deliver little business value. Jennifer takes a different approach to building a pipeline. “Demanding is not about collecting a high quantity of random leads. It’s about building a quality pipeline that actually generates revenue,” she explains. Her process starts with customer understanding, not tactics. “I start by understanding your ideal customer. Where do they spend their time online? What language do they use when they talk about their problems? What problems do they need to solve, and how does your product solve them?”
From there, she builds targeted campaigns based on customer language and needs. “Then we measure everything. We double down on what actually works, fine-tune what isn’t working until we get it right,” Jennifer says. This data-driven approach eliminates the guesswork that plagues many marketing departments.
Message First, Everything Else Second
While many companies jump straight to tactics, Jennifer believes clear messaging must come first. “It starts with messaging and positioning, because if you can’t explain clearly why someone should choose you, you’ll never stand out,” she insists. Her messaging framework connects customer pain points directly to solutions. “I tie your customers’ pain points and goals back to your solution and craft a story that your customers will understand and appreciate. When everyone in your organization, from sales to support, is sharing the same simple, powerful story – that is when your brand really shines.”
Jennifer understands the challenges early-stage companies face. “Growing is challenging. Marketing plays a really critical role in your growth,” she acknowledges. “If you can’t hire a full-time CMO right now, you can still hit your growth targets with a fractional marketing leader and the right story. Your company can thrive without breaking the bank.”
To learn more about Jennifer Kling, check out her LinkedIn profile.
