In this day and age, not everyone can afford a full-time technology executive on staff. But just because one can't afford it doesn't mean one has to do without.
The On-Demand CTO gives you the right balance: someone who has taken the time to understand your business, is available when you need them, has no vested interest in pushing a product, and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Here's how it works:
- Get to know your CTO ahead of time. Make sure the individual you're considering "fits" culturally with your organization, and exhibits a genuine interest in your challenges. Someone experienced in your direct industry is helpful, but most C-levels learn quickly, and sometimes an "outsider" perspective can be of use.
- Sign an engagement letter and NDA. This doesn't cost anything.
- Get your CTO acclimated. Let the CTO set up a series of conversations and site visits to meet with the individuals involved in your business - executives, managers, employees - to get up to speed. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, this can take days or weeks, and can be billed either hourly or on a flat-fee basis.
That's it. Now you have a trusted ally you can go to for technology issues. That can be a quick phone call, attendance during planning meetings, preparation of proposals, assistance with technology vendor selection - even project management or hiring oversight. Your CTO can be an experienced name on a business plan or a trusted voice for a Board presentation.
Traditionally you'll get billed by the hour, like an attorney. If you're engaging them for a specific plan or proposal or project, they may be willing to work on a flat fee basis. If you don't need the input, you don't use them.
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