How To Find A Virtual CTO For Your Business
Every company is trying to find ways to speed up its business growth. There are many reasons for this, from the ever-changing technological landscape to the constant need to remain agile and responsive to changing user needs and expectations. To stay competitive, many businesses are looking to hire tech-savvy executives who can give them access to data they couldn’t get anywhere else.
A virtual CTO (Chief Technology Officer) is exactly what you want if you’re in the business of growing your company via technology. These people need a title that goes beyond the numeric — something that shows they’re more than just a number. Luckily, there are many ways to find a virtual CTO for your company. Here are some tips on how to get started with virtual CTOs.
Know Your Audience And Market
Founded in 2006, one of the world’s largest business-to-business tech platforms HubSpot in 2022 has over 150,000 business customers, including top global brands like Procter & Gamble, American Express, and Safeway. This business is booming, and the only way to keep up with the demand is to hire people to do everything — from finding and hiring the right people to train them and managing their expectations.
Finding a virtual CTO can be difficult, even if your business isn't quite as large as HubSpot's. If you are looking for someone who knows tech but isn’t an expert, particularly if your company is more in the business of growing than being a tech start-up, you might have a little luck.
Do A Little Research Before You Hire Anyone
If you are looking for someone who can give you numbers but isn’t an expert in specific areas, you might have some luck searching the job boards and applying to jobs that way. Make sure, though, that the job ads you choose specifically state that you’re looking for someone who can’t give you hard numbers but can help run your business. You might also want to check out “back office” jobs on online boards like Fiverr or Upwork, where you can post a job and get offers from anyone willing to take the assignment.
Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out To Ex-Employees
This is a great way to get started — and it is especially helpful if the person you’re recruiting from within your company is the CTO. Many CTOs are former employees who have found new jobs elsewhere and might be willing to recommend you. You can also reach out to employees who worked for companies that hired you over the years and ask them for recommendations. This can be a great way to identify talent available for hire elsewhere and in your organization.
Ask Your Employees For Recommendations
If you are looking for a way to find a virtual CTO, you might be wondering what to do. The best way to find a CTO is to ask your employees for recommendations. You can choose any employee position in your organization and ask them for a recommendation. This can be anything from the CTO position down to the most senior position that the person held. If they’re willing to recommend anyone, they probably know someone who can help.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Referrals
You might have trouble if you are looking for a Chief Technical Officer or CIO referral from an ex-employee. Luckily, there are still many ways to get referrals these days. Many tech companies now have loyalty programs, including those offered by retailers like Best Buy, ShopRunner, and Bestophile. You can also ask employees for referrals by writing them a note on their company’s holiday card or giving them a gift at their request.
CTO Conclusion
Finding a virtual CTO for your business can be difficult. If you are looking for a virtual helper who knows tech but isn’t an expert, particularly if your company is more in the business of growing than being a tech start-up, you might have some luck. With a little research, you can find people who can help your business grow technically and operationally. Hiring a virtual CTO can be difficult, though. That is why it is important to know your audience and market and find a CTO who can help run your business more effectively.
