When it comes to growing your business, you need someone who not only can work the phones but also help you create and sustain long-lasting relationships, build your pipeline, and set you up for closing deals.

Enter the world of business development.

But here’s the million dollar question: Do you opt to hire, onboard, and train a full-time business development rep (BDR) or partner with a fractional service?

Both options are like a buffet—plenty of choices, but which one satisfies your hunger for expanding your business?

Let’s explore the topic—I promise I won’t leave you with a case of decision fatigue.

Fractional Business Development Services

Think of fractional business development like a business superhero who swoops in when you need them but doesn’t require a full-time cape—or a big paycheck. Fractional services are typically provided by experienced professionals who provide their expertise on a part-time or contracted basis (think a set number of hours each month—great for budgeting purposes).

Why Fractional BD Services Might Be a Fit:

1. Cost-Efficiency: There’s no need to roll out the red carpet for a new hire. With a fractional service, you’re only paying for what you need—no benefits packages, no endless Zoom meetings, no coffee breaks.
2. Expertise Without the Headache: Fractional business developers are usually veterans in their field—meaning there’s no reason to invest in training them or mentoring them. They save you money as well as time.
3. Flexibility: Need a big push to drive revenue quickly? Call in the fractional team. Need to scale back when things are quiet? Done. It’s like having an all-star player for your team without a long-term commitment.
4. Strategic Thinking: Since fractional services often focus on the big picture, you end up partnering with professionals who can play a role in identifying market opportunities, define growth tactics, and set you up for success. No hand holding required.

Fractional services can be a game changer for a small business that is looking to run lean while also driving revenue in the short term. And here at Piedmont Prospecting, we can attest to our ability understand our client’s objectives and then get up and running in a couple of weeks—regardless of your industry, the products you sell, or the services you offer. And if you want to say, “Well, I have a really niche business….”

No problem!

We’ve achieved results for a vinyl railing manufacturer of all fields (pretty specific, eh?).

Full-Time Business Development Representatives

Of course, you might still be on the fence about hiring a full time BD Rep—so let’s talk about that.

Many business owners think of this person as their go-to, the person who eats, sleeps, and breathes your company. You hire this person because you want them to be engrained in your culture and 100% dedicated to your business—you believe that only a full-time rep can build lasting client relationships and make an impact around your office.

But is there a catch?

Possibly.

Why a Full-Time BDR Might Not Be the Best Choice for Your Budget:

1. Sticker Shock: Full-time employees come with a hefty price tag as well as plenty of liability. Beyond their salary, you also have to cover their benefits, provide an employer match on taxes, invest in training them (which can sometimes take 2-3 months!), pay for workers’ comp insurance, and maybe even stock the company kitchen with their favorite energy drinks. Your budget might start to feel stretched.
2. Time-Consuming Onboarding: First, you need to do the job posting, then screen resumes, go through multiple interviews, select a candidate, onboard them, train them… and also retain them (ahem, and there’s no guarantee they stick around for the long-term). All of that costs time and money—and takes your attention off of running your business. So, if they end up not being a fit—or even worse leave after a few months— that eats into your bottom line. And then, the process begins anew. It’s exhausting to think about, really.
3. Rookie Mistakes: If you’re hiring someone fresh to the industry, they likely need more coaching and TLC before they can put boots on the ground and start earning their keep. Sure, everyone is a beginner at some point… but you have a business to run and money to make. Am I right?

So, Which One Should You Pick?

The answer truly depends on your business needs.

If you’re looking for expert-level support without the commitment of a full-time hire, fractional services are like a VIP pass to growth with a price tag that won’t make you cringe. However, if it’s really important to have someone around your office, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, a full-time BDR might be for you.

Of course, if you’re a small business looking to supercharge growth as 2025 begins without committing to the lengthy and costly hiring process, Piedmont Prospecting has you covered.

We specialize in helping businesses spanning multiple industries create custom outreach strategies and build solid relationships with minimal risk and maximum flexibility.

Reach out to us for a consultation. Let’s talk about how a fractional business development service could play a key role in building your pipeline in the new year.