In this episode, Melissa dives deep into one of the most common (and crucial) questions she gets asked:

How do I know when it's time to hire a fractional COO?

From being the bottleneck in your business to feeling scared to scale, Melissa shares the top 8 signs that signal it's time to bring in experienced operational leadership — and what to look for when vetting a fractional executive.

You’ll learn:

• What a fractional COO actually does (and doesn’t do)
• Why seasoned operations support is different from hiring a VA or DOO
• How business size, structure, and growth stage factor into COO readiness
• The difference between strategy-only support and strategy + execution
• How to evaluate if someone is truly a “real-deal” operations executive
• Why past experience and credentials matter more than titles

Plus, Melissa shares personal insight into how On Call COO matches experienced operators with the right businesses—and the red flags to avoid when searching for one.

Whether you’ve tried hiring operations support before or you’re just starting to explore the idea, this episode will help you determine the right time, the right role, and the right fit to help your business thrive.

💡 Mentioned in the episode:

→ Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Melissa and the team at On Call COO: www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices

Listen if you’re:

✅ A founder overwhelmed by growth

✅ A CEO with big vision but no roadmap

✅ Tired of hiring people who need constant direction

✅ Wondering if operations help could actually change your life

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode hit home!

In this episode, Melissa gets real about the power—and necessity—of building a personal brand, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or scaling your own business. Sharing personal stories from her first corporate training at 22 to landing billboards in Times Square, Melissa breaks down why your personal brand isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s your reputation, your legacy, and your secret weapon for future-proofing your career.

You’ll walk away knowing:

• Why a personal brand is about perception—not just presentation
• The 6 essential reasons personal branding matters more than ever
• How to differentiate yourself from competitors in a saturated market
• The steps to start building your brand today—even if you don’t want to “be the face”
• How a strong personal brand shortens the sales cycle and attracts high-value opportunities

If you’ve ever said, “I want the business to be the brand, not me,” this episode is your wake-up call. Personal branding isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

✨ Resources & Mentions:

Boring to Brand - https://charlacorn.com

📣 Connect with Melissa:

www.melissafranks.com

Instagram: @melissa_franks

In this episode, Melissa shares seven actionable ways to get your business—and your team—ready for the summer months. Whether summer is a busy season or a slow one for your business, the way you prepare can make all the difference in performance, morale, and momentum going into fall.

Melissa walks you through how to anticipate seasonal shifts, implement flexible schedules without sacrificing accountability, and set your team up for both rest and results.

You'll learn how to lead by example, set smart boundaries, and create a summer strategy that works for your business rhythm and your people.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

How to use historical business data to forecast your summer season

Setting clear expectations around time off (and how to avoid team conflict)

Flexible work schedules that still drive results

Why summer is the perfect time for mid-year goal reviews and resets

Simple ways to build culture, connection, and fun

How to communicate, automate, and delegate to step away confidently

The critical role of leading by example as a founder or leader

👥 Perfect For:

Small business owners managing a lean team

Founders looking to take real time off without dropping the ball

Leaders who want to create a culture of flexibility and accountability

🔗 Stay Connected:

Website: www.melissafranks.com

Instagram: @melissa_franks