The cost of fractional CPO support depends on the work you need it to do. A focused roadmap review has a different brief from ongoing product leadership. Seadogs starts with your business, the decisions in front of you and the outcome you want, then prepares a tailored proposal.
Start with the product decisions you need help with
Begin with the problem you want to resolve. The roadmap may need clearer priorities, customer feedback may be difficult to act on, or the founder may be carrying decisions that need shared ownership. Each calls for a different kind of support.
A useful brief names the decisions, the people involved and what should be different when the work is complete. That gives the proposal something concrete to respond to.
What shapes the scope
The scope depends on the current product, team and operating context. Advice on a defined question is different from taking an active role in research, planning and cross-team decisions.
- The product questions and priorities that need attention
- The evidence already available from customers and the team
- The decisions and responsibilities Nick would take on
- The stakeholders, dependencies and constraints involved
- The implementation, documentation and handover needed
Agree the outputs and responsibilities
The proposal should make clear what is included, what you will receive and what input is needed from your team. Depending on the brief, that might include a revised roadmap, a prioritisation approach, clearer product ownership or recommendations for the next hire.
It should also set out assumptions, exclusions, review points and commercial terms. If the scope changes, discuss the effect on the proposal before adding the work.
Choose the support that fits the problem
A focused review can suit a specific decision. Ongoing fractional support can suit a continuing leadership gap. A permanent hire may be more appropriate when the business needs a full-time product leader with lasting internal ownership.
Compare proposals against the responsibilities and outputs you actually need. A broader brief is only useful if it addresses a real need in the business.
Get a proposal for your business
Share what the product does, what feels stuck, who is involved and any timing or budget constraints. Nick can use that conversation to clarify the scope and provide a tailored quote.
For the process, read Working together. If you already have a brief, send Nick a note.