Meet Amanda Rabideau | Fractional CMO and Startup Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Rabideau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Back in 2003, when starting my career in custoemr success and then sales at OraMetrix, an orthodontic technology start-up company, I had her first taste of the start-up life. I loved the fast pace, the ability to make an impact and building a business.

When leaving my Marketing Leadership role at a Fortune 1000 company in the real estate data and analytics industry, I focused on Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) roles with San Francisco-based start-ups. At one point, I was in final rounds with four different companies, all post-Series Funded, B2B, Tech Firms, all with very similar challenges and needs. During this process, I had an idea: Wouldn’t it be more efficient for the companies and enjoyable for me, if I could work for ALL of the companies at the same time?

Once I mentioned the idea to some family and friends, I couldn’t let it go. I knew I had to pursue it. Post Series A funded startup companies face the challenge of closing on their first round of outside funding, the need to grow aggressively (typically 3x growth over 12 months) and with few, if any, marketing resources.

With this in mind, I started Arch Collective in November 2019. From the beginning, I knew I wanted it to be bigger than just me and to leverage the talent of the many freelance workers I had met through my career and through a local mother’s group. So, I created a model for start-up founders to make one marketing hire and get a Fractional CMO, plus access to The Collective, an experienced network of freelance marketers and creatives.

Arch Collective handles all marketing strategy and execution for Post Series-A funded, B2B, tech startups so they can go from achieving product-market fit to acquiring more clients, securing Series B funding or possibly an acquisition.

What should our readers know about your business?
When starting ARCH Collective, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be more than just a marketing agency. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners, and watched them build businesses based on providing incredible value to their customers. Building on that mentality, I wanted to build a company with unwavering commitment to our clients’ success, even in the face of challenges. I truly believe in the power of marketing to drive growth and transform businesses, especially B2B Tech Startup companies, and that belief has been the driving force behind my journey.

Starting my business right before the pandemic posed significant obstacles, as two of my initial clients wanted to halt their marketing efforts due to the uncertain times. However, I persevered by leveraging my marketing acumen and effectively communicating the value of investing in marketing during a downturn. This experience solidified my determination to make ARCH Collective a success.

Over the next couple of years, the journey was far from easy. The pandemic, along with the complexities of working from home with kids and the general chaos of the world, added immense stress. However, amidst the challenges, I discovered a newfound energy and passion for my work. I embraced the long hours, early mornings, and weekend commitments because I was building something meaningful and impactful.

While leading and steering the ship, I am grateful for the incredible individuals who supported me along the way. From colleagues who opened doors to clients and friends who provided invaluable guidance, I learned the importance of collaboration and the power of a strong support network. My husband’s unwavering support, my parents’ assistance with childcare, and the collective effort of those around me made it possible to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Throughout this journey, I have learned invaluable lessons. Firstly, continuous growth and evolution are essential. As we reach new levels of success, what worked before may no longer be effective. Adaptability and flexibility, both as a business and as a leader, are crucial to sustain success. Secondly, the principle of prioritization has been vital. Balancing the demands of a growing business and personal responsibilities requires making choices and focusing on what truly matters. And lastly, the importance of lifelong learning cannot be overstated. The startup and marketing landscapes are ever-changing, and staying curious and open to acquiring new skills is key.

As a brand, ARCH Collective wants the world to know that we are a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a growth mindset. Our success is built on a foundation of hard work, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are passionate about helping B2B tech startups thrive and achieve their goals, regardless of prestigious backgrounds or industry reputations. Our dedication to our clients’ success, coupled with our unwavering pursuit of excellence, sets us apart in the market. Together, with our Collective & Clients, we create transformative marketing experiences and shape a brighter future for the startup ecosystem.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Barcelona Wine Bar Dairy Block
The Wild for a Business Coffee Meeting
Huckleberry Roasters for good coffee and people watching
The Maven Hotel (obviously) and Jacquard Hotel
Drybar in Cherry Creek because I cannot NOT get my hair blown out

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact Sofia Garcia Ladera, my executive coach, has had on my career over the past five years. Her methods and teachings have transformed not only my professional trajectory but also my entire life. Through her insightful guidance and unwavering support, Sofia has played an instrumental role in shaping my growth and success.

Sofia’s expertise and deep understanding of the business world have inspired me to push beyond my limits and explore new possibilities. Her unique approach to coaching has consistently challenged me to strive for excellence and embrace personal development. With her guidance, I have gained invaluable insights into effective leadership strategies, honed my communication skills, and developed a heightened sense of self-awareness. Each session with Sofia has been a source of inspiration, as she empowers me to harness my strengths, tackle obstacles head-on, and seize opportunities with confidence.

Sofia’s unwavering dedication to my professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her personalized approach and genuine investment in my growth have fostered an environment of trust and openness. I am grateful for her ability to listen attentively, provide constructive feedback, and guide me towards impactful decision-making. With Sofia’s support, I have navigated through complex career challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient.

Sofia’s influence on my career has been transformative. Her teachings, insights, and unwavering support have not only propelled me towards professional success but have also instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. I am truly fortunate to have had Sofia as my executive coach, and I will forever be grateful for the profound impact she has had on my life and career.

Website: www.arch-collective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promanda/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandarabideau/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProMandaRabs

Youtube: @AmandaRabideau_ARCH

Image Credits
Dan Curtis – https://www.instagram.com/curtisvisualworks/?hl=en Shelby Gordon – https://www.shelbygordon.com/