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Data as of Oct 18, 2026Based on 141 AI responses
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Toptal holds a narrow lead over Catalant, with both platforms frequently highlighted for sourcing thoroughly vetted independent executives and specialists. When companies look specifically for strategic marketing leadership, Chief Outsiders is the usual answer instead.
Rank and Mentioned in · since Jul 5
| # | Brand | Recommended for | Mentioned in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | thoroughly vetted freelance consultants and independent executives | thoroughly vetted freelance consultants and independent executives | 38% |
| 2 | curated marketplaces for pre-vetted executive talent and specialists | curated marketplaces for pre-vetted executive talent and specialists | 13% |
| 3 | 12% | ||
| 4 | vetted fractional executives across marketing and operations | vetted fractional executives across marketing and operations | 8% |
| 5 | 7% | ||
| 6 | Fractional COO placements to help organizations scale | Fractional COO placements to help organizations scale | 6% |
| 7 | 6% | ||
| 8 | guidance and mentorship resources for small businesses | guidance and mentorship resources for small businesses | 6% |
| 9 | operations and process transformation consulting | operations and process transformation consulting | 5% |
| 10 | 4% | ||
| 11 | early-stage executive guidance and growth consulting | early-stage executive guidance and growth consulting | 4% |
| 12 | 3% | ||
| 13 | 1% | ||
| 14 | 1% | ||
| 15 | 1% |
Week of Aug 10–16 · Since Jul 5
Widest split: Toptal, 3% on ChatGPT Search and 64% on Google AI Mode.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toptal | 3% | 64% | |
| Catalant | Outside ChatGPT Search's top 25 | 22% | |
| Upwork | Outside ChatGPT Search's top 25 | 21% | |
| GoFractional | 8% | 7% | |
| 7% | 7% | ||
| ScaleUp Exec | 5% | 7% | |
| Business Talent Group | Outside ChatGPT Search's top 25 | 11% | |
| SCORE | 15% | Outside Google AI Mode's top 25 | |
| TBM Consulting Group | 10% | Outside Google AI Mode's top 25 | |
| U.S. Small Business Administration | 8% | Outside Google AI Mode's top 25 |
49% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. aurorafinancials.com, chalifourconsulting.com, iabac.org are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
How do I hire a good operations consultant to help us scale our business?
As COO, how do I find the best fractional COO or operations consulting firm to help us scale?
As a CMO, how do I find and hire a top-tier fractional CMO or marketing consultant to guide our strategy?
