What is an OBM and why do I need one?

You might have heard the term “online business manager” or OBM thrown around, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what that means, how an OBM can help your business, or how an OBM differs from a VA or virtual assistant.

I hear this a lot! Sometimes Online Business Managers are confused with being a specialized type of Virtual Assistant who simply does more. Let’s take a closer look at what an OBM does.

An online business manager is just that – a manager of online business operations.

Think office manager for your online business. Quite simply, they manage the online aspects of your business. An Online Business Manager handles tasks like project management, organizing, managing team members, identifying what needs to be accomplished and when, and making it happen.

Initially an OBM rolls up their sleeves and immerses themselves in your business to get to know the ins and outs, identifying what is working and noting any gaps, and learning your rhythm. They may do some of the tasks themselves and as they begin to understand your business, they begin to delegate tasks to your team or theirs, depending on your arrangement. That is one of the key differences. The job of an OBM is to understand your business and manage the process and team to make sure your vision is achieved while a VA carries out the tasks that help make it happen.

A VA might perform tasks like organizing your files, creating editorial calendars, and working with customers. However, an OBM provides strategy and actions all in one package! They help you figure out WHAT needs to happen, HOW it needs to happen, and they then make SURE it happens. Your OBM either manages the team you already have in place or they help build a team to meet your needs. One of the greatest benefits is that you only need to communicate with your OBM, not the entire team!

Think about how any other company works. There’s the top dog, the business owner, the CEO, or whoever is steering the ship, and then there is a manager that keeps things running while the CEO focuses on the main direction of the business.

It’s the same with your business. You, as the CEO, are steering the business while your OBM handles the actual operations – making sure everyone is doing what needs to be done, that all systems are running properly, and that the business has everything it needs to grow, etc.

When to hire a VA and when you need an OBM

If your business is still small with just a few clients, if you’re still handling things pretty well but just need another brain and pair of hands to take some stuff off your plate, hire a VA. That will free up enough time to allow you to focus on the big picture and manage your operations yourself. If you need a virtual assistant, The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox has excellent VAs to start taking many of your day to day tasks off your plate. We would be happy to discuss your needs.

If your business has grown to a point that you are spending more time managing your business than focusing on the areas that only you can handle, things are falling through the cracks and/or if you’re ready to grow but need some serious help systemizing operations, it’s time for an OBM!

By freeing you up to focus on the bigger picture, an OBM can make the difference between being stuck in your current income range and pushing through to your next financial goal. By passing off the day-to-day brainwork, you are free to focus on where your business can grow, what new products and services to create, and achieving or expanding your overall mission.

By freeing you up to focus on the bigger picture, an OBM can make the difference between being stuck in your current income range and pushing through to your next financial goal. Click To Tweet

An OBM comes alongside you and can:

● Manage and train your team

● Create or provide a team if you don’t have one already

● Create/maintain SOPs

● Take your big vision and work out the details necessary to make it happen

● Put systems in place to make sure every online aspect of your business runs flawlessly

● Find the platforms and programs necessary to make your vision a reality

● Save you a ton of time, money, and headaches

● Give you the support you need to take your business to the next level

Imagine how much planning and strategizing you could get done if you didn’t have to worry about these tasks anymore!

This is what an OBM provides. Headspace. Focus. Strategy. Room to grow.