VA vs. OBM. What's the difference?
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The post-covid world is increasingly virtual and ever-evolving. Perhaps one of the areas of expertise that has skyrocketed during this time is the remotely-based strategy professional known as the Online Business Manager. The role has been around for many years, but is increasingly popular in a virtual world.
The more commonly known role of a “Virtual Assistant” generally works in tandem with the Online Business manager (“OBM”) but the roles are distinctly different. While a VA is focused on getting tasks done and providing relief, the OBM is focused on improving the “how” you get things done and managing those processes so the CEO can ultimately remove themselves from the manager function.
Some organizations are a better fit for the Virtual Assistant support, while other organizations are senior-enough (6 and 7 figure businesses) where they feel the need for a higher level of business support. There are five distinct indications that point to needing a Online Business Manager support your company:
1. You are consistently missing deadlines. If you or your team are struggling to meet quotas, provide excellent customer support, or not move your business forward as quickly as you would like, likely you are in need of an Online Business Manager. The OBM is a master project manager and holds the CEO and their team to deadlines, individual responsibilities, and incentivizes the work needed to move the mission of the business forward.
2.You do not have enough time for “big picture” tasks. This is perhaps the most common reason business owners bring on an OBM. They find their day to day is swamped with tedious operational tasks and they do not have enough time to dedicate to their CEO role. The OBM will come into your business to implement processes and systems so that your tasks are more streamlined, clear and easy to understand. This should also provide mental clarity and peace of mind knowing everything you need to get done is clearly completed.
3.You have a team of 2-15 people. While the OBM can still provide relevant support to a solopreneur, there is additional expertise you receive when you have a small team that the OBM can manage and support. Likely your OBM will come into your business and run team meetings, upkeep project management software, provide metrics and reporting, etc. You then can completely remove yourself from the team’s day to day function while relying on your expert communicator to provide you all relevant information that you need.
4.You have to turn away opportunities because you are so busy! This often happens to very talented business owners. Your business is growing, while your free time is shrinking. An Online Business Manager focused on equal parts high level and granular tasks. Because they will be focused on the implementation of your visions, they can help manage the growing pains associated with more clients, expanded services and growing ventures.
5.You’re feeling overwhelmed or are not a systems person. Especially for creatives, this seems to be a common pain point for the successful business owner. Some people are not systems-minded individuals, and that IS OKAY! That’s why you may need an OBM. They will help you create processes, implement those processes into the right system for you, and help you and your team manage that system to serve you. You know you have a good OBM when they tell you all about different functions your technology can help you with and support you (without having to do anything manually) that you didn’t even know existed!
Need your own OBM? Contact us today…
XX, Danae