We understand that running a business requires a lot of effort and time, and sometimes it can be overwhelming to handle everything on your own. That’s why it’s important to seek help when necessary. However, you may be uncertain about whether a VA or an OBM would be the best solution for your needs.

So let’s take a closer look at the differences between a virtual assistant (VA) and an Online Business Manager (OBM).

Doing vs. Managing

A virtual assistant is a DOER in the business. They are highly skilled in various areas such as administration, customer service, technology, marketing, and more. They work closely with you to take care of the day-to-day tasks that keep your business running smoothly.

On the other hand, an online business manager is a MANAGER in the business. They act as a liaison between you and your team, ensuring that everything is moving forward as planned. They make sure that the right things get done, in the right way, at the right time, and by the right person.

While both are essential to the success of your business, an online business manager takes on a more strategic role. They help you think big picture and create a plan to achieve your goals. They are your partner in growth and success.

Responsibility

A virtual assistant is accountable for completing your assigned tasks and projects within the specified timeframe. This means staying organised and prioritising your workload to ensure that everything is delivered on time and to the highest quality.

However, if you are looking for someone who can take a more holistic approach to your business operations, you may want to consider hiring an online business manager (OBM). Unlike a VA, an OBM’s primary focus is on the entire team and ensuring that everyone is working together towards the established business goals.

An OBM can help you streamline your processes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that everyone is meeting their deadlines and working efficiently. By taking a more strategic approach to your business management, an OBM can help you achieve your long-term goals while freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.

Planning

A virtual assistant is essential to manage your time and workload efficiently to ensure that you complete your tasks on time.

On the other hand, an Online Business Manager (OBM) oversees the entire business, always looking ahead to what’s coming up, and creating comprehensive plans and systems to ensure the business runs smoothly and effectively.

By working proactively and strategically, an OBM can prevent last-minute requests and overwhelming situations that often arise when there is no plan in place. In other words, an OBM is the one responsible for keeping the business on track and ensuring that the team stays focused on the most important tasks while achieving the desired results.

Therefore, if you’re looking to scale your business, an OBM can be your go-to person who will help you streamline your operations, optimise your resources, and grow your business exponentially. So, if you want to stay ahead of the competition and thrive in today’s fast-paced business world, an OBM is an invaluable asset that you can’t afford to ignore.

Working with the Team

A VA is a great option if you’re looking for someone to handle specific tasks independently. They are focused on completing their own work and will collaborate with other team members as needed. As a business owner, you’ll need to provide clear instructions for them to follow.

On the other hand, an OBM is the point person for your entire team. They work closely with everyone on a day-to-day basis, making sure everyone is clear on their tasks and deadlines, and has what they need to succeed. They are able to plug into the big picture, laying out plans, and working with the entire team to ensure that everyone is moving forward and making progress towards meeting your business goals.

So, how do you know which one to hire?

Consider the size of your business, the scope of the project, and your own management style. If you have a small team and are looking for someone to handle specific tasks, a VA might be the right choice. If you have a larger team or a complex project, an OBM can help you stay organised and keep everyone on track.

At the end of the day, both VAs and OBMs can be valuable assets to your business. It’s important to understand their roles and responsibilities so you can make the right choice for your team.

        1. What stage of growth is your business currently in?

You have worked hard in establishing your offer, finding clients, and generating revenue! Now, it’s time to shift your focus to building a strong foundation for growth. If you are making a consistent income /month and have big plans for the future, you know that you can’t achieve your goals alone. That’s where an OBM (Online Business Manager) can help! An OBM will work with you to develop the right plan, team, and structure to take your business to the next level.

2. Who is currently managing the team?

Running a business can be overwhelming and time-consuming. It is common to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. From creating plans to managing resources and people, it can all be a huge drain on your valuable time and energy.

As a business owner myself, I understand the challenges that come with managing a team and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal. It can be difficult to keep track of everything and make sure that everything is on track. By delegating tasks and responsibilities to an OBM, you can free up your time and energy to focus on the bigger picture. An OBM can help manage the day-to-day operations of your business, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and efficiently.

Let an OBM help you take control and enjoy the benefits of having a well-managed business. 

3. Where are the bottlenecks?

We all start off with the “do it all myself” mentality and work tirelessly to make our business a success. However, once we reach the early 6-figure mark, we realise that our hustle is not enough to take us to the next level. We become the biggest bottleneck, as there is only so much time and energy we can allocate to our business.

An OBM will work with you to delegate tasks and responsibilities, so you can focus on growing your business and doing what you love. We understand that your business is your passion, and we want to help you take it to the next level.

As your business grows, it becomes bigger than just you. It’s time to step back and let and OBM manage the day-to-day tasks that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Our goal is to free up your time and energy, so you can focus on what truly matters – the growth and success of your business.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and get yourself freed up from the day-to-day, I’d love to chat with you. Let’s work together to create a plan that will take your business to new heights!