OBMs, or Online Business Managers are popping up everywhere. Some are certified, others are just calling themselves that because it sounds better than a Virtual Assistant. Then there are a number of business owners who are saying they’re looking for an OBM, however, they’re really not ready for one.

If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you wear a lot of hats. Many business owners are often also the CEO, CFO, salesperson, marketing expert, customer service representative, and more.

• What if I told you that doing everything yourself might not be the best way to approach a growing business?
• What if I said that there was someone who could help take some of the load off of your shoulders?
• Someone who could be your right-hand person and manage the day-to-date so that you keep your business running?

As a business owner myself, I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in my company. Through my experience and my qualifications in Online Business Management, I’m able to pass my expertise on to my clients and help them streamline operations and maximize revenue.

As an IAOBM Certified Online Business Manager, I’m experienced in the day-to-day management of projects, operations, metrics, and team.

In short, I make sure the right THINGS, get done at the right TIME, in the right WAY and by the right PEOPLE.

How Can Having an OBM Help Your Business?

I became an OBM to help business owners organize and strategically plan their business activities by implementing efficient systems.

According to OnlineBusinessManager.com, the official definition of an Online Business Manager (OBM) is: “A virtually based support professional who manages online based businesses, including the day-to-day management of projects, operations, metrics and team.”

Over the years, I have seen the difference that hiring an OBM can make to clients who are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Having an Online Business Manager can lighten the load considerably while also providing valuable insight and objective advice.

As a qualified OBM, I can assist with management level support to busy business owners. This includes roles around project management, customer service, marketing, and even finance. Having someone dedicated to these specific areas can free up your time to focus on other serving clients or business development. The qualified assistance and outside perspective of an OBM can be invaluable in helping you make decisions that will move your business forward.

Some clients require my OBM expertise on an ongoing basis while others might not need a full time Online Business Manager. It might be for a temporary period while they take a much-needed break, or when things are particularly busy.

What Does an OBM Do?

There are four key areas that your Online Business Manager can support you and your business with, and they are:

Manage Projects: An effective OBM will help lay out plans and manage large projects from inception through to completion. These projects can include things like major product launches, training programs, systematising new revenue streams or setting up general administrative processes.

Manage Operations: Sometimes, an OBM can help to streamline day-to-day activities by simplifying processes. An OBM can help you to automate systems and create efficient processes which makes things easier and more efficient.

Analyse Metrics: Another way an OBM can help lighten the load is to help entrepreneurs track stats for business activities so an in-depth analysis can be done. I love doing this for clients so we can see what is working and what is not working so I can help them make decisions for further growth.

Manage People: Often, managing teams can be the most time-consuming part of owning a business. Selecting and managing the right team is arguably one of the most crucial components of a successful business. An OBM can assist with outsourcing, training, managing, and leading the team efforts to meet business and achieve goals.

Five Signs That It’s Time to Bring on an OBM:

Very rarely does someone start with an Online Business Manager. In most cases, the business owner has a Virtual Assistant helping them, however, there are some key signs that you’re reading for an OBM.

1. Your To-Do List is Out of Control.

If your to-do list is longer than your arm and seems to be growing by the day. You are delegating to your Virtual Assistant, however there are other tasks that you need to manager that’s beyond a VA pay grade, and responsibility. This is probably the time to consider hiring an OBM. I love being able to help take some of the load off of your plate by handling tasks like project management, customer service management, and operations.

2. You’re Working More Hours than Ever.

I love to help my clients work smarter, not harder. If you find yourself working longer and longer hours just to keep up with the demands of your business, it’s time to bring on some help. I can free up your time by working with your team to take care of day-to-day tasks so you can focus on the bigger picture.

3. You’re Constantly Firefighting.

Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of working on your business? If so, I can help you get ahead of the game by managing the issues behind why tasks are constantly slipping through the cracks.

4. You Never Have Time for Yourself.

If you’re so bogged down with work that you never have time for yourself, it’s time to make a change. I can help you create a better work/life balance by taking care of the day-to-day management of your business.

5. You’re Ready to Grow.

This is undoubtedly my favourite part of being an OBM. When clients are ready to take their business to the next level, an Online Business Manager can help them get there. I can help you scale your business by taking on additional projects and responsibilities. I love being able to help take my clients’ business to the next level by freeing up their time, reducing stress, and increasing efficiency.

To learn more about how we can help to streamline your business to save you time, money, and headaches, organise a call with me to discuss your business support needs.