Running a company, whatever industry you’re in, is never easy. The workload can get so overwhelming, especially when your business is growing.
Most business owners work extra hours just to meet the day-to-day demands of their jobs, yet this is still not enough to propel the business forward.
Alas, excellent support is within reach with an online business manager.
In today’s dynamic marketplace, OBMs are essential virtual hires so you can focus on the bigger things. They can lighten up your busy work life while ensuring clients are satisfied.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of having an online business manager around, the benefits and how they can offer you a strategic advantage.
Virtual assistants and online business managers both provide business-related services as contractual workers online.
Although these virtual jobs are often confused, they’re not the same. OBMs are more than just virtual helpers. They have different sets of skills to offer that are mostly in the areas of online marketing. Also, their priorities are distinct from those of a VA.
An online business manager is a remote professional who supports companies and entrepreneurs to build a strong online presence from the ground up. Beyond that, they oversee processes and systems to ensure a seamless operation.
This role includes people, project and operational management, making them a valuable asset in your quest to succeed online.
Topic you might be interested in: Virtual Assistant vs. Persona Assistant
A virtual assistant comes in various forms, and the things they could do are endless. They usually handle a myriad of administrative tasks like data entry, CRM management, invoicing, event planning, reporting and inbox management.
It’s not strange, though, to see a VA who is an expert in a specific field like content writing. A VA’s type of support will depend on their ability and experience and the current needs of your business.
Your virtual assistant can help you stand out if you know how to effectively delegate tasks to them.
In short, your online assistant relies on you—to your ability to hand over tasks, communicate and manage work. All these elements will dictate the outcome of your collaboration.
When you’re running an online business, it truly helps to have a skilled person in your corner who can support the growth ventures of your company.
Online business managers are responsible for the management of many of the important tasks in your business to ensure its smooth operation.
Still, the role of your OBM and the tasks associated with the position will depend on the following:
Typically, though, your online business manager will take over the tasks below, opening several opportunities for your company.
Many online business managers have a trusted team of virtual assistants and OBMs. Overtime, they have built a healthy working relationship and communication channels with them.
Online business managers are well-connected, and this is a great factor to consider. Why?
Because whenever opportunities open up, they can instantly call in their team to help support your business, according to your needs. They can also use their book of contacts to seek out the connections you’re looking for.
Your OBM can lend their experience and knowledge, offering strategic guidance and direction that aligns with your company’s long-term goals.
But beyond all that, your online business manager can also provide the benefits below:
By taking care of the back-end tasks that are essential to keeping daily operations running, OBMs can save you time to focus on critical matters of your business.
By keeping you focused and organized, OBMs can enhance your productivity and on track with your business goals.
By freeing your time, your OBM allows you to do the things you love to do and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By covering all the important tasks, even the little details associated with increasing your operations, you can easily scale and grow your business.
Your OBM carries a wealth of experience and skills, offering insights and knowledge on trends and smart practices. With that, they can provide informed guidance that help your company thrive.
When your business is taking off, OBMs can scale seamlessly with your operations. They bring enormous skills and experience, remaining flexible and competitive even in an ever-evolving marketplace.
What makes a great online business manager for your business?
First of all, you have to make sure your future OBM is a good fit, meaning they can complement the skills that you have and are capable in certain areas you’re not good at.
It also helps that you can hire someone with expansive experience as you will be working around an industry filled with complex policies and legal issues.
Next, ponder on the tools and management systems that you use in your company. It’ll be easier to get things rolling if you have someone who is already experienced in the software tools you’re using.
Lastly, weigh the personality. It’s hard to work with someone you can’t get along with. You know, it’s easier to train and develop the capabilities of someone than change an attitude that was always there.
Contemplate the community and the culture you have in your business—what type of personality can further encourage that team spirit? What traits fit in all of that?
As you can see, hiring a competent online business manager is not so different from recruiting an in-house employee. In fact, it’s a lot simpler and easier than the traditional ways.
If you’re looking for specific skills and traits of an amazing OBM, we made a list.
Background in people, operations and project management
Strong leadership skills and can provide effective guidance to the team
Has initiative and can take action when necessary
Can work independently, completing tasks without supervision
Computer literacy and knowledge of various software programs
Has decision-making skills
Can communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
OBM is a pretty new industry in the world of virtual assistant services; thus, we can’t tell you exactly how much they cost. However, their hourly rates are factored by different components such as skills, experience and location.
Online business managers from countries like the U.K. or the US come at a steep price. But if you manage to hire overseas in places like the Philippines, India or Singapore, you can hire at competitive rates.
There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can find VAs at cheaper hourly rates, like Upwork or Fiverr. Beware, though, because opening your doors to freelance job boards comes with a risk. Simply put, you get what you paid for.
You’ll find it better to pay more for an OBM vetted by virtual assistant agencies that offer packages.
At VAV, our package starts at $515 a month, 4 hours a day. The service will be highly adaptable according to your current needs. Rest assured, you’ll be working with an online assistant that’s proactive and dependable who can really make a difference in your business.
An online business manager is truly a valuable asset to your fast-growing online business. It is a smart investment that can take your organization to the next level.
There are many outstanding advantages that you can enjoy by collaborating with them: a wealth of knowledge, more resources, better focus, enhanced efficiency and so much more.
Thus, if you’re looking for a great way to streamline operations while earning more revenue this 2025, why not hire a skilled virtual partner in an OBM?
Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help in your new adventure right away!
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