What is an Online Business Manager? Do I need one?

Online Business Managers may have caught your attention, but how do they compare to Virtual Assistants? A few more ambitious VAs may even offer the same services as OBMs, so what makes them different?

OBMs are much more than just great VAs. They offer different services and their skills and priorities differ too, but there are companies like Venice Virtual that provide full-service support and cover most of what an OBM does.

Online Business Managers provide management-level support to busy business owners.  It could be on a temporary basis while the business owner takes a break, or for a limited period when things are particularly busy so that the owner can focus on more important things, manage projects, or supervise a particular department.

You could drastically change your future both inside and outside of your business if you hire an OBM. It could give you the chance to work on an idea or find time to explore new possibilities.

An experienced OBM will assist clients with strategy and provide a good sounding board for business owners who need that extra support organising their thoughts and connecting the dots.

As your business grows, so will your OBM, so they’re committed to making your company a success. Unlike you, they will be invested, but not as emotionally involved in the business, so they can remain objective, giving them a greater ability to see things clearly.

The OBM’s role is to ensure systems and processes are tightened, communications are improved, and action is taken when necessary to keep things on track. You’ll be able to focus on things such as strategy, vision, brand development and new concepts when an online business manager manages the day-to-day.

When workflows, procedures, and channels of communication have already been established, an OBM can provide you with the most freedom. In cases where you need to establish new processes and systems, an OBM can support you with developing strategy, decision-making, and communication.

They can help improve and refine systems in your operation to allow you and the rest of your team to work autonomously so you can focus on more significant things.

A strong Online Business Manager will benefit you not only by giving you more time to focus on growth, but also by bringing with them knowledge, services, and associates.

Key takeaways;

♦️  Online Business Managers provide a higher level of management.

♦️  Giving OBM the autonomy to oversee the smooth running of your business, allows you as a business owner more time to focus on growing the company.

♦️  Rates vary, but you can expect to pay at least £40 per hour up to £120. Typical retainer packages start at around £600 per month and rise to around £3000 or more.

The decision to hire an OBM or VA can be daunting and we understand you may have many questions.

This short guide should provide you with some answers, but nothing beats a one-on-one conversation where you can discuss your own business needs, which is why we welcome a discovery call to see how we can help.  Call us today.