When you run a successful online business, it is likely you have heard of the term virtual assistant (VA). But have you heard of an online business manager (OBM)?
Virtual assistants are one of the most known and common hires for online business owners, and for good reason – you cannot do it all alone! But have you ever become frustrated in your search for the ‘magical unicorn VA’? The VA that can manage tasks without specific direction, see what is coming up before it happens, complete a task without you requesting it, manage the numerous launches/projects you have happening and make sure you have systems & processes in place that make your life easier?
I hate to break it to you, but that magical unicorn VA does not exist. But, the good news is an online business manager does!
Want to get some clarity between the two? Let’s dive into some of the most common questions I come across.
What is an Online Business Manager?
An online business manager takes care of the operational side of your business. They have the skillset and ability to see what is coming up, to work without direction and provide you with the headspace you need to step into the visionary role.
Often, an online business manager has come from an executive assistant or project management role where they have more strategic thinking. Their aim is always how are they going to get to the end result. They thrive in challenging situations and have the ability to provide a clear path to achieve the end goal. They are highly invested in your business success and have the ability to pick things up when they do not go according to the plan by quickly adapting to a new plan in order to keep everything on track.
Quite often, an online business manager is considered more as a business partner than a team member. They share the same core values, mission and beliefs as the business owner so they are fully aware of the vision you have to grow your business.
What is the difference between an online business manager and virtual assistant?
This is where many people think, well that is a ‘great’ VA. But that is not the case. Yes, there are amazing VA’s out there that support you massively, however they are limited in their experience and skillset.
A VA is focused on the tasks side of the business and guided by you. Your VA is provided with the list of tasks to complete, once they have completed the tasks their job is complete.
An online business manager is focused on the vision side of the business and works more independently. Your online business manager creates a strategy alongside you and puts together a plan of how you are going to achieve the goal. They piece together ‘all the things & people’ that need to happen in order to make the end result a success.
When should I hire an online business manager?
Now you know the difference between an online business manager and virtual assistant, let’s discuss when the time is right to hire your online business manager.
You have a successful business and generating consistent revenue each month with regular and consistent leads coming into your business. The problem is, you are
- Struggling to keep up with all the things
- Lacking the headspace to get creative when the time comes to put a new offer out to your audience,
- Feeling exhausted and drained from trying to keep all the moving parts together
- Feeling panicky at the thought of launching
And, do not even get started on the backend side of the business – it is in complete chaos! HELP!!!
If this sounds like you, then it might be a good time to explore hiring an online business manager.
How do I find the ‘right’ online business manager?
Whenever you hire a team member it is essential you hire the right person. So many people fall at this hurdle and end up hiring based on cost. Look, I get it. Making the jump to hire a team member is a big decision, and it is only natural that you would feel some kind of reluctance and make excuses about why now is not the right time – I have been there! But what I want you to ask yourself is if not now, then when?!
When you have…..
- More money in the bank
- Your systems and processes in place
- More time to train the right person
- Increased your clients/leads
…Not going to happen.
You will never feel there is a right time to hire your team because it is pushing you out of your comfort zone. But, once you make the step to commit to hiring your team member it will be the best investment you make. Yes, you need to stop looking at it as an expense and look at it as an investment because that is what it is. Afterall it will generate you more money than you are spending out! Once you have a team you have space to seriously grow your business as you have never before. You will be wondering why you didn’t do it before! But only if you hire smartly.
To find the right online business manager for you, make sure you are asking for referrals, stalking social media on a potential online business manager, checking testimonials and start interacting with them – see if you get along (without them knowing you are actually potentially wanting to work with them). Sneaky, yes. But this also gives you a big insight into how they interact as a person and therefore you are able to better judge if they are the right fit for you.
Think about what you want from the online business manager and make that clear when you chat with them. They will want to know what your mission is and where you want to take your business so get clear on that first.
What is the investment?
The investment of hiring an online business manager varies massively. Fees start from £60 per hour to £120 per hour. It really depends on what is required of the online business manager. The higher the support the higher the fee will be.
What are the benefits of hiring an online business manager?
Now, where do I start? The transformation of an OBM to a business is massive. So here are just some results our clients have got to give you an example:
- Doubled revenue in one month
- Increased audience via email list by 60%
- Added an entirely new revenue stream in a week
- Gained industry authority
- Created a sold-out event
- Tapped into a network of other professionals
- Coached through ideas to make them a reality
- Validated business development ideas
- Clear headspace to take the business to a new level
There are many more benefits, but I thought it would be useful to share some of the results our clients have to give you more of an in-depth view of what it could look like for you too.
In conclusion
Hiring an Online Business Manager will be a game changer for your business and you will grow much sooner by fast-tracking with an OBM. But you have to be ready to let go of control to really benefit. An OBM keeps you up to date with everything, whilst keeping all the plates spinning – so you get the results without the stress.
As always, I hope this has helped you understand the difference between a virtual assistant and online business manager. If you have any questions at all schedule a call to chat them over. We are always happy to hear from you and grab a virtual coffee!
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