Want to know a little secret behind the fastest-growing online businesses? It’s not just great ideas or hard work – it’s about having the right people in place to help you scale without falling apart. Enter the Online Business Manager (OBM). They’re a growing business’s superhero; they swoop in to save the day and make sure everything runs smoothly.
When business owners are drowning in tasks and struggling to keep up with growth, their OBM is the one who bridges the gap between their big dreams, their zone of genius, and the systems that make it all happen. They can help you scale like a pro!
I’m Emily Reagan, a marketing strategist and the founder of the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup and Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. I have years of experience helping small business owners like you hire skilled digital marketing specialists to take their business to the next level. If you’re looking for extra help from a virtual digital marketer start the process here.
Through my Digital Marketer’s Workgroup, I connect biz owners with trained freelance marketing professionals who have the expertise and dedication to deliver real results – with no micromanaging required! If you’re ready to grow your business with confidence, you’re in the right place.
*This blog may contain affiliate links for programs, tools, and courses that I recommend. If you purchase these programs, I could receive a small commission. Thank you! I only recommend vetted programs and tools I use myself! Please check out my tool & resources guide here.
So, what is an online business manager and how do you know it’s time to hire one?
Online Business Managers are the Secret Weapon Behind Fast-Growing Businesses
Every successful online venture reaches a point where the founder’s bandwidth is stretched too thin. There’s this incessant balancing act between creating, managing, and growing the business that begins to take its toll.
If you want well-managed and sustainable growth you’ll need help to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. That’s where a good Online Business Manager comes in; they’re the right-hand person who keeps the ever-spinning wheels of progress moving in the right direction. They’re not the implementer of all the tasks, they’re the manager who understands and strategically coordinates it all.
Why You Can’t Do It All and Shouldn’t Try To
No matter how talented or energetic you are, attempting to wear every hat in your business is a surefire way to burnout. The reality is simple: you can’t do it all, nor should you. An OBM’s prowess lies in their ability to expertly manage operational intricacies, allowing you to channel your creative genius toward high-impact areas.
An Online Business Manager Connects Vision with Action
In the journey of growing a business, an Online Business Manager is like the conductor. They make sure your team, systems, and strategies all work together smoothly. Your vision is the plan, and your OBM makes sure it’s put into action, so everything in the business runs in sync. This balance between your vision and getting things done is what will allow your business to scale.
What Exactly is an Online Business Manager?
At first glance, an Online Business Manager might be mistaken for an upscale virtual assistant, but the distinction is much greater than that. Unlike VAs who handle task-based activities, OBMs focus on strategy and processes. They possess the online business acumen to autonomously manage projects, build efficient systems, and lead teams toward achieving overarching business goals.
Key Responsibilities of an OBM: Strategy, Systems, and Team Management
OBMs are strategic savants. Their responsibilities span from creating actionable strategies and developing and refining systems to managing teams. They delve into the operational core, ensuring every facet of the business is optimized, automated, and aligned with growth objectives.
How an OBM Acts as Your Right-Hand Person for Operations and Growth
In essence, an OBM is your operational confidant. They take care of the operational stuff that needs to get done. They navigate all the complexities of running your business, from mundane administrative tasks to intricate project management. With an OBM by your side, you can focus on the bigger picture and steer your company towards new horizons.
A Role that VAs and Freelance Service Providers Grow Into
I’ve seen this happen again and again: amazing service providers doing HIGH level, managerial work for their clients… but still feeling like they need permission to charge more or take a different title.
That’s where the OBM Accreditation program* comes in.
My friend Sarah Noked created this program for service providers already doing the work of an Online Business Manager, but craving more structure, more confidence, more credibility to work with more aligned clients who recognize their value and PAY them for it.
👉 You can learn more about the program + apply for their next cohort HERE.
👉 If you or your VA is even just a tinnnny bit curious about working as an OBM, but aren’t sure where to start, check out Sarah’s FREE OBM Starter Kit here.
How an OBM Can Help You Scale Without Overwhelm
OBMs Keep Business Running Smoothly So You Focus on Big-Picture Growth
Scaling a business without overwhelming yourself requires meticulous operational management. OBMs ensure your business runs like a well-oiled machine, handling the day-to-day nitty-gritty so you can concentrate on innovation and expansion.
OBMs Streamline Operations with Efficient Systems, SOPs, and Automation
Efficiency is the cornerstone of scalability. OBMs excel at creating streamlined processes, SOPs, and automation systems that minimize manual intervention and create efficiencies. This not only enhances productivity but also reduces operational costs, increasing profitability.
OBMs Can Manage Your Team So You Don’t Have to Be the Middleman
One of the greatest reliefs an OBM provides is seamless team management. They act as the intermediary between you and your team, fostering clear communication, delegation, and accountability, thus eliminating the bottleneck that biz owners often become.
OBMs Take Project Management Off Your Plate – No More Dropped Balls
Project management is an OBM’s forte. They handle timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring no tasks are forgotten or delayed. Their meticulous oversight ensures projects are executed efficiently and effectively.
OBMs Track Key Metrics and KPIs So You Know What’s Working (and What’s Not)
Informed decisions start with data. OBMs can proficiently track key metrics and KPIs which provide valuable insights into what’s working and what needs adjustment. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement and adaptive strategies.
⚡️Related Podcast: How Marketing Assistants Fit into Business Operations with Ange Quinn #207
Listen to this Unicorns Unite Podcast where I chat with Ange Quinn about business operations versus marketing and where the two intersect.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon
Signs You’re Ready for an Online Business Manager
You’re Spending More Time Managing Than Creating or Selling
When the bulk of your time is spent on management rather than on creation or sales, it’s a clear sign you need an OBM. The crucial role they play will free you to focus on revenue-generating activities.
Your Business Feels Chaotic, and Things Are Slipping Through the Cracks
If your business operations feel chaotic and errors or delays are becoming commonplace, an OBM can restore order, implementing processes to ensure smooth and error-free workflows.
You Have a Team, But You’re Still the Bottleneck
Having a team should alleviate your workload, not compound it! If you’ve become the bottleneck despite having team members, an Online Business Manager can streamline team management and improve efficiency.
Growth Is Happening, But It’s Becoming Unmanageable
Rapid growth can be a blessing and a curse. While it’s a testament to your success, it can become completely unmanageable. An OBM can help you harness that growth sustainably by organizing and optimizing your operations.
What to Look for When Hiring an Online Business Manager
Essential Digital Marketing Skills and the Ability to Think Strategically and Prioritize
When hiring an Online Business Manager, look for experience in online marketing, strategic planning, project management, system development, and team leadership. They should have a track record of successfully scaling businesses.
Questions to Ask in an Interview to Find the Right Fit
Key interview questions include:
- What types of businesses have you worked with, and how did you support them?
- Have you worked on scaling a business? What role did you play in that process?
- What project management and CRM tools are you proficient in?
- How do you track key business metrics and measure ROI?
- How do you identify bottlenecks in a business, and what steps do you take to fix them? What strategies do you employ to streamline operations?
- What’s your approach to hiring, onboarding, and managing virtual team members?
- How do you handle team communication and conflicts?
- What is your preferred working style, and how do you collaborate with business owners?
- What do you need from me to be successful in this role?
- What do you love most about being an OBM?
Where to Find Qualified Online Business Managers
Networking within industry groups, submitting job requests in the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can help you find skilled OBMs. Recommendations within professional networks can also lead to finding the right fit.
How to Get Started with an OBM
Assess Your Business Needs Before Hiring
Conduct a thorough assessment of your business operations to identify areas where an OBM can provide the most value. This clarity ensures you hire the right-fit person.
The Onboarding Process: Set Your OBM Up for Success
A structured onboarding process is crucial. Provide comprehensive insights into your business processes, objectives, and expectations to ensure your OBM hits the ground running effectively.
Delegate with Confidence and Empower Your OBM
Delegation requires trust. Gradually transition responsibilities to your OBM, allowing them to prove their competence. This builds trust and enables you to confidently – and increasingly – delegate responsibility to your OBM.
⚡️Related Podcast: Sandra Booker’s Story: Virtual Assistant to Business Manager #173
Listen to this Unicorns Unite Podcast episode where I chat with OBM Sandra Booker who consults with online businesses on their strategies, leading teams, and even managing budgets.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon
Further Reading:
>> What is a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant?
>> 5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Marketing Specialist for Your Small Business
>> DOO vs Online Business Manager vs Virtual Assistant
>> How to Set a Marketing Budget (So You Can Afford the Help You Need)
The Takeaway:
Scaling your business doesn’t have to mean working harder. An Online Business Manager is your ticket to sustainable, stress-free growth. By delegating operational responsibilities to an OBM, you’ll gain precious time to dedicate to strategic growth initiatives that directly contribute to revenue generation.
Ready to take the next step? Hire an Online Business Manager from the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. Many offer fractional OBM services, meaning it’s possible to hire a high-level freelance OBM part-time. I’ve got you!
-Emily, Digital Marketing Consultant and Implementer
Emily Reagan is a mom of four, board game pro, freelance digital marketer and Marketing Assistant Mentor who has helped over 450 go-getters, including military spouses, stay-at-home moms, and professional women learn in-demand skills and find flexible remote work as digital marketing assistants and specialists. She’s shared 3,000+ job leads with her freelancer community The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup.
Ask her any questions over on IG @emilyreaganpr
“I help smart women learn the in-demand digital marketing strategies and profitable tech skills to get hired as a unicorn digital marketing assistant.“
3 ways we can work together:
1. Join the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out. Start learning digital marketing services and building your digital service business right now.
2. Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you’ll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!
3. Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I’ll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.
Yes, you really can work online.
Feeling overwhelmed about how to start working from home or build your own digital marketing business? Take a deep breath — you can do this!
Start with my list of 10 in-demand tasks that online business owners are constantly asking for help with. These are the exact skills clients look for when hiring a virtual assistant. Grab your free download now, update your VA toolkit, and see where you might want to grow next as you build your freelance business with confidence and purpose.
