What is an Online Business Manager?

Are you an entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by administrative tasks?

Do you want to focus on growing your business but just don’t have the time or know-how to do it all yourself?

You are not alone! Many entrepreneurs face growing demands that require specialized skills and experience.

And you probably need an Online Business Manager (OBM), as they can provide the valuable assistance you need so that you can focus on where your true passions lie – running and developing your business.

In this blog post, we will dive into what makes OBMs such valuable team members, specifically in their role in supporting online entrepreneurs.

What is an Online Business Manager?

An Online Business Manager (OBM) is the right hand or director of operations for the business owner. Unlike virtual assistants, they take on more managerial responsibilities, allowing the owner to focus on strategic growth and less on day-to-day operations.

Many Online Business Managers typically work with small to medium-sized businesses, especially those experiencing growth and needing more organizational structure. They oversee various aspects of company operations, including project management, team management, systems implementation, and even marketing and sales elements.

OBMs have a more managerial role and more education than typical virtual assistants. They plan, systemize, and streamline business processes to ensure efficiency and productivity. By managing tasks like setting up workflows, coordinating with team members, and monitoring virtual project progress, OBMs help keep the company running smoothly.

Moreover, OBMs are vital as they collaborate closely with the CEO or founder, understanding their vision and goals and translating them into action. They are problem solvers, decision-makers, and leaders who can independently manage teams and real projects, allowing business owners to step back from being involved in the weeds of their company.

An Online Business Manager is a significant asset for any growing online business, providing the support needed to scale effectively and efficiently. Their role ensures business operations or brand development aligns with its strategic goals, ultimately helping drive growth and success.

What are the Qualities of a Good Online Business Manager?

An exceptional Online Business Manager (OBM) brings a unique blend of skills and qualities to the table that facilitates the smooth running of a company. Here are some of the essential qualities they should possess:

Leader and Skilled Delegator

Online Business Managers are leaders. They are virtual assistants who guide the team toward achieving goals, inspire productivity, and foster a positive work environment.

A good Online Business Manager knows how to delegate tasks effectively. They can identify the strengths of each team member and assign specific tasks accordingly to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Flexibility & Creativity

Finally, a great OBM is a problem solver with a creative spirit. They find innovative ways to solve problems, improve processes, and drive the company forward. A great OBM can adapt to changes, whether a shift in project direction, a new tool, or a sudden challenge.

These management skills make an Online Business Manager invaluable to any business, particularly those looking to scale and optimize their daily operations.

Strategic Thinking

An effective Online Business Manager thinks strategically, always considering the bigger picture in every decision. They understand the company’s goals and devise plans to achieve them.

Healthy Remote Work and Life Balance

Successful Online Business Managers maintain a healthy work/life balance, demonstrating a strong sense of organization and time management. This balance allows them to stay productive without burning out, setting a positive example for the rest of the team.

Stellar Communication

Clear and effective communication is critical to managing a team, especially in a virtual setting. An Online Business Manager must be able to articulate their thoughts and instructions clearly, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Technology and Organizational Skills

Online Business Managers are responsible for handling different aspects of a business, requiring exceptional organizational and technology skills. Living in the digital environment, Online Business Managers must be familiar with various online tools and platforms for project management, communication, and other daily operations.

These management skills make an Online Business Manager invaluable to any business, particularly those looking to scale and optimize their daily operations.

What are the Different Areas of Expertise for Online Business Managers?

Online Business Managers (OBMs) can specialize in various areas, depending on their skills and the needs of the businesses they serve. Here are some critical areas of expertise for an OBM:

• Project Management: Coordinating with team members, setting timelines, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.
• Operations Management: Optimizing workflows, implementing systems, managing day-to-day business activities, handling employment opportunities
• Team Management: Coordinating tasks, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Financial Management: Handling budgeting, invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Sales and Marketing: Developing and implementing strategies to attract and retain customers, overseeing campaigns, and managing social media channels.
• Customer Relationship Management: Using CRM tools to improve customer service, manage customer base data, and develop customer retention strategies.
• Tech and Tools Management: Managing digital tools ranging from project management software, essential website upgrades, and communication tools to data analysis software.
• Product Development and Launch: Managing the entire lifecycle of a product, from initial concept through development and launch.
• Content Management: Overseeing content creation, publication, and distribution across various platforms.
• Virtual Event Coordination: Planning and managing virtual events, ensuring they run smoothly and achieve their objectives.

Regardless of their specialty, a good OBM will bring a mix of strategic thinking, leadership, and organizational skills to their role.

What are the Benefits of Working with an Online Business Manager for a Business Owner?

Working with an Online Business Manager (OBM) can significantly benefit your business. Here are some of the key advantages:

Increasing Growth

OBMs play a pivotal role in scaling businesses. They streamline operations, implement efficient processes, and manage resources effectively. This operational efficiency paves the way for sustainable growth, allowing your business to expand without losing control of day-to-day operations.

By streamlining operations, implementing effective strategies, and improving efficiency, Online Business Managers contribute to increased revenue. Further, they can identify expansion opportunities, suggest new markets, and devise strategies to achieve your business objectives.

Improving Work/Life Balance and Accountability

With an OBM handling the management tasks, business owners can achieve a better work/life balance. Less time spent on administrative tasks means more time for relaxation and personal pursuits, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.

Further, OBMs offer advice and ensure accountability, helping your business stay on track and meet its goals. They track metrics, monitor progress, and provide feedback, ensuring your team stays focused and productive.

Handling Daily Tasks

An Online Business Manager handles the daily administrative and operational tasks that keep your business running smoothly. This includes managing your calendar, responding to emails, coordinating with team members, and ensuring projects are completed on time.

Thus, an OBM frees up your time to focus on strategic planning and growth initiatives by handling these tasks. Also, you can do more client-related work. With fewer distractions, you can give your clients the attention they deserve, enhancing relationships and improving customer satisfaction.

Providing a Fresh Set of Eyes

As they come from outside your business, an OBM brings a fresh perspective. They can spot potential issues and opportunities you may have overlooked. Their objective viewpoint can help identify areas for improvement and suggest innovative solutions.

Freedom to be Creative

Freeing yourself from time-consuming administrative tasks gives you more time to innovate. With an OBM managing operations, you can dedicate more energy to creating new products, improving services, or devising new strategies.

Remote Working

OBMs typically work remotely, saving you costs associated with office space and in-house employee management. Their flexibility allows them to adapt to your work schedule, providing support when needed.

Talent Acquisition and Training

Online Business Managers are proficient in interviewing, hiring, training, and managing top talent for your own business. They ensure your growing team is highly skilled, motivated, and aligned with your business growth goals, contributing to overall productivity and success.

A certified Online Business Manager is more than just a helper; they are strategic partners who can drive your business toward growth and success.

How Do You Effectively Work With Your Online Business Manager?

To reap the full benefits of an Online Business Manager, it’s crucial to collaborate with them effectively. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Clear Communication

OBMs are like personal assistants who work closely with business owners to implement their strategies effectively. Hence, transparent and regular communication is critical. Ensure you clearly articulate your business goals, expectations, and any issues that arise.

Define Roles and Responsibilities

An OBM can manage daily tasks, deliveries, projects, and collaborations among team members. It’s essential to clearly define their roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure efficient operation.

Negotiate the Contract

Negotiate the contract terms once you’ve found the right OBM for your business. This includes defining their scope of work, compensation, and any other terms that are important to you.

Provide Frequent and Candid Feedback

As project managers, OBMs supervise employees’ work and provide feedback to improve efficiency and effectiveness. As a business owner, you should also give feedback to your OBM, helping them understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made.

Maintain a Strong Relationship

An OBM often liaises between your business and your customers or partners. They’ll handle many of the day-to-day interactions, so it’s crucial to maintain a strong relationship with your OBM to ensure they represent your business accurately and professionally.

Support Their Development

If your OBM virtual assistant has aspirations to learn new skills or expand their role, provide support to them. This could involve providing learning opportunities, mentoring, or giving them more responsibilities.

Set Measures of Success

To ensure your virtual assistant meets your business goals, set clear measures of success for their role. These could be based on the completion of specific projects, efficiency improvements, or revenue growth.

Following these tips can establish a productive and successful relationship with your Online Business Manager.

My Tips For Finding the Right Manager For Your Needs

Finding the right Online Business Manager (OBM) is crucial to the success of your business. Here are some personal tips I’ve learned from my experience:

Do’s:

1. Do Define Your Needs: Be clear about what you expect from your OBM. This might include managing projects, overseeing team performance, or driving revenue growth. You can better communicate your expectations to potential candidates by understanding your needs.
2. Do Use Multiple Sources for Your Search: Cast a wide net when searching for an OBM. Use professional networks like LinkedIn, Job Outlook, and OBM agencies. Personal referrals can also be invaluable, as people often recommend professionals whose work they respect and trust.
3. Do Conduct Thorough Interviews and Assessments: This is your opportunity to gauge their skills and fit. Ask them about their experiences, how they handled challenges, and how they plan to contribute to your business. This will help you assess their problem-solving skills and determine their business suitability.
4. Do Look for Relationship-Building Skills: An effective OBM should be able to build strong relationships with your team and potential clients. They should be able to foster a collaborative environment, recognize individual strengths, and encourage open communication.
5. Do Look for Leadership Qualities: A good OBM is also a great leader. They should inspire and motivate their team, handle conflict effectively, and guide them toward achieving their business goals.
6. Do Set Measurable Benchmarks: Clear benchmarks allow your virtual assistant to understand what success looks like in their role. This could be project completion time tracking, efficiency improvements, or revenue growth targets. Regularly review these benchmarks to ensure they are being met.
7. Do Offer Competitive Compensation: To attract top talent, you must offer competitive compensation. Online business managers charge depending on skills, experience, full-time vs. part-time, and company size.
8. Do Foster a Positive Workplace Culture: Even if your OBM works remotely, it’s essential that they feel part of your team. Foster a culture of inclusivity, support, and mutual respect to attract and retain the best OBMs.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Rush the Hiring Process: Finding the right Online Business Managers takes time. Rushing the process might result in hiring someone different from the right fit for your business. Take your time to get to know the candidates and make an informed decision.
2. Don’t Limit Your Search: Broaden your search to find the best candidates. Utilize all available resources and networks to find potential OBMs. The more options you have, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit.
3. Don’t Forget About Personal Growth: Everyone wants to grow in their roles. Support your OBM’s aspirations to learn new skills or expand their managerial position. This not only benefits them but also adds value to your business.
4. Don’t Neglect Feedback: Feedback is a two-way street. Regularly provide constructive feedback to your OBM and encourage them to do the same. This helps create a transparent and effective working relationship.
5. Don’t Overlook the Importance of Communication: Clear and regular communication with your OBM is crucial. Make sure they understand your business goals and expectations. Regular check-ins can ensure everyone is on the same page.

By adhering to these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well-equipped to find an OBM that aligns with your business needs and contributes significantly to your success.

Book a Call Today to Get an Online Business Manager on Your Team Today!

Are you looking for the right person to help free up your time and alleviate infrastructural stresses in your business?

In that case, you need an Online Business Manager!

As a master of organization and project management, trust me at the Process Hacker to be the OBM for your business.

Me and my team are experts, and you need to cut down on chaos and smooth out processes. We will get dirty and get our hands on almost every aspect of your business so I can remove work off your plate, systematize your business, and scale to the next level!

Having an Online Business Manager on board can push you and your business to new heights faster than if you tried to go at it alone! 

Why not trust Process Hacker, an experienced Online Business Management Agency with many successful projects under our belt?

You will be grateful you did!

Book a call with us today so we can get to work!