In the hustle and bustle of the business world, countless businesses turn to virtual support to keep their operations running smoothly. And guess who steps in to save the day? Yours truly, the online business manager (OBM). The term was created in 2003 by Tina Forsyth and her business partner, Andrea Lee. As early adopters of remote work and pioneers in the industry of “virtual assistance”, they were looking for a term that best described what they did for their clients. Today, OBMs are sometimes referred to as Fractional COOs.
An OBM, offers invaluable aid to organizations by managing daily projects, streamlining processes, and coordinating team members. My main gig? Ensuring the seamless functioning of the day-to-day operations and the short- and long-term success of a company by keeping a close eye on key performance indicators (KPIs), assisting the business owner with planning and goal-setting, overseeing task and project implementation, managing clients, providing financial oversight and assistant, and generally keeping an eye on progress. I also look for ways to create efficiency by means of the tools we use and making sure systems and process are up to date and what’s best for the client at the time.
Working as an online business manager can be both challenging and rewarding. Many businesses are now transitioning from the six to seven-figure and higher range, and as an OBM, I often act as the company’s operations manager or COO or CIO (depends on the situation).. My job involves not only overseeing business growth but also implementing systems, processes, and automation to streamline the workflow and manage other team members effectively.
Roles and Responsibilities
As the resident online business manager at Done4U™, I play a variety of roles that are crucial to the success and growth of the businesses I work with.
Task Delegation
One of the key responsibilities of an online business manager is to delegate tasks to the team members effectively based on their strengths and weaknesses. To maintain an organized workflow, I use project management tools, which help me track progress and prevent or identify any bottlenecks or delays that may arise.
Team Management
By maintaining open lines of communication, encouraging collaboration, and providing training when necessary, I help ensure that my team and the other teams I work with stay productive and motivated. It’s good practice to conduct regular check-ins with team members, provide constructive feedback, and address any conflicts or concerns that may arise.
Project Oversight
In the role as OBM, project oversight is of utmost importance. Whether projects are ongoing or one-time launches, it is necessary to closely monitor the progress of projects from start to finish, ensuring that deadlines are met and work is completed to the highest standard. I occasionally coordinate with external partners and make sure that all parties are on the same page regarding timelines and expectations. Consistency and proactivity are keys to successful project implementation along with the ability to adapt, if necessary
Quality Assurance
I ensure that the work we deliver is of the highest quality by implementing strong quality control processes. Additionally, I stay up-to-date with industry best practices to ensure that our team consistently delivers stellar work that meets or exceeds client expectations.
Skills and Qualifications
Technical Expertise
As an online business manager, a strong technical skill set is a must. This can include proficiency in project management tools, expertise in CRM software, and a solid understanding of data analysis and reporting. Experience in digital marketing, web design, and e-commerce platforms are ideal. To add to that skillset is knowledge of the quickly growing and evolving work of artificial intelligence, when to use it, and how.
Communication Skills
An OBM must be able to clearly and concisely convey ideas, goals, and expectations to team members, stakeholders, and clients. This includes active listening and asking the right questions to ensure alignment and understanding.
Leadership Abilities
Strong leadership abilities are crucial to successfully steering an online business. In this role, I set goals and deadlines, drive progress, and empower team members to reach their full potential.
Tools and Technologies
In running a business, whether virtual or brick-and-mortar, specific resources are required to ensure smooth operations and seamless collaboration.
Project Management Tools
I’ve found that the right tool can make a significant difference in keeping track of tasks, deadlines, and overall project progress, such as Asana, Wrike, Trello, and even Slack.
Collaboration Platforms
When managing an online business, maintaining strong communication and collaboration among team members is essential by using platforms such as Slack and Zoom.
In addition to these tools, there are other specific solutions tailored to my business needs, such as Ontraport for CRM and marketing automation. However, being tech-savvy is a skillset that a successful OBM will posses because all clients to not use the same digital tools or tech stack. Ongoing learning is a must.
Hiring an Online Business Manager
As the OBM at Done4U™, I know how important it is to choose the right person for the job. Here are a few tips on when to hire an online business manager, what responsibilities they take on to help your grow your business
- Determine your NEED. Generally speaking, if you want to free up your time and energy to do what ONLY YOU can do in your business. You already have a team of virtual assistants, web developers graphic designers, copywriters, and others who work in your business. You are managing all of this now and you are ready to grow your business to the next level. So you need someone to manage all of this for you. If this is you, then you are ready to hire an OBM.
- Make a list of the specific responsibilities that you want to outsource to an online business manager.
- Make a list of any skillsets or other characteristics, you’d like your OBM to have.
- Decide on the budget you have allocated to pay an for OBM.
- Determine if you want to hire an online business manager as a part-time contractor, a full-time intrapraneur, or an employee. Generally, hiring any team member as a contractor saves you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to become an OBM?
You must first develop a strong foundation in business operations and management. Some OBMs possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, others might successfully transition to OBM roles from varying backgrounds like project management, or executive assistance, having 5 or more years experience in those roles. If you own a virtual business, you will want an online business manager who have experience working in that business model.
What do OBMs do?
As an OBM, I play a vital role in the success of a business by handling most, if not all aspects of its daily operations, and short- and long-term planning. My primary tasks include managing projects and tasks from initiation to completion and overseeing team performance. I also work closely with the business owner to develop and implement operational strategies that align with long-term company goals. This frees the business owner from time-consuming operational tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic and revenue-generating activities. You know, working “on the business” instead of “in the business”.
Wrap-Up: Success With An Online Business Manager
Being an online business manager is like being the puppeteer behind the scenes, pulling the strings to make sure everything runs smoothly. I take charge of the day-to-day operations, coordinating tasks, projects, and collaborations among the team members. I also act as the ultimate supporter, ensuring the team’s performance is top-notch. And to top it all off, I set goals and track progress, tweaking strategies along the way for maximum success.
In a nutshell, this role is all about implementing the company’s strategies while acting as the go-between for the team, clients, and the owner. The person behind the set that helps the stars shine brightly!
At Done4U™, your business thriving is at the heart and passion of what I do and why I do it. Set up a virtual chat to discuss your needs and take the next step for growth in your business.
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