The official definition of an Online Business Manager (OBM) is:
A virtually based support professional who manages online based businesses, including the day-to-day management of projects, operations, metrics and team.
The role of an OBM is to make sure the right THINGS, get done at the right TIME, in the right WAY and by the right PEOPLE.
An Online Business Manager is responsible for:
- Project Management – laying out plans and managing projects through to completion, including launches, managing programs, creation of new revenue streams, updating websites, etc.
- Operations Management – automating systems and creating processes for all day-to-day activities in the business to streamline and simplify how things are run
- Metrics Management – tracking stats for key business activities to see what is working and what is not working so that decisions can be made for ongoing growth
- People Management – outsourcing, managing, and leading the efforts of the team to meet business goals
An OBM specializes in working with business owners on the journey from 6 – 7+ figures and is the ‘liaison’ between the business owner and the rest of the team – similar to the role of an Operations Manager or COO in the traditional business world.
Click here for more information on the OBM role (including a sample role description).
Click here for the 5 Signs that it’s time to add an OBM to your team.
Looking to hire a Certified OBM®?
>> Click here to access the Certified OBM Directory and connect with our professionally trained OBMs.
(Click here for a list of the people who have completed the OBM Certification process and achieved the status of Certified OBM. If they are not on this list, they are not a Certified OBM!)
What does it mean to hire a Certified OBM? It means you are hiring someone who:
- Has demonstrated their commitment to being an Online Business Manager by making a significant investment of time, money and energy in one of our accredited Certified Online Business Manager Training Programs.
- Has successfully completed the week long Certification process which involves them working on a series of real projects for real clients.
- Has taken the Online Business Manager Pledge in dedication to their clients – present and future – and in acknowledgement of their own dedication to the profession.
What is the difference between an OBM and a VA?
It is by far the question I am asked most often, and for good reason. Although similar in nature, there are some very key differences between the role of Online Business Manager and Virtual Assistant.
If you are a VA or aspiring OBM it’s really important for you to understand these differences, so that you can a) decide which role is the best fit for you and then b) be able to clearly articulate the difference to your clients.
If you are a business owner it is really important for you to get clear on a) what your business actually needs and then b) look at whether you need to hire a VA or OBM to fill that need.
I’ve put together a comparision chart to help illustrate each role and how they work together. (And to also clarify when a business owner is ready to hire either a VA or OBM).
>> Click here to download the Comparison Chart
