What is an Online Business Manager? [Guest Post by Sarah Noked]

What is an online business manager and how can YOU make money as one?

To answer this question, I recruited my good friend Sarah Noked over at sarahnoked.com to come do a guest blog and interview for all of you savvy folks.

Here’s the audio interview with answers to your TOP questions about becoming an OBM:

I’ll let Sarah take it from here…

SARAH: 

Take a guess – what’s the most common question I’m asked as an OBM?

1. What’s an OBM?
2. What does an OBM do?
3. How do I become an OBM?

(Clue: I hang out with a lot of  incredible Virtual Assistants).

So you probably guessed it’s (c). Surprised? I’m not…there’s an enormous buzz around the role of an OBM right now. And VAs like you are wising up to the natural advantage you have for uplevelling into the role.

Because with your experience in the online world, your tech savvy, and your good-to-go home biz all ready…you’re ¾’s of the way there!  

That’s why I see this in my Confident OBM Facebook Group all the time:

The second question VAs ask is…”How can I tell when I’m ready?”

I’m going to answer that in just a mo’, but first, let’s get clear on what an OBM is.

What Does An Online Business Manager Do?

You can typically find OBMs hustling across these four areas:

• Project Management – managing a launch, setting up a new online program or membership portal, establishing a website from start to finish, etc.
• Operations Management – making sure there are systems in place for billing, client relationships, work flow, communications, etc.
• Metrics Management – tracking stats so that your client knows exactly what’s working in their business and what isn’t & recommending next steps.
• People Management – outsourcing, managing, and tracking the completion of the day-to-day tasks of your client’s team.

The low down: We run the biz!

In doing that, we ‘free up’ the business owner so they can concentrate on being a visionary leader, while we take care of the day-to-day operations.

Does that mean that you need a business degree or management experience to be an OBM?

Nope. Here’s why…

First, you can learn all you need to know in a very short time (90 days in fact) by becoming a Certified OBM.

Second, ‘management’ is something you’re doing all the time. Whether it’s managing your family, CEOing your household, or running your business…you just need to apply those people management, time management, and organizational skills to your working life.  

The Benefits of Becoming an OBM

Let me tell you…VAs are AWESOME!

I started out as a VA and now I employ a few of my own, so I know from personal experience…you are killing it.

But if you want more (like I did when I scaled to an OBM), here’s why becoming an OBM will suit you:

• You’ll trade up the ‘assistant’ label to MANAGER! (With a corresponding leap in the respect that you deserve).
• You’ll earn more (OBMs usually work on a retainer basis starting out at $1,500-$2,500 a month for 20 hours).
• You’ll work ‘with’ your clients rather than ‘for’ them, helping to strategize and even co-create.
• Your work will be more varied with less ‘doing’ and more ‘leading’.
• You’ll usually work with fewer clients on a deeper basis, which streamlines your admin and simplifies your life.

Are You Ready?

So I promised to answer the question of: “How to know when you’re ready to become an OBM.”

The short answer: if you’ve been working as a VA and you want this – you’re ready!!

Because with a little training & guidance, you’ll get all the skills, mindset, and client wooing strategies that you need. Click here for more details on OBM training.

And the longer answer…

Here are some of the characteristics that make a great OBM. Is this you?

• You’re great at jumping into the ‘online biz’ chaos and getting it sorted out
• Being plugged into the big picture of a business excites you
• When you hear a great idea, you naturally start thinking about the steps it will take to make it happen
• You love working with systems and procedures to get things done in the most efficient and consistent way
• You know how to “manage” clients to keep them happy while sticking to your own boundaries
• You’re capable of delegating, communicating with, and taking responsibility for a virtual team
• You’re savvy with online marketing systems and software  

If you recognise yourself in the characteristics above, then you’re ready to step up, become an OBM, and use your talents and experience to take responsibility for the day-to-day of an online biz. Woot woot!

Here’s what to do next: Check out the course details for becoming a Certified OBM in 90 Days.

And one last question…

Are You Already An Undercover OBM?

If you’ve been reading this and thinking “I do that already” ….then you may be an undercover OBM.

If you’re doing the work of an OBM, but calling yourself a VA and charging VA rates, it’s time to step up, assume the OBM role, and start being recognized for your true contribution to your client’s business. Let me show you how.

I love helping people reach their full, grown-ass potential…and having been a VA myself, I have a soft spot for you. I’m sure becoming an OBM would help to make your dreams of freedom, flexibility, and financial stability come true. So if you want to use your strategy, organisational skills, and online expertise to feel valued and make an impact, I’d be honored to show you how.