Top 10 Questions About Online Business Managers

Today we’re diving into a game changing topic that could revolutionize the way you manage your business. Online business managers, or OBMs.

I’ll be answering the 10 most frequently asked questions about OBMs so you can determine if hiring one is the right move for you. Let’s get started.

What exactly does an Online Business Manager (OBM) do, and how can they help my business?

First things first, what exactly does an Online Business Manager do, and how can they help my business? Well, an OBM is a professional who oversees the daily operations, systems, and team management for an online business. They help with strategic planning, goal-setting, and implementation to ensure your business runs smoothly and grows steadily.

How do I know if my business is at the right stage to hire an OBM?

So, how do you know if your business is at the right stage to hire an OBM? If you’re experiencing steady growth, feeling overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks, and need someone to help manage operations, systems, and team members, then it’s time to consider an OBM. They’ll free up your time, allowing you to focus on the core aspects of your business.

What are the key differences between an OBM, a Virtual Assistant (VA), and a Project Manager?

Now, let’s talk about the differences between an OBM, a Virtual Assistant, and a Project Manager. An OBM focuses on high-level strategy and management, overseeing projects, operations, and teams. A Virtual Assistant handles specific administrative tasks, while a Project Manager focuses on planning, executing, and closing projects.

How can an OBM help me streamline my business processes and improve overall efficiency?

You might be wondering, how can an OBM help streamline my business processes? They’ll evaluate your existing systems, identify inefficiencies, and implement new strategies and tools to optimize productivity and organization. This will ensure a smooth-running and efficient business operation.

What should I look for when selecting the right OBM for my online business?

What should you look for when selecting the right OBM for your online business? Seek out experience in your industry, strong communication skills, expertise in project and team management, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. It’s essential to have a good rapport with the OBM, as they’ll be an integral part of your business.

Can an OBM help with managing my team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations?

Can an OBM help with managing your team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations? Absolutely! They’ll ensure the right people are in the right roles, provide guidance, and establish a positive work environment, enabling your team to perform at its best.

What specific tasks can I expect an OBM to handle, and how will they free up my time to focus on business growth?

Let’s talk about the specific tasks an OBM can handle, and how they’ll free up your time to focus on business growth. They’ll manage project coordination, team communication, systems implementation and maintenance, contractor and vendor management, budgeting, and tracking business metrics. With an OBM taking care of day-to-day operations, you can focus on expanding your business.

What is the typical cost of hiring an OBM, and how can I determine if it’s a worthwhile investment?

The cost of hiring an OBM varies based on experience and location, but you can expect rates between $50-100 per hour, or a monthly retainer fee ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. To determine if it’s a worthwhile investment, consider the time and energy you’ll save by having an expert manage your operations, allowing you to focus on revenue-generating activities.

How do I effectively communicate with and manage my OBM to ensure we’re aligned with my business goals and objectives?

Communication is key! To effectively communicate with your OBM, establish regular check-ins, use project management tools, and maintain open lines of communication. Clearly outline your expectations, goals, and timelines, and provide feedback to ensure alignment with your business objectives.

What are some success stories of businesses that have significantly benefited from hiring an OBM?

Lastly, let’s discuss some success stories of businesses that have significantly benefited from hiring an OBM. These businesses have experienced increased revenue, improved team efficiency, streamlined operations, and successful project completion. With our Solo to Virtual CEO™ program and included OBM, our client Denaye was able to build and launch a new flagship course in 8 weeks that went on to generate over 6-figures in revenue the first year. In the process we also helped her grow her email list to over 30,000 engaged followers!

Next Steps

Those were the 10 most frequently asked questions about Online Business Managers. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of the role and value of an OBM in your online business.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks and need someone to manage your operations, systems, and team, an OBM might just be the solution you’re looking for. To learn more about how an OBM can help you establish a fractional team to grow your business even faster, check out this post about fractional teams.