What is OBM in Business: Online Business Management Explained

Entrepreneurs Are Visionaries. But you can’t be a visionary and also be wrapped up in the day-to-day details of your business. By doing so, you are crippling the growth of your business, which can be mitigated by having a solid business model.

Despite working with entrepreneur clients for months, it was only recently that there was an official name for the work I had been doing - Online Business Management, also known as OBM. This is a crucial role within a successful online business.

The more I learned about Online Business Management, the more I knew it was a perfect fit for me. I quickly dove into the certification program.

I am a Certified OBM with the International Association of Online Business Managers.

Since I was doing the role for months before realizing that the role had a name, I am assuming that there are many people out there who might be wondering what an OBM is and what their responsibilities are within an online business. An OBM requires all the skills necessary to manage and grow an online business effectively.

So what is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?

An OBM is essentially a Chief Operations Officer (Virtual COO). In some circles, this role is also known as a Business Integrator. An OBM is a close partner to you, the business owner, helping turn your vision for your business into a reality by taking over operational tasks.

A successful online business is comprised of two primary components: Strategy and Implementation. As a business owner, you ultimately are responsible for the Strategy - the business vision, the growth plan, the revenue streams. The online business manager is ultimately responsible for the Implementation. In many ways, an online business manager functions similarly to an operations manager, ensuring that all essential functions of the business run smoothly.

OBMs implement the entrepreneur’s vision to ensure that the the right projects (strategy) get done at the right time (plan), the right way (systems) and by the right people (team) in the best interest of the business. OBMs partner with business owners to help scale businesses efficiently. While an OBM handles all aspects of a business, a project manager focuses specifically on individual projects, highlighting the broader scope of an OBM's responsibilities.

The goal of an online business manager is to help the business owner release many of the day-to-day and systematic activities of their business so the business owner can focus on growing the business with minimal distraction.

Benefits of Online Business Management

Online business management offers numerous benefits to business owners, including increased efficiency, improved productivity, and enhanced scalability. By outsourcing day-to-day tasks and operational responsibilities to an online business manager (OBM), business owners can focus on high-level strategy and growth initiatives. This, in turn, can lead to increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger competitive edge.

Some of the key benefits of online business management include:

• Improved Efficiency: Online business managers can streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimize workflows, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Imagine having someone who can identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that save you hours each week.

• Enhanced Scalability: With an OBM handling day-to-day operations, business owners can focus on scaling their business, expanding their offerings, and entering new markets. This means you can grow your business without getting bogged down by the minutiae.

• Increased Productivity: By outsourcing non-core tasks, business owners can free up time and resources to focus on high-priority initiatives and strategic growth. This allows you to dedicate your energy to what you do best – innovating and driving your business forward.

• Better Decision-Making: Online business managers can provide valuable insights and data-driven recommendations to inform business decisions and drive growth. With an OBM, you have a partner who can analyze metrics and provide actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions that propel your business forward.

Roles and Responsibilities of an OBM

An online business manager (OBM) is a critical component of any online business, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing projects, and driving growth initiatives. The roles and responsibilities of an OBM can vary depending on the business, but typically include:

• Project Management: OBMs are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They ensure that every project aligns with the business’s strategic goals and is completed efficiently.

• Operations Management: OBMs oversee day-to-day operations, including managing workflows, processes, and systems to ensure efficiency and productivity. They implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and optimize processes to keep the business running smoothly.

• Metrics Management: OBMs track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform business decisions, identify areas for improvement, and drive growth. They provide regular reports and insights that help the business owner stay informed and make data-driven decisions.

• Strategic Planning: OBMs work with business owners to develop and implement strategic plans, aligning with business goals and objectives. They help translate the business owner’s vision into actionable plans and ensure that the team is working towards common goals.

• Team Management: OBMs may be responsible for managing and leading teams, including virtual assistants, contractors, and other stakeholders. They handle hiring, onboarding, training, and day-to-day management, ensuring that the team is productive and aligned with the business’s objectives.

How an OBM Differs from a Virtual Assistant (VA)

While both online business managers (OBMs) and virtual assistants (VAs) provide support to business owners, there are significant differences between the two roles. Here are some key differences:

• Scope of Work: VAs typically focus on administrative tasks, such as email management, calendar organization, and data entry. OBMs, on the other hand, are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing projects, and driving growth initiatives. An OBM’s role is more comprehensive and strategic.

• Level of Expertise: OBMs typically require more advanced skills and expertise, including project management, operations management, and strategic planning. VAs may require more basic skills, such as administrative support and data entry. An OBM brings a higher level of expertise to the table, often with specialized training and certification.

• Level of Responsibility: OBMs are often responsible for making strategic decisions, managing teams, and overseeing critical business operations. VAs typically have more limited responsibilities and may work under the supervision of an OBM or business owner. An OBM takes on a leadership role, while a VA provides support.

• Business Impact: OBMs can have a significant impact on business growth, scalability, and profitability. VAs, while important, typically have a more limited impact on business outcomes. An OBM’s strategic and operational contributions can drive substantial growth and efficiency improvements.

By understanding these differences, business owners can make informed decisions about the type of support they need to achieve their business goals. Whether you need someone to handle administrative tasks or a strategic partner to drive growth, knowing the distinct roles of an OBM and a VA can help you build a more effective team.

Envision a Future Where Your Business Growth Takes Center Stage

Can you imagine a near future where nearly all your time is dedicated to the growth and expansion of your business—without the constant need to tackle countless small tasks on your daily To-Do list? Picture a reality where you can focus on your growth projects, like executing that big, beautiful vision you've developed, creating innovative products, and exploring new revenue streams.

Imagine having the opportunity to build strong relationships with partners and clients, while also having the time to genuinely reflect on and appreciate the incredible successes you've achieved along the way. This future is not just a dream; it can be your reality.

Are you at a point in your business journey where you recognize the need for expert assistance to efficiently scale your operations and propel your business to the next level?

Investing in the right strategies and support can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of growth. Let’s work together to unlock your business's full potential and ensure that your focus remains on what truly matters: driving growth and realizing your vision. Let's embark on this journey towards success today!