Surprising Vital Differences Between OBMs and VAs
Surprising vital differences between OBMs and VAs can be used strategically to get results for your business.
The surprising vital differences between OBMs and VAs are often unfamiliar to business owners.
When I talk with other business owners about my career as an Online Business Manager, I often hear, “Oh yes, I understand what you do. You’re like a Virtual Assistant.”
Yes….and no. But mostly no.
There is some overlap of the responsibilities of an Online Business Managers and Virtual Assistants, so I understand where the confusion comes in. They each provide support, take on responsibilities, and allow business owners to focus on the business instead of working in it.
But they are not job titles that can be used interchangeably. And there are enough key differences that I felt it was important to explain them so you can determine which one would be best for your business.
The Role of the Virtual Assistant
Knowing the surprising vital differences between OBMs and VAs can guide you in hiring a VA.
A Virtual Assistant can be a game changer when your business starts to take off and you can no longer wear the many hats you have been wearing.
Virtual Assistants are “doers”
Virtual Assistants are implementers who do the actual work, completing specific tasks or projects as they are assigned, such as:
- Scheduling appointments
- Making phone calls
- Reserving travel arrangements
- Managing email accounts
Some Virtual Assistants specialize in professional areas, such as:
- Bookkeeping
- Graphic design
- Blog writing
- Social media
- Digital marketing
Virtual Assistants generally work for many clients
They usually juggle a smaller workload—around 15 hours a month or less—for a higher number of clients than an Online Business Manager. Virtual Assistants typically work with between 5-10 clients at a time.
VAs perform repeatable tasks
They complete tasks that occur on a regular schedule, such as monthly invoicing, daily inbox monitoring or quarterly reports. Give them a clear set of instructions and expectations, and they will meet your deadline. They usually follow a strategy that someone else has given them, and are not responsible for suggesting next steps for your company.
Virtual Assistants have a lower price point
Compensation is at a lower price point than an Online Business Manager, usually paid a flat monthly fee or by the hour. Hourly rates can be anywhere from $10-$50 an hour depending the Virtual Assistant’s skill level.
The Role of the Online Business Manager
Knowing the surprising vital differences between OBMs and VAs can also guide you in hiring an OBM.
An Online Business Manager is your company’s Chief Operating Officer, your integrator and your project manager. You need an Online Business Manager when your average monthly revenue is $30,000 or more, and your profit margin is less than 5%.
OBMs work directly with the business owner to discuss strategies, priorities, and goals, and ensure great customer service.
Online Business Managers focus on the big picture
They are responsible for the daily operations and management of the whole business, including areas such as:
- Systems
- Processes
- Metrics
- Budgets
- Your team
They take initiative, work independently and identify the needs and opportunities you might not know you have.
OBMs manage the team
They develop a strategy for how to get things done. Then they delegate tasks to their team and ensure deadlines and expectations are met. They manage positions such as:
- Virtual Assistants
- Website and Graphic Designers
- Bookkeepers
- Social Media Experts
Online Business Managers are successful when the team is happy and motivated, systems and processes are running smoothly, and metrics are analyzed for ongoing improvement.
Online Business Managers work for fewer clients
Because Online Business Managers have a larger responsibility and work deep in the trenches with each client, they typically work with 2-3 clients at a time.
OBM compensation is different
Due to the elevated responsibility and deeper time commitment to each client, Online Business Managers usually have a higher price point than Virtual Assistants. Their pay is on a retainer or retainer plus incentive basis.
Which One is Right For You?
Knowing the surprising vital differences between OBMs and VAs can be used strategically to get results for your business.
If you are drowning in the day-to-day tasks of your business but you’re not sure what level of support you need, please contact me. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the impact an Online Business Manager can have on your business.
Whether you are ready to take your business to the next level or you just want to talk about what working together would look like, I am here to support you and your business as it grows and scales.
As a result, she enjoys her business again!
I’ve helped small businesses through growth, plateaus, and decline for over 25 years.
As a Certified OBM®, I focus on management for the entrepreneur who sells services online.
I love helping online businesses grow!
I care about your business and supporting you to move forward.
When you are ready, I can help.
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Experienced online entrepreneurs are often stressed and exhausted because they are juggling everything in the business. I partner with owners to get results by managing operations.
Bottlenecks are busted so they have the energy to focus on growth.