What’s an OBM Anyways?
If you've been hearing chatter about online business managers (OBMs) or have a friend who's singing their praises, you might be wondering: What exactly is an OBM, and how can they benefit my business?
An OBM, in a nutshell, is your virtual Swiss Army knife for business support. They're the wizard behind the curtain, orchestrating projects, managing teams, and keeping your operations shipshape so you can focus on what really matters for your business.
Here's a breakdown of how an OBM can dive into the trenches of your business and make magic happen:
1. Project Management: Your OBM is the project manager of your dreams. They'll take a bird's-eye view of your projects, chart out a game plan, and ensure everyone reaches the finish line. From team coordination to client communications, they've got it covered.
2. Operations Support: With their knack for systems and processes, OBMs are like efficiency ninjas. They'll streamline your workflows, automate tedious tasks, and unearth hidden opportunities to make your business run like a well-oiled machine.
3. Client Management: OBMs are your secret weapon for wowing clients. They'll nurture relationships, anticipate needs, and fine-tune your services to ensure every client feels like a VIP. Happy clients mean repeat business and glowing referrals.
4. Team Management: Your OBM isn't just a solo act—they're also masters of team dynamics. Whether it's hiring new talent, fostering collaboration, or ironing out wrinkles in communication, they'll keep your team firing on all cylinders.
5. Metrics & Reporting: Numbers don't lie, and your OBM knows how to decipher them. They'll keep a close eye on your key performance indicators (KPIs), spot trends, and dish up insights to fuel informed decision-making.
OBMs often come with their own unique skill sets and areas of expertise, so it's essential to find the right fit for your business's needs through thorough research and interviews.
Now, let's address the burning question: Why should you enlist the help of an OBM?
Imagine reclaiming ten extra hours in your week—what could you achieve? By offloading the day-to-day grind to an OBM, you'll have the freedom to tackle passion projects, amp up your marketing efforts, or simply enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Plus, with an OBM at the helm, you'll see tangible improvements in client satisfaction, service quality, and overall business performance.
Feeling hesitant about relinquishing control? Don't worry, you're not alone. Deciding when to bring an OBM onboard is a big step, but here's a litmus test: If you're struggling to juggle the core aspects of your business and find yourself drowning in minutiae, it's time to pass the baton to an OBM.
But wait—how do you differentiate between an OBM and a virtual assistant (VA), and can you work with both? While both roles offer indispensable support, OBMs specialize in strategic oversight and project management, whereas VAs excel at executing specific tasks within established processes. Depending on your needs, you might opt for one, the other, or a dynamic duo to cover all bases.
So, you're ready to dip your toes into the OBM waters—how do you get started? There are various engagement models to choose from, including one-off consultations, project implementations, or long-term partnerships. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a dedicated wingman for the long haul, an OBM has a solution to fit your needs.
In summary, OBMs are the unsung heroes of the business world, empowering entrepreneurs to work smarter, not harder. So, if you're ready to level up your business and reclaim your time, it might be time to say hello to your new OBM.
Do you think your business could use an OBM? Let’s chat!
Sources:
Ackerman, Kaci. “How an OBM helps grow your business.” Purposeful Systems, 5 Feb. 2021, purposefulsystems.com/how-an-obm-helps-grow-your-business/.
Ackerman, Kaci. “When to hire a certified OBM.” Purposeful Systems, 5 Feb. 2021, purposefulsystems.com/when-to-hire-obm/.
Appleby, Jackie. “From Virtual Chaos to Organizational Bliss: How an OBM Can Help - Diligent Assistant.” Diligent Assistant - Business Coaching & Management, 27 Feb. 2023, diligentassistant.ca/what-is-an-obm-and-why-do-you-need-one/.
Harrison, Jo. “What does an online business manager (OBM) do?.” LinkedIn, 30 Nov. 2021, linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-online-business-manager-obm-do-jo-harrison/.
