You know you need support, but you're not sure whether to hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) or an Online Business Manager (OBM). As a team of certified OBMs, we've guided countless entrepreneurs through this decision. Let's break down the key differences and help you determine which is right for your business.
VA vs. OBM: Understanding the Roles
1. Doing vs. Managing
- VA: A DOER in your business, handling specific tasks based on their expertise.
- OBM: A MANAGER ensuring the right things get done, in the right way, at the right time, by the right person.
2. Responsibility
- VA: Focused on their own tasks and projects.
- OBM: Oversees the entire team, ensuring everyone meets deadlines and business goals.
3. Planning
- VA: Plans their own time and workload.
- OBM: Creates strategic plans for the entire business, preventing last-minute scrambles.
4. Team Interaction
- VA: Works independently, engaging with others as needed for their tasks.
- OBM: Acts as the central point of contact, coordinating the entire team daily.
In essence, a VA works independently on assigned tasks, while an OBM plugs into the big picture, creating plans and ensuring the whole team drives progress towards business goals.
So, Do You Need a VA or an OBM?
Consider these factors:
1. Business Growth Stage
Are you consistently making $15-$20k/month? Do you have big growth plans but can't achieve them alone? An OBM can lay out the right plan, team, and structure to take you to the next level.
2. Team Management
Who's currently managing your team? If it's you, consider how much time and energy this drains. An OBM takes this off your plate, freeing you to focus on growth.
3. Bottlenecks
In the early days, hustle is enough. But as you hit six figures, being the 'hub' of everything can stall growth. An OBM helps remove you as the bottleneck, allowing the business to scale.
When It's Time for an OBM
There comes a point when your business outgrows the 'lone ranger' approach. When the 'do it all myself' mentality that got you started now hinders your growth.
If you're ready to:
- Take your business to the next level
- Free yourself from day-to-day operations
- Build a scalable structure for growth
...then it's time to consider an OBM.
As a team of certified OBMs, we specialize in helping businesses like yours make this crucial transition. We provide the strategic planning, team management, and operational expertise you need to scale effectively.
Don't let your business plateau because you're stuck in the weeds. Let's talk about how our OBM services can propel your business forward, giving you the freedom to focus on what you do best - being the visionary leader your business needs.