Your essential guide: Understanding the differences between a Virtual Assistant & an Online Business Manager
As the role and term Online Business Manager (OBM) is relatively new in Australia, a lot of people don’t understand what it is that we actually do (don’t worry, it’s not just you).
Business owners need to understand the difference between the two roles so you bring on board the right role for their current business needs. You don’t want to be creating more work for yourself.
Defining the Virtual Assistant & Online Business Manager roles
In the dynamic world of remote business support, two roles stand out for their critical contribution to business growth and efficiency: VAs and OBMs. While both play pivotal roles in supporting businesses, the responsibilities, skill sets, and the nature of the work carried out differs significantly. Understanding these differences is key to leveraging the right support for your current needs.
When it comes down to it, the differences are actually in the names:
Virtual Assistant
Assists you in the running of your business
Online Business Manager
Manages your business
The role of a Virtual Assistant
A VA is equivalent to an in-person Executive Assistant (EA), Personal Assistant (PA) and/or Office Manager. The difference being VAs specialise in working in the online space. VAs can also specialise in working in specific industries and/or in a specific suites of tasks.
A VA provides administrative, technical, and/or creative assistance to clients remotely. VAs are the go-to for task-specific support, handling a wide range of duties that help streamline daily operations, manage schedules, and ensure that small but vital tasks are completed efficiently. They are the backbone of administration support, helping keep the wheels of your business turning smoothly.
The role of an Online Business Manager
An OBM is equivalent to an in-person Chief Operating Officer (COO) or General Manager. The difference is that we specialise in working in the online space.
OBMs are the right-hand person to business owners. We operate at a strategic level, working closely with business owners to plan, oversee, and manage various aspects of your business. We are the buffer between yourself and the team, and we look after the day-to-day operations whilst you focus on growing your business. Our role is to steer your business towards your long-term goals, ensuring every moving part aligns with your overarching vision.
Differences in Virtual Assistant & Online Business Manager superpowers
While both roles support businesses remotely, the scope of work varies.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
◦ Inbox management
◦ Social media management
◦ Project coordination
◦ Event coordination
◦ Customer service support
◦ Booking travel
◦ Formatting documents and presentations
◦ Sinking their teeth into tasks and ticking things off their to-do list
◦ Task orientated
◦ Carries out tasks assigned to them
◦ Provides client support
◦ Valuable member of the team
◦ Organising schedules and calendars
◦ Curating social media content scheduling
◦ Data entry and management
◦ Provide customer service support
◦ Updating websites and managing content
◦ Creating and formatting documents and presentations
◦ Booking travel and managing itineraries
◦ Coordinating events and logistics
◦ Executing personal tasks for Founders
Online Business Manager (OBM)
◦ Operations management
◦ Project management
◦ Team management
◦ System and process optimisation
◦ Building client and stakeholder relationships
◦ Critical thinking and problem solving
◦ Strategising and forward planning
◦ Strategy / big picture focused
◦ Delegates tasks
◦ Understands what you’re wanting to achieve and drives day-to-day operations to bring that life
◦ Builds relationships with clients
◦ Leads the team
◦ Directing team dynamics and team development
◦ Conducting financial analysis and budget oversight
◦ Innovating operational systems processes
◦ Leading projects and ensuring successful delivery
◦ Evaluating business performance and metrics
◦ Overseeing marketing strategies and executions
◦ Streamlining processes for peak efficiency
◦ Managing risks and developing contingency plans
◦ Negotiating with stakeholders and partners
Do you need a Virtual Assistant or an Online Business Manager?
Determining whether your business needs a VA or an OBM comes down to your current needs, goals and objectives. If you’re drowning in administrative tasks, a VA can help clear your plate. However, if you’re looking to scale, would like a second strategic mind in the business, and someone to look after the day-to-day management tasks, an OBM is your go-to.
In essence:
VAs help you do things right
OBMs help you do the right things
Don’t forget though, this isn’t an either/or scenario. In fact, if you’re looking at bringing an OBM onboard you will most likely already have a VA. Both roles are crucial. The key is understanding your business needs to engage the right support at the right time. The below may help you in defining you need a little further:
Eager to take the next step to scale and grow your business ➡ OBM
Need business as usual business support ➡ VA
Ready to handover the day-to-day reins ➡ OBM
Not ready to handover the reins just yet ➡ VA
Comfortable with someone making decisions on your behalf (within reason of course) ➡ OBM
Want to be consulted on all decisions ➡ VA
Want someone to discuss business strategy with ➡ OBM
Happy to look after the strategy yourself ➡ VA
Need someone to be a buffer between yourself and the team ➡ OBM
I want to delegate and still manage the team ➡ VA
Ready to bring an Online Business Manager onboard?
If you’ve decided that yes, you need an OBM superpower for this stage of your business, head to our service page to see what having us as your sidekick looks like, or get in touch. We’d love to have a chat with you.