What is an Online Business Manager?

In a nutshell, an Online Business Manager (OBM) runs your business’s day-to-day operations. By stepping away from the day-to-day, it provides you with the time and mental capacity to focus on growing your business to achieve your vision.

An OBM is equivalent to a General Manager or Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the remote space – think Virtual COO.

An OBM’s professional background and experience will determine their specific suite of services, but at their core, OBMs offer operations management and project management services.  Then depending on the individual, OBMs can offer financial management, technology implementation and/or marketing services. 

We’re the Robin to your Batman

From our experience, entrepreneurs start their businesses because they’re passionate about the problem they’re solving. They also love the solutions they’re delivering. Entrepreneurs don’t start a business because they’re passionate about being a business owner.

You chose to start your business because you have a superpower in your field of expertise. Think of an OBM as your trusty sidekick who works very closely with you as your right hand. We gain a comprehensive understanding about what you want to achieve and your vision, and then we use our superpowers to make that happen.

We’re the Yin to your Yang

Just as we each have our own superpowers, entrepreneurs need someone to complement them and bring their visions to life.

Your superpower is your vision, passion, expert knowledge and connections. An OBM’s superpower provides a grounding force. We focus on details, processes, and actions – plus, you won’t find anyone more naturally skilled in organisation than an OBM. The balance of these complementing superpowers ensures your business can innovate while maintaining operational integrity. Together, we create a balanced and effective dynamic duo.

Why Online Business Manager’s are becoming more popular

The concept of an OBM is relatively new in Australia, and there are a few reasons why we’re becoming more popular.

Acceleration of digitisation

Businesses are digitising on a mass scale, and consumers are adopting and accepting digitisation at a rate that we haven’t seen before. This is also increasing competition for business owners as more and more businesses enter the online space and expand their consumer reach.

Digital transformation is now a necessity, not a choice for businesses. An increased number of businesses are adopting a digital-first strategy to reduce costs and inefficiencies. Businesses are also utilising AI to create better user experiences to meet consumer expectations. Businesses are also using digitisation to increase their agility, resilience, and data security. Due to the digital space in which OBMs work, small business owners are increasingly seeking our skill set and experience.

Higher level of business support needed

The second reason why OBMs are becoming more popular is that small business owners recognise they need a higher level of expertise and business support than a Virtual Assistant (VA) or Executive Assistant. 

While a VA provides valuable remote support, their tasks are more reactive and administrative. VAs also need to be managed and directed by either an OBM or the business owner. Examples of VA tasks include scheduling appointments, inbox and calendar management, social media, and other administrative tasks that can be performed remotely.

An OBM, on the other hand, operates at a more strategic level. We’re the right-hand person to the business owner, focusing on business management and growth strategies. We oversee operations, the team, projects, marketing, and financial management, all with one eye on the business owner’s vision. 

Cost efficiency

The third reason why OBMs are becoming more popular is because we’re cost-efficient and scalable. OBMs typically work as independent contractors, which allows business owners to scale their management costs to meet their needs and budget. Many small businesses don’t need a full-time Operations Manager, General Manager, or Chief Operating Officer as they start the next phase of their business. But with an OBM, you can engage us for 5, 10, 20, or 30 hours a week. This way, you get the expertise you need when you need it, without hiring a full-time employee.

What does an Online Business Manager do?

An OBM gives you the time and mental clarity to focus your energy on growing your business. We manage the day-to-day running of your business, including managing operations, the team, projects, and marketing. Plus, we can also assist you with financial management and strategic planning.

Operations includes:

• Managing the day-to-day running of your business, ensuring smooth operations
• Developing tailored systems and processes
• Optimising current systems and processes
• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Enhancing client management and engagement

Marketing includes:

• Optimise your marketing budget and spend
• Target market analysis and development of client personas
• Customer journey mapping
• Website management and enhancements
• Social media strategy
• Copywriting
• Graphic design
• Event management
• Lead management
• Branding

Team management includes:

• Strategic team leadership
• Co-ordinating the team and allocating resources
• Direct reporting and support for team members and contractors – so being the buffer and go-to person between you and the team
• Recruitment, onboarding, training
• Task allocation
• Managing and prioritising tasks and timelines

Financial management includes:

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Produce and analyse financial reports 
• Align financial strategies with business goals
• Optimise financial processes and implement cost-saving initiatives
• Manage accounts payable and receivable and liaise with external accountant
• Support contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and financial aspects of client proposals

Project management includes:

• Planning and execution of projects
• Development of project scope
• Stakeholder management
• Development and management of  project budget
• Project resource allocation
• Managing project timeline
• Ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget

Strategic planning includes:

• Collaborate with you to develop a strategic plan aligned with your vision
• Turning the strategic plan into 90-day action plans
• Identifying areas of opportunity
• Conducting a SWOT analysis

Who benefits most from engaging an Online Business Manager?

Small business owners who are eager to grow

OBMs specialise in collaborating with small business owners who are eager to grow their business. For owners to grow their business, you need the time and head space to do so, and an OBM provides that. We focus on the day-to-day running of your business and optimising your operations so you can focus on driving growth. 

Small business owners who run their operations remotely

While we are online business managers, many clients have brick-and-mortar businesses. For example, one of our clients has a brownie and gelato shop in Melbourne, and while they have a physical shop front, they run the back-end operations remotely, and that’s where we come in. Another example is a cafe owner who has multiple cafes, and runs the backend of their business from their home office utilising remote contractors.

Eager to grow your business? 

If you found yourself thinking yes, finally! or where do I sign up? while reading this blog, then it’s time to bring an OBM on board. Especially if:

• You’re ready to step back from the daily grind and focus on big-picture growth
• You know your time is better spent developing new products and revenue streams
• Your VA is helpful, but you’re still stuck in the weeds more than you’d like

An OBM isn’t just support, we’re your strategic partner your business needs so you can grow with confidence and clarity. 

If you’re ready to take the next step to achieving your vision, schedule your free consultation and let’s get started.