When to engage an Online Business Manager: 10 indicators that signal it’s time
For small business owners navigating the small business ownership journey, the pursuit of growth often comes with a realisation – the need for a strategic partner to shoulder operational complexities. Enter an Online Business Manager (OBM), a pivotal partner to help you evolve and grow your business. But when is the right time to engage an OBM? Let’s explore the indicators that signal it’s time.
1. You don’t have the time to focus on growing your business
You’ve built an awesome team, comprising a Virtual Assistant (VA) and a few other team members or contractors. Despite this, you find yourself caught in a contradictory situation – the more your business grows, the less time you have to focus on further growth. This scenario is a clear sign that you’re ready for an OBM. An OBM manages your operations, allowing you to reclaim the time and headspace needed to strategise and grow.
2. You’re tethered to daily operations
If every step forward in your business feels like you’re being pulled back, it’s indicative of being too bogged down in day-to-day operations. Growth is not just about moving forward; it’s about elevating and delegating so your business can operate independently of your continuous oversight. An OBM acts as the operational backbone, ensuring that your progress isn’t hindered by operational dependencies.
3. Day-to-day management feels like a chore
When you find yourself entrenched in managing your team daily, it pulls you away from your ability to innovate. This daily grind can stifle creativity and strategic thinking, which are essential elements for small business owners wanting to grow their businesses. An OBM can take over the reins of day-to-day management, freeing you to focus on achieving your vision.
4. Your genius is buried in busy work
Your business needs your unique skills and vision, but if administrative tasks and operational details bog you down, your actual value is being underutilised. Engaging an OBM allows you to concentrate on what you do best, ensuring that your superpowers are not wasted on tasks that can be efficiently managed by someone who specialises in managing day-to-day operations.
5. New initiatives are on the backburner
If launching new products or services seems like a distant dream because running your business leaves no room for innovation, it’s time for an OBM. We manage your existing operations and oversee new projects so you can focus on growing your business.
6. Scalability is an issue
A business poised for growth needs scalable systems. If your current systems are creaking under the strain of increased demand, an OBM streamlines your operations, implementing scalable solutions that will support your growth.
7. Streamlining and automation are overdue
Inefficiencies can bog down even the most vibrant businesses. An OBM will identify processes that can be streamlined or automated to increase efficiency and free up valuable resources for growth-oriented activities.
8. You need a buffer
As your business grows, so does the complexity of managing team dynamics and contractor relationships. An OBM can serve as an effective buffer, managing these interactions so you can maintain focus on growing your business and achieving your vision.
9. You need proactive, not reactive support
If you’re seeking someone who knows what needs to be done without being prompted, an OBM is your answer. We bring our operational expertise and strategic mindset, which will provide you with the time and headspace to focus on growing your business.
10. You’re a Visionary and need an Integrator
Finally, the hallmark of a business ready for an OBM is you’re a Visionary and you need an Integrator to achieve your vision.
At the heart of every successful business is a Visionary: a forward-thinker who dreams big, spots opportunities, and sets the strategic direction. You’re the source of innovation, the spark behind the brand’s ethos, and the architect of your business’s future. Visionaries are not just leaders; they create new realities, always looking beyond the horizon.
Integrators, on the other hand, are the operational backbone of organisations. They excel at translating the Visionary’s broad strokes into actionable plans. With a knack for detail, they manage daily operations, lead teams towards common goals, and ensure the operations run smoothly. Without them, even the most groundbreaking visions may not materialise.
Learn more about Visionary and Integrator roles here.
Recognise a few signs?
Engaging an OBM is a strategic decision that can unlock new levels of growth and efficiency in your business. By recognising the signs ranging from operational bottlenecks to a desire for strategic delegation, you can make an informed choice to bring on an OBM. This partnership not only elevates your operational capabilities but also empowers you to focus on what truly matters to you.
Is it time to engage an Online Business Manager?
If you’re thinking it’s the right time to engage an OBM for your business, head to our Services page to see what having us as your sidekick looks like, or schedule your free consultation. We’d love to have a chat with you.