Who Runs Your Business Better? A Look at OBMs and VBAs in Action
In today’s fast-paced business world, entrepreneurs and business owners are faced with an increasing number of responsibilities. As your business grows, managing all the tasks and overseeing day-to-day operations can quickly become overwhelming. You need someone who can help streamline processes and ensure everything runs smoothly. That’s where two key roles come in: the Online Business Manager (OBM) and the Virtual Business Assistant (VBA,)or just VA, Virtual Assistant for short.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
Imagine this: Sarah, an online boutique owner, is at the helm of a rapidly growing business. She’s managing inventory, handling customer service, and keeping her website current while trying to expand her brand. Despite her passion and drive, she realizes she can’t do it all alone. She’s heard of OBMs and VBAs but is unsure which one is right for her business. Should she bring in an OBM to manage her team and strategy or hire a VBA to assist with more hands-on, day-to-day tasks? Sarah’s dilemma is not uncommon among entrepreneurs. This decision can be the key to taking her business to the next level.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between OBMs and VBAs, highlight each role, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your business. Whether you’re looking for strategic leadership or simply a helping hand, understanding these roles will give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision that best supports your business’s growth and success.
What Does an Online Business Manager (OBM) Do?
When you’re scaling your business, you need someone who can manage the day-to-day tasks and help you strategize and plan for the future. That’s where an Online Business Manager (OBM) comes in. Unlike a traditional project manager, an OBM handles high-level business operations, ensuring the business is running efficiently and effectively.
One of the OBM’s primary responsibilities is to oversee the business’s systems and processes. This includes streamlining operations, optimizing workflows, and managing projects to ensure everything is on track. They’ll strategically improve your team’s performance and productivity, using data and feedback to make informed decisions. Whether it’s improving communication between departments or implementing new software tools, an OBM ensures that everything functions seamlessly.
Additionally, OBMs often manage your team’s workflow, delegating tasks, setting priorities, and providing clear direction. They often work closely with business owners to understand long-term goals and devise strategies to help achieve them. If your business needs an experienced leader to focus on big-picture goals, an OBM is your best bet.
Virtual Business Assistant (VBA): Your Go-To for Day-to-Day Tasks
On the other hand, a Virtual Business Assistant (VBA) is an essential asset if you’re looking to manage your day-to-day operations effectively. While an OBM takes a more strategic role, a VBA handles the tactical side of your business. They assist with routine tasks, helping to free up time for you to focus on more critical areas of your business.
VBAs are often versatile, with a broad skill set that includes administrative duties, email management, scheduling, and customer support. They can also assist with content creation, data entry, and various other operational tasks that keep your business running smoothly. The benefit of working with a VBA is that they provide essential support without needing a physical office presence.
Unlike an OBM, a VBA is not typically involved in managing your team or shaping business strategy. Instead, they work as an extension of you, helping you stay organized and on top of the smaller tasks that can add up quickly. If you’re looking for someone to handle the details and keep the wheels of your business turning, a VBA is an ideal choice.
Key Differences: OBM vs. VBA
When choosing between an OBM and a VBA, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two roles. While both are essential in ensuring a business runs smoothly, they have distinct functions that address different business needs.
An OBM is typically hired to manage and improve the operational side of a business, handling the strategic decisions that affect long-term growth. Their role often includes overseeing a team, implementing business systems, managing projects, and ensuring that business operations align with your vision and goals. OBMs are ideal for businesses that are scaling quickly and need a strong leadership figure to guide and manage teams.
On the other hand, a VBA is often more focused on assisting with daily tasks. A VBA can be a great fit if your business needs someone to handle administrative work, scheduling, data entry, and other repetitive tasks. They are generally more hands-on with day-to-day operations but may not have the same level of strategic influence as an OBM.
Evaluating your business’s current needs and future goals is essential to deciding which role is more appropriate. If you need someone to help manage growth and improve efficiency, an OBM could be the right fit. However, a VBA may be the ideal choice if you’re looking for support with routine tasks.
How to Choose the Right Role for Your Business
Selecting between an OBM and a VBA depends on several key factors. First, consider the stage of your business. A VBA might be the best choice if you’re just starting out and need help with basic tasks and administrative support. However, if you need more structure, process improvement, and team management, an OBM would be the better fit.
Another consideration is the level of support you need. An OBM will be more beneficial if you require someone who can handle high-level operations and align your team with your strategic vision. However, if you’re overwhelmed with small tasks that prevent you from focusing on larger projects, a VBA can help relieve that burden.
Finally, think about your budget. OBMs typically charge higher rates because of their specialized skills and high-level responsibilities. VBAs, being more focused on administrative support, tend to have more affordable pricing. Make sure to align your choice with your business’s budget and current needs.
What to Expect When Working with an OBM or VBA
Once you’ve selected whether to work with an OBM or VBA, it’s important to have clear expectations. For an OBM, you can expect them to lead your business toward efficiency, strategize long-term goals, and manage projects with precision. They will focus on helping your business run more smoothly and often have a hands-on approach to team management.
With a VBA, expect them to be your go-to person for anything related to day-to-day tasks. They will handle scheduling, emails, and administrative responsibilities with minimal supervision, allowing you to focus on more critical tasks. The relationship with a VBA is typically more collaborative, as they assist you directly with your individual needs.
Clear communication and well-defined expectations are key to building a successful working relationship, regardless of which role you choose. Both OBMs and VBAs are powerful assets that can significantly enhance your business operations, but understanding their roles will ensure you maximize their potential.
Growing Your Business with the Right Support
The decision between hiring an OBM or a VBA can significantly impact the growth and efficiency of your business. If you need someone to take a step back and help you with the bigger picture, an OBM may be your best choice. But if you’re looking for help with the daily grind of business operations, a VBA will provide the hands-on support you need to stay organized and productive.
As you evaluate your options, consider your business’s specific needs and the role that will provide the most value. The right hire, whether an OBM or a VBA, can elevate your business to new heights by providing the support and expertise necessary to propel it forward.
For more insights on optimizing your business operations and finding the proper virtual support for your needs, feel free to read more of my blog posts. And if you’d like to chat about your business’s unique needs over a virtual coffee, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s discuss how we can work together to streamline your operations and ensure your success.
Like what you read? Drop me a line – let’s chat over virtual coffee.
~ Chrystal