The official definition of an Online Business Manager (OBM) is:
A virtually based support professional who manages online based businesses, including the day-to-day management of projects, operations, team members and metrics.
However I like to look at the role from a bit of a different angle – what is the purpose of an Online Business Manager beyond ‘what they do’? The role of the OBM boils down to one simple thing:
To free up the business owner so that you can focus your time and energy on the things that only YOU can do in your business. This includes all business building activities like marketing, sales, working with clients, product development, strategic alliances and big picture business planning – all of which are essential to the growth of a business. You need to be spending your time here – everything else can be managed by an Online Business Manager.
Most business owners look to hire an OBM when they simply cannot grow their business anymore being the only one in charge. You’ve reached the point where you have a solid business plan, revenue is flowing in and you are tired of being the one who has to “take care of everything.” In order for you to take your business to the next level you need to pull yourself out of the day-today management activities and focus on growth.
So how can I help? Here is a list of what I can do for you:
Project Management
- Develop detailed project plans with timelines, resources, and deliverables.
- Utilize tools like Asana or Trello to manage and monitor project workflows.
- Delegate tasks effectively to the right team members.
- Communicate updates and milestones to stakeholders.
- Ensure tasks are completed on time through consistent follow-ups.
- Manage project budgets and address challenges swiftly.
Team Management
- Assess team needs and define success metrics for every role.
- Oversee recruitment: craft job descriptions, screen candidates, and conduct interviews.
- Handle onboarding and establish clear communication protocols.
- Motivate the team, conduct performance reviews, and manage challenges.
- Maintain budgets and ensure all team members are aligned with business goals.
Operations Management
- Audit existing systems like customer service, billing, and marketing workflows.
- Implement automation tools to increase efficiency.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency.
- Manage client invoicing, secure systems access, and enforce data backups.
- Set clear decision-making guidelines for streamlined operations.
Metrics and Reporting
- Track essential metrics on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Set up automated reporting tools for accurate data analysis.
- Provide actionable insights to inform business decisions and growth strategies.
Revenue Management
- Oversee the creation and delivery of products like courses, memberships, and events.
- Set up seamless e-commerce systems to manage payments and customer access.
- Regularly review and update revenue streams for optimization and growth.
Website Management
- Maintain website accuracy by regularly updating content.
- Collaborate with developers, designers, and copywriters for enhancements.
- Ensure seamless functionality of e-commerce systems, forms, and analytics tools.
- Optimize user experience for better engagement and conversions.
Email Marketing
- Develop email campaigns aligned with business goals.
- Manage email lists and segment them for personalized outreach.
- Track campaign performance and optimize for better results.
Launch Management
- Plan and execute successful launches with clear timelines and responsibilities.
- Coordinate promotional schedules and oversee the creation of marketing assets.
- Monitor launch performance and make real-time adjustments for success.
Affiliate and Partnership Programs
- Set up and manage affiliate programs to expand reach.
- Create promotional materials and track performance.
- Build and maintain strong joint venture partnerships.
Marketing Implementation
- Oversee social media, SEO, PPC campaigns, and public relations efforts.
- Regularly refresh lead magnets, opt-ins, and marketing strategies.
- Monitor and improve marketing performance metrics.
Customer Support and Experience
- Handle customer inquiries with care and efficiency.
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes for clients.
- Resolve escalated customer concerns effectively.
Speaking Engagements and Event Coordination
- Prepare presentation materials and manage logistics for speaking events.
- Coordinate travel arrangements and ensure seamless event execution.
Technology and Tools Management
- Research and implement software to enhance business operations.
- Train team members on new tools and troubleshoot technical issues.
Personal Productivity Support
- Establish efficient email and scheduling systems.
- Delegate non-essential tasks to free up your time.
- Act as a gatekeeper to reduce distractions and protect your focus.
Financial Oversight
- Track and manage operational budgets and expenses.
- Monitor revenue streams to identify growth opportunities.
- Ensure accurate payment tracking and invoicing.
Freeing You to Focus
- Handle day-to-day operations so you can concentrate on big-picture strategy.
- Provide regular insights to align operations with long-term goals.
Transform Your Business with an OBM Whether it’s scaling your revenue, managing a growing team, or implementing efficient systems, an OBM provides the expertise to elevate your business. If you’re ready to delegate the operational grind and focus on growth, it’s time to bring an OBM on board.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to focus on what truly matters while knowing the details are expertly handled? Let’s make that happen.
