What is an Online Business Manager (AKA Virtual COO)?

Running a business is tough. You’ve got clients to serve, products to create, teams to manage, and systems to maintain. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day, which can pull you away from the big picture and what you truly love about your business.

That’s where an Online Business Manager (OBM) — or as I like to call it, a Virtual COO (Chief Operating Officer) — comes in. An OBM steps in to help business owners handle the internal operations, strategy, and projects of a business, especially in the digital world. Whether you’re launching a new service, struggling with workflow, or overwhelmed by managing teams, a Virtual COO handles the behind-the-scenes work, so you can focus on the parts of your business that energize you.

What Does an Online Business Manager Do?

In short: An OBM handles the management of your business’s operations, projects, team, and metrics, ensuring everything runs smoothly while freeing up your time to focus on your genius.

Let’s break it down into four key areas of responsibility:

1. Project Management

You have amazing ideas: a new service, an online course, an in-person event. But the hard part? Executing those ideas while managing your daily tasks. A Virtual COO steps in to plan, organize, and execute projects from start to finish. From setting deadlines, outsourcing tasks, and coordinating team efforts, an OBM makes sure your big picture ideas become reality—without you needing to lift a finger.

Project Management might look like:

• Creating timelines and deadlines for projects
• Assigning tasks to team members
• Managing communication between outsourced specialists
• Monitoring project progress and removing bottlenecks

2. Operations Management

Ever feel like your business is being held back by inefficiencies? Maybe it’s taking too long to onboard a client, or maybe you’re spending evenings chasing unpaid invoices. This is where the OBM works their magic. From streamlining internal processes to automating repetitive tasks, the OBM simplifies operations, saving you time and stress.

Operations Management might look like:

• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Automating workflows, such as lead generation or invoicing
• Using technology like CRMs or project management tools to enhance efficiency
• Ensuring processes run smoothly across teams

3. People Management

As your business grows, so does your team. But managing a team takes time, effort, and strong leadership. A Virtual COO takes over people management—hiring new talent, training staff, and ensuring everyone’s roles are clear. With an OBM in place, you can relax knowing your team is aligned with your vision and working effectively.

People Management might include:

• Managing team members’ day-to-day responsibilities
• Developing and implementing training programs
• Overseeing staff performance and conducting reviews
• Handling hiring and onboarding for new positions

4. Metrics Management

Let’s be honest: most entrepreneurs don’t start a business because they love crunching numbers. But tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential for growth. Your OBM will monitor metrics like revenue, client retention, and website traffic, using those numbers to inform strategy and guide decision-making.

Metrics Management might include:

• Establishing and tracking core KPIs based on your business goals
• Analyzing data to improve processes or marketing efforts
• Supporting budgetary decisions based on performance insights

Why Hire an Online Business Manager?

A Virtual COO is more than just a task manager—they’re your business partner, dedicated to helping you grow sustainably. You no longer have to be the one running between client work, team management, and business strategy. Instead, you focus on your zone of genius, while your OBM ensures the business machine runs smoothly.

OBM vs. Virtual Assistant: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse the two. Both an OBM and a Virtual Assistant (VA) offer remote support, but their roles are very different.

• Virtual Assistants focus on specific tasks (like data entry, scheduling, or customer service) and need direction from you.
• Online Business Managers focus on strategy and independently manage operations and projects.

In short: A VA handles individual tasks, while an OBM runs the show.

How Can a Virtual COO Help You Grow?

When I work with clients as their Online Business Manager, I become their right-hand woman. I get to know your business inside-out, discovering what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go. Then, I create a plan to get you there, streamlining operations, improving systems, and setting up automation to take the load off.

Here are some areas where an OBM can help your business grow:

• Launch new services or products: Let your OBM handle the logistics of product development, launch marketing, and timelines.
• Scale your operations: Streamline workflows, automate admin tasks, and free up time to focus on growth.
• Build and manage your team: Hire new staff, implement training, and monitor performance to create a high-performing team.

The 9-Step O-Squared System: How We Take Your Business from Chaos to Clarity

Here’s how we get things done. My proprietary O-Squared System includes nine critical steps designed to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth. With a focus on long-term success, the O-Squared System covers everything from strategic alignment to continuous improvement, helping businesses run like well-oiled machines.

Curious to learn more? Let’s chat about how the O-Squared System can transform your business.

Ready to Hire an OBM?

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with a Virtual COO, it might be time to bring in an OBM. Whether it’s project management, team building, or streamlining operations, I’m here to help you grow your business while keeping everything on track.