
As your business begins to expand, you’ll find that you can’t do it all alone. The need for support becomes more pressing, but choosing the right kind of help can be confusing. The two most common types of support for growing businesses are Virtual Assistants (VAs) and Online Business Managers (OBMs). While both are essential, they offer very different types of support. So how do you decide which one is right for your business? Let’s break it down.
What Does a VA Do?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is typically someone who handles the day-to-day, time-consuming tasks that are important but don’t require your direct involvement. These tasks can range from email management and scheduling to social media posting and customer support. VAs are usually task-oriented, meaning they follow your direction and get things done efficiently.
Some of the tasks a VA might handle include:
Managing your inbox and responding to routine emails
Scheduling appointments and managing your calendar
Data entry and maintaining records
Social media scheduling and content curation
Basic bookkeeping tasks like invoicing or tracking expenses
Customer support, answering questions or troubleshooting issues
VAs can save you countless hours of busywork, freeing you up to focus on your core business activities like client acquisition or product development.
What Does an OBM Do?
An Online Business Manager (OBM), on the other hand, takes on a more strategic and leadership role in your business. They are not just task-doers—they are project managers and operational strategists. An OBM looks at your entire business holistically, helping you manage the big picture. They not only oversee your day-to-day operations but also help you plan and implement strategies for growth.
An OBM might:
Manage your team, making sure everyone knows what to do and when
Develop and oversee project timelines, ensuring deadlines are met
Create and optimize systems and workflows for smoother operations
Handle launches (product, course, or service launches) from start to finish
Track and analyze key metrics, ensuring business goals are on track
Offer high-level strategic advice and long-term planning
An OBM is like having a second brain for your business. They ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes while keeping an eye on the future.
VA vs. OBM: Which One Is Right for Your Business?
It all comes down to what kind of support your business needs.
If you need help with routine, repetitive tasks that are eating up your time, a VA is perfect. They’ll handle the day-to-day activities, allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks.
If you’re looking for a strategic partner who can manage operations, lead your team, and oversee important projects, an OBM is what you need. They’ll not only help you maintain your current business but also support your future growth.
When Should You Hire Both?
There are situations where having both a VA and an OBM can be beneficial. As your business scales, the VA can handle routine tasks, while the OBM focuses on the bigger picture—managing projects, implementing systems, and driving the business forward. This combination allows you to focus on your zone of genius, knowing that the daily operations and strategy are being handled efficiently.
Hiring the right support is crucial for the growth and efficiency of your business. Whether you need someone to handle the small stuff or someone to help you scale, knowing the difference between a VA and an OBM can guide you in making the right choice.
Still unsure about what your business needs? Let’s chat! I specialize in both VA and OBM services, so we can work together to find the perfect solution for you. Schedule a free consultation today to see how I can help!
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