VA vs OBM: Which Do You Need?
Many business owners know they need help but aren’t sure whether a Virtual Assistant (VA) or an Online Business Manager (OBM) is the right fit. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Doing vs. Managing:
VA: A doer focused on completing specific tasks. Their expertise might be in administration (e.g., scheduling, email management), customer service (e.g., responding to inquiries, processing refunds), tech (e.g., website updates, social media management), marketing (e.g., creating graphics, writing blog posts), or other specialized areas. They execute assigned tasks, following instructions and established procedures. They are often task-oriented and focus on efficiency and accuracy in completing those tasks.
OBM: A manager focused on ensuring the right things get done by the right people at the right time. They oversee projects, processes, and the team as a whole. They are responsible for the overall operational efficiency of the business. They analyse workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement systems to streamline processes. They also manage the team, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and that everyone is working towards the same goals. They are strategic and focus on achieving business objectives.
Responsibility:
VA: Responsible for completing their own assigned tasks and projects on time and to the required standard. Their accountability is typically limited to the tasks they’ve been given.
OBM: Responsible for the entire team’s performance and progress toward business goals. They ensure everyone is meeting deadlines, working effectively, and collaborating smoothly. They are accountable for the overall operational success of the business and for ensuring that the team is working efficiently and effectively.
Planning:
VA: Plans their own workload and schedule to complete their individual tasks. They manage their time to ensure they meet deadlines for the tasks they’ve been assigned.
OBM: Plans for the entire business, anticipating upcoming needs, creating systems, and ensuring smooth operations. They prevent reactive firefighting by proactively identifying potential issues and implementing solutions. They develop project timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
Working with the Team:
VA: Interacts with team members as needed to complete their own tasks. Their communication is usually focused on the specific tasks they are working on.
OBM: The main point of contact for the entire team, providing direction, support, and ensuring clear communication. They facilitate collaboration, resolve conflicts, and address roadblocks. They conduct regular team meetings, provide feedback, and ensure that everyone is aligned on goals and priorities.
In short: A VA works independently, focusing on their own tasks and often requiring direction. An OBM takes a broader view, creating plans, managing the team, and ensuring progress toward business goals.
When Do You Need an OBM?
Consider these factors:
Stage of Growth: You’ve established your offer, acquired clients, and have consistent revenue (around £15-20k/month or more). You have ambitious growth plans but know you can’t achieve them alone. You’re starting to feel overwhelmed by the operational demands of your business. An OBM can help build the foundation, team, and systems to scale, freeing you to focus on strategic initiatives.
Team Management: Are you spending too much time managing your team? Do you find yourself constantly checking in, providing direction, and resolving conflicts? Do you feel like you’re spending more time managing people than growing your business? An OBM can take over this responsibility, freeing you to focus on strategic activities.
Bottlenecks: Is your own involvement in day-to-day tasks hindering growth? Are you the “hub” of everything, creating a bottleneck? Do you find yourself constantly putting out fires and unable to focus on long-term goals? An OBM can delegate tasks, streamline processes, and remove you from the day-to-day grind, allowing you to focus on high-level growth.
When your business outgrows your individual capacity, and the “do it all yourself” approach becomes a bottleneck, it’s time to consider an OBM. They can help you transition from working in your business to working on it.
If any of the above resonates with you, let’s start a conversation!
