
A Virtual Assistant vs an Online Business Manager
So you have decided that you need help in your business but what sort of help do you really need? Are you after basic administration assistance or do you need someone to assist running your whole business.
An Online Business Manager and Virtual Assistant are very similar in nature. Although, there are a few differences and understanding these differences will help determine who will be able to most assist your business.
ONLINE BUSINESS MANAGER
The big picture
Understands the big picture and works with the business owner to outline & oversee the steps necessary to get there.
Responsibility
Responsible for ensuring the business runs smoothly, by creating operation manuals, training assistants, managing assignments, schedules and staff.
Achieving success
Success is achieved when the business is operating efficiently & the entire team is happy. To build long-term, trusting relationships with business owners who value the working relationship and compensate accordingly.
Overall goal
To build long-term, trusting relationships with business owners who value the working relationship and compensate accordingly.
Why hire?
OBMs are hired when business owners have grown beyond the startup phase. They simply cannot manage everything and still continue to grow; or perhaps, they’ve grown tired of managing the day-to-day operations.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
The big picture
Typically aren’t concerned about the big picture; instead they focus on doing the tasks.
Responsibility
Responsible for completing tasks assigned to them – i.e. formatting ebooks, conducting research, sending newsletters, working in shopping carts.
Achieving success
Success is achieved when the work is completed & delivered in a timely manner
Overall goal
To increase their work hours, thus income, for each client without having the added responsibility of managing others.
Why hire?
VAs are typically hired during the early stages of business. They help set up websites & shopping carts, create mailing lists, and so forth. Once the business is going, they continue to work on individual tasks.
So after looking at these differences, you might actually decide that you need to hire both an Online Business Manager as well as a Virtual Assistant to handle different tasks. This is also a great way to build a virtual team.
If you would like to understand more, download our Free Guide ‘What an Online Business Manager Can do for your Business‘