One of the biggest questions I’m often asked when it comes to outsourcing is what is the difference between a virtual assistant and an online business manager and how to know which one I need. I’m here to break it all down for you today! 

Let’s start with virtual assistants….

A virtual assistant is exactly what it sounds like. An assistant who helps you virtually. A virtual assistant will come alongside you to help you take tasks off your plate in your business. Think of the day to day tasks that someone else could actually be doing in your business. Like posting your social media content… or checking your inbox… or making sure your clients are onboarded smoothly… those are just a small picture of what a VA can do for you! 

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While there are many types of virtual assistants out there I typically find that they fall into 3 main categories and some unicorns have expertise in all three. 

Admin, Tech, Creative 

Administrative Virtual Assistant 

• Inbox mangement 
• Data entry 
• Client onboarding
• Client support
• Appointment making
• Calendar management
• Travel planning
• Event organization 
• Google drive upkeep 
• Etc

The list goes on and on for what an admin virtual assistant can do for you… you get the picture. 

Tech Virtual Assistant 

• Course updating
• Website updates
• Automation
• Setting up web hooks so platforms connect 
• Workflow setup
• Email campaign funnel set ups
• Online shop updates (adding products)
• Podcast editing 
• Working with systems like Dubsado/Honeybook/Kajabi/Thrivecart/Zapier + much more! 

Creative Virtual Assistant 

• Graphic design support 
• Social media graphic creation
• Blog writing
• Content writing
• Photo editing 
• + more 

Remember; these list are not all inclusive and don’t even touch the longer version of what each of these virtual assistant types can do/offer. This is just a list of commonly requested support for entrepreneurs. 

Are you looking to become a virtual assistant? Check out my signature program, VA School to learn how to start and launch your profitable VA biz in 6 weeks. LEARN MORE HERE!

Next let’s dive into what an OBM is. 

OBM stands for Online Business Manager. This role is quite a bit different than a virtual assistant although they usually work hand in hand. 

An online business manager is someone who partners with you in your business at a high level. They are there to help you really step into the role of CEO of your company. While having a virtual assistant on your team is amazing and they check things off the to-do list like nobody’s business… an OBM is an essential role for you to be able to step out of the day to day doing and managing. They are there to support the day to day operations of your business so you can be the visionary. 

An online business manager’s core functions are: 

• Implementing systems & automations 
• Setting up SOPS and managing them
• Team management & Hiring/Onboarding
• Metric tracking for KPIs 
• Thought partnership with the CEO 
• Project management 
• Team delegation 
• Strategy planning & reviewing with the CEO 

Having an online business manager on your team is going to allow you to free up more of your time and space to move the needle forward in the business. They are going to bring a lot to the table in terms of strategy, ideas, and streamlined processes. 

Ready to hire an OBM? Our team of experienced OBMs and VAs are committed to partnering with you to help you reach your goals. Contact us to learn more!

Unsure if an OBM is right for you? Grab the OBM Readiness Guide to help you get clear on your next steps in outsourcing for your business. 

OBM READINESS GUIDE