You’re a solopreneur or a small business owner, and you’re running out of hours in the day. You need an assistant – but not just any assistant. You need someone who can help take the reins and work with you to keep your business moving forward.

You’ve probably considered hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA), but if the above is true, what you really need is an Online Business Manager (OBM). While there’s some overlap between the two, the duties and expectations of these roles are quite different.

Let’s take a look at the primary differences between a VA and an OBM, and then the questions you should ask when hiring your first Online Business Manager.

Virtual Assistants are task-based

A VA typically performs a specific service or set of services such as data entry, project management, customer service or website maintenance. By taking over day-to-day administrative tasks they free up the business owner’s time. VAs are key personnel for small businesses in their early stages, and are often hired on an hourly or project basis to handle certain deliverables as the need arises.

…whereas Online Business Managers are operations-based

An OBM functions at a more strategic level, and is usually found in businesses that have entered their growth stage. They work at an operational level alongside the business owner or management-level staff, lending expertise, assisting with decision-making, liaising with stakeholders and managing other staff, including VAs. They oversee the overall growth and smooth running of the business, helping to grow it and develop its mission, vision, values, purpose and goals.

So what makes a good Online Business Manager?

An OBM plays a significant role in taking your business to its next level, and will be involved in every element of your daily operations, including dealing with staff, contractors and even customers. Choosing someone who is a good fit for the job is essential. Just remember that when it comes to a role like this, a “can do” attitude isn’t enough. You don’t want someone who needs constant guidance or direction. This just creates more work for you, not less. If you really want to grow your business, you need someone who can take charge, understand what you need – and come up with solutions that deliver.

You can figure out whether a candidate will make a great Online Business Manager by asking the following questions:

Background

• How long have they been an OBM?
• Why are they an OBM? What drives them?
• How did they get their experience – through education or real-world experience?

Real-world experience

• What expertise are they bringing to this role that will enhance your business?
• What measurable successes or growth have they created as an OBM?
• What specific operational challenges have they faced as an OBM?
• How many other clients have they supported as an OBM?
• How are those clients’ needs similar to or different from yours?

Approach to working

• Are they willing to learn new systems as needed?
• Will you be charged for any training?
• Are they proactive? Will they seek out better solutions and ways of working, or sit back and wait for guidance?
• Are they willing to offer an opposing opinion if they don’t agree with something you say?
• How do they resolve differences of opinion?
• How do they handle new or challenging situations?
• How do they manage competing or challenging deadlines?

Communication

• When and how will you have access to them?
• What timezone are they in, and what hours are they available?
• Do they have regular office hours, or only return calls/emails at specific times?
• Will they be available at short notice in the event of a business emergency?
• What communications channels are available to you?
• Will you ever meet in person, or will the working relationship be strictly virtual?

Understanding of your business

• How long do they think it will take to develop a solid working relationship with you?
• Are they clear on your expectations and your deliverables – and how they can help make them happen?
• Do they understand and agree with your mission, vision, values and goals?

It’s all about your “what” and their “how”

When interviewing an OBM, try to frame your questions in terms of what you need so that they can respond in terms of how they can deliver.

Remember, you’re not just hiring an employee – you’re contracting with an expert to work in your business.

Keep this in mind, and you’ll have a great shortlist of candidates to choose from.

PrideGroupCo’s OBM Services

At PrideGroupCo, we offer both VA and OBM services.  Our administrative team is ready to come along side your business to become your right hand, working every day to help your business grow.  Ready to learn more?  Schedule a discovery call and let’s chat:  https://calendly.com/tobie-beck/30min