VAs vs OBMs: What Sets Them Apart and Which is Right for Your Small Business?

Are you trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) when you really need an Online Business Manager (OBM)?

As a Certified OBM, I can tell you from experience that my job wouldn't be possible without the help of my trusty VAs. VAs are essential to any business looking to grow, and they're often the first (and second) hires on the team. These folks are seriously skilled and bring a wealth of experience to the table.

But here's the thing: VAs and OBMs are NOT the same thing.

The role of a VA is to be a "doer" in the business - they're there to handle all the day-to-day tasks that keep things running smoothly. OBMs, on the other hand, are focused on the bigger picture. We make sure all the tasks are being handled by the right people, in the right way, at the right time.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But wait, I thought VAs were supposed to handle all that stuff?" Well, that's where things get a bit tricky. Many business owners get frustrated with their team because they expect their VAs to do the work of an OBM. But that's just not how it works. VAs need guidance and leadership, and that's where OBMs come in.

As an OBM, my job is to take the management of the team off of my client's plate. My clients love me because I look after their team, guide them, and serve as a go-to resource and support system. They know that on a daily basis, they can't be the bottleneck that holds up progress. They need someone else (me!) to make sure the rest of the team has everything they need to be successful.

One of the biggest differences between VAs and OBMs is decision-making. VAs support the decisions that have been made, but OBMs make many of the decisions that need to be made. This is where decision fatigue can set in for small business owners. By working with a Certified OBM, some of that load is taken off your shoulders.

So, don't make the mistake of hiring a VA when you need an OBM. VAs are amazing, OBMs are amazing, but they're not the same thing. Two different functions, two different outcomes.

If you're feeling like you need a higher level of management support in your business, let's chat and see if we're a good fit. Link to connect. Retainer, consultation, and one-off project services are available.

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About me

Simmi Behal is the Founder and CEO of The Virtual Producer. Operations Expert for Online Business owners wanting to reclaim their time.Certified OBM with over 2 decades of Project Management experience in high-tech and entertainment.

Please connect if you'd like to find out how we can work together to turn your business from chaos to calm.

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