What Is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?

Short answer?
An OBM is your right-hand partner in business, the behind-the-scenes strategic thinker who helps you run smoother, smarter, and more sustainably.

Longer answer?
An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a professional who supports small businesses by managing day-to-day operations, streamlining systems, coordinating projects, and making sure things get done on time, and without burning you (or your team) out. Think of it like having a COO, project manager, and systems strategist rolled into one, without the full-time hire price tag.

Soo... What Does an OBM Actually Do?

Here’s a taste of what an OBM can take off your plate:

🗂️ Systems & Operations

  • Organize and optimize your backend processes

  • Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) so you’re not reinventing the wheel daily

  • Set up automations to save time and sanity

  • Implement tools that actually fit your business

📈 Project & Launch Management

  • Plan, coordinate, and keep launches on track (without last-minute chaos)

  • Break down big ideas into actionable steps and realistic timelines

  • Manage team members and contractors so you’re not stuck in the middle

📊 Business Strategy & Planning

  • Help you prioritize the right tasks and goals

  • Map out big-picture plans with the day-to-day in mind

  • Offer operational insight and strategic support—aka another brain in your business

📬 Team & Communication Support

  • Manage internal comms so you’re not answering every Slack ping

  • Help onboard new team members smoothly

  • Keep everyone accountable and in the loop

Is This You?

You’re wearing all the hats and your to-do list never ends

You have a team (or want to grow one) but don’t have time to manage them

You’re always stuck in the weeds instead of steering the ship

You’ve hit a growth ceiling and know it’s time to delegate smartly

If you nodded along, it might be time for an OBM.

Why Not Just Hire a VA?

Great question, and here's the difference:

  • A VA executes. You tell them what to do, they do it.

  • An OBM manages. They figure out what needs to be done, build the systems, delegate tasks, and keep the ship moving so you don’t have to.

OBMs are a great fit when your business needs more than just task support. If you’re looking for operational leadership and high-level thinking to match your vision, you're OBM-ready.

What Happens When You Bring On an OBM?

You get to:

  • Step out of the daily grind

  • Focus on your zone of genius (finally)

  • Grow with more ease and less chaos

  • Have a partner you can trust to own the ops side of your business

Basically, you go from "I can't do it all" to "Wow, I don't have to."

Ready to Feel Supported?

If you're curious about how an OBM could support your business, let’s chat. Whether you’re looking for short-term help with a launch or long-term operational support, I’ll meet you where you are and help get you where you want to go.

More OBM Responsibilities

An OBM is your strategic right hand. While a VA helps you do the work, an OBM helps you run the business. Think of them as the virtual operations manager of your team. They’re focused on structure, efficiency, team management, and growth strategy.

    • Audit and improve business systems and workflows

    • Implement tools and automations (Think Asana, ClickUp, Zapier, CRMs, etc.)

    • Set up project management platforms and SOP libraries

    • Organize backend processes for efficiency and scalability

    • Create dashboards for KPIs, metrics, and reporting

    • Oversee timelines, milestones, and team responsibilities

    • Manage client onboarding and offboarding workflows

    • Coordinate cross-functional projects

    • Track progress and ensure deadlines are met

    • Keep projects moving forward without your constant involvement

    • Delegate and assign tasks across your team

    • Hire, onboard, or offboard contractors and team members

    • Host weekly or monthly team check-ins

    • Act as a team lead or liaison between you and your staff

    • Create team accountability systems

    • Assist with quarterly or yearly business planning

    • Help set goals and design strategic roadmaps

    • Analyze bottlenecks in operations or delivery

    • Spot opportunities for streamlining, scaling, or outsourcing

    • Conduct revenue planning and offer growth insights

    • Plan, coordinate, and manage launches (products, services, events)

    • Build timelines, track deliverables, and manage teams/vendors

    • Oversee task delegation during marketing campaigns

    • Ensure all moving parts (emails, tech, landing pages, etc.) align

    • Oversee the execution of your content calendar

    • Coordinate between copywriters, designers, and VAs

    • Manage marketing schedules (newsletters, blogs, social media)

    • Track performance and report back on analytics

    • Monitor client satisfaction and experience

    • Refine service delivery processes

    • Manage communications with high-level clients when appropriate

    • Track deliverables, feedback loops, and turnaround time