It's really not virtual assistants OR online business managers. Both are valuable to a coaching business. But they serve different purposes and offer different services.
Most coaches know about virtual assistants and the benefits of hiring them. But few know about online business managers or what the difference is between them.
What are they?
Let’s start out by defining each of these rolls within your business:
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is an individual who works remotely. They provide administrative and other support to a business. They handle routine tasks like scheduling, inbox management, and social media posting. Virtual assistants usually work on a contract basis and get paid hourly.
Online Business Managers
An online business manager provides a wider range of services to help manage and grow a business. The online business manager handles the marketing, operations, team and project management. They work closely with the business owner. Online business managers work to understand the business goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Online business managers usually work on a retainer basis and get paid a monthly fee.
Where do they FOCUS
Online business managers and virtual assistants will focus on different goals.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants focus on completing assigned tasks by a set deadline. They don’t look outside the box or focus on how their task fits within the bigger picture.
Online Business Manager
Your online business manager will focus on the entire business, not just that one task. They will tackle the big Why and How questions as they examine what needs to be done.
Example
Virtual Assistant
If you tell a virtual assistant to research 10 potential podcast topics, you’ll get 10 topics as results.
Online Business Manager
Assign the podcast content calendar to your OBM and this is what you'll get instead:
- 20 topics broken down into how they fit your goals and objectives,
- who will be doing each task in the process,
- what the deadlines are,
- and what to do next.
What are their RESPONSIBILITIES?
Virtual assistants or online business managers, what are their responsibilities?
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is mainly responsible for the day-to-day tasks that need to be done. Virtual assistants are like the friendly gnomes, working to get the job done. Provide them with clear instructions and expectations and they will deliver.
Online Business Manager
An online business manager is responsible for project and team management. The OBM will help ensure everything is on track and moving towards the business goals. The OBM is like the White Rabbit running around managing all the details. But don’t worry; unlike the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, your white rabbit isn’t usually late!
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are only responsible for the items you put on their plate.
Online Business Manager
Online business managers are responsible for what’s on EVERYONE’s plate. That includes the business owner and everyone else on the team.
What is their APPROACH?
Each of these roles will have different goals for your business. So each will need a different approach.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant usually aims to please. They follow instructions and a set schedule ensures that your needs are met.
Online Business Manager
An online business manager takes a more strategic approach. They look at the bigger picture and work to grow your business.
Virtual Assistant
Your virtual assistant invests time into getting their tasks completed.
Online Business Manager
Your OBM will develop a genuine relationship with you. They work towards having a deep understanding of your business.
Example
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant will post and schedule social media posts for you.
Online Business Manager
Your online business manager analyzes your social media stats and helps pivot for best results.
What is their EXPERTISE?
Finally, when deciding virtual Assistant or online business managers, it all comes down to the knowledge base.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are generalists, able to handle a wide range of basic tasks. But they aren't usually experts in any one area.
Online Business Manager
An OBM will have a deep understanding of your industry. This allows them to provide valuable insights and strategies.
Virtual Assistant
If a virtual assistant doesn’t have expertise in a certain area, they'll try to do it anyway. Or you’ll be back to finding the right person for the job. Neither of these options are a good choice.
Online Business Manager
Online business managers often have a team of experts at their disposal. This team includes graphic designers, web developers, and social media managers. It's a cost-effective solution for businesses that need multiple specialized services.
Virtual Assistant
When you aren’t working, your virtual assistant isn’t either. They complete the tasks you’ve assigned and wait for new tasks. If you are sick or traveling, there’s no one to keep the work moving forward.
Online Business Manager
Online business managers keep your business moving forward even when you aren’t directly involved. They help businesses stay organized and on track. They offer guidance and accountability to ensure that goals are met and progress is made.
More Benefits of an Online Business Manager
We aren’t done yet. Here are more areas where having an online business manager is better than having a virtual assistant.
- OBMs provide valuable insights and strategies,
- They identify new opportunities a virtual assistant may not look for,
- And OBMs improve processes and make better use of technology.
Who to Hire
Coaching businesses need to have both broad strategic thinking and focused task completion. But it may be hard to know who to hire first.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to narrow it down:
- Would completing some basic tasks help free up your time to help you grow your business?
- OR... Do you need help with strategic business awareness?
- Are you willing to provide detailed instructions?
- OR... Are you more focused on staying out of the weeds?
- Do you have existing systems and processes?
- OR... Do you need help setting these up?
- Are you comfortable finding, hiring, training and managing multiple individuals on your team?
- OR... Would hiring someone to manage all this help you stay in your zone of genius?
- Do you have a knack for keeping yourself and others motivated and on task?
- OR... Could you use a little accountability and someone to keep track of all the spinning plates?
While virtual assistants and online business managers both provide valuable services to businesses, they serve different purposes and offer different levels of expertise. Virtual assistants are great for handling day-to-day tasks. Online business managers are better suited for strategic support and helping businesses grow.
Are you ready to hire an online business manager? Schedule your consultation with Virtual A Team today.
Original Publish Date: May 13, 2018
Updated: January 26th, 2023
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