The Difference Between A Virtual Assistant And An OBM

You’ve finally made the decision that it’s time to grow your team. You’re exhausted from working too hard, and yet your business still isn’t growing as quickly or as successfully as you would like. When it comes to finding the help you need for delegating tasks appropriately throughout your business, there is a range of different options to consider, including two very common solutions: adding a virtual assistant or an online business manager to your team.

So, what’s the difference, and how do you decide which professional is right for your specific needs? Start by asking yourself the following questions.

Question 1: Are You Ready to Let Go? (of SOME things)

When you hire an online business manager, you’re basically asking a professional to manage certain parts of your business for you. In some cases, this may be requesting help with a business launch, managing customer service, or establishing a marketing plan. An online business manager works as a manager – overseeing the steps needed to complete your plan and accomplish your goals. On the other hand, a virtual assistant is someone that you simply tell what to do and use for assistance with certain tasks. A VA assists and an OBM manages.

Question 2: Are Your Needs Task Oriented?

A virtual assistant is a professional who’s responsible for taking on specific tasks. They deal with the smaller steps in your business, whereas an online business manager is responsible for taking care of the bigger picture as a whole. If you simply have a few tasks that you need help with, then a virtual assistant would actually be the best choice.

Question 3: Do You Know Your Goals?

Finally, make sure that you ask yourself what you’re hoping to accomplish with your new hire – what goals are you trying to achieve and how are you going to make them happen? For instance, if you’re looking for help with specialty or time-consuming tasks, then a VA could be the right choice, but if you’re looking for someone to actually take over certain areas of your business, then you’ll be better suited by using an OBM. Decide exactly what you want to accomplish, then hire based on which person could give you the outcome you’re looking for.

If you’re still trying to work out whether an online business manager is the right choice for you, learn more here!