You’re a business owner and your business is growing rapidly, so quickly in fact that you’re struggling to keep up with everything you have to do (what day of the week is it again?)!
Sound familiar to you?
Even business women with big visions like yourself get to this point in their business, where it all feels too much and you’re at breaking point.
If this is you and you need help … keep reading because in this blog post, I’m sharing what to look for when hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM) and how they (I mean we!) can help you achieve greater success in your business.
What’s an Online Business Manager (OBM) again?
An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a professional who provides support and management for online businesses. The role of an OBM is to help the business owner manage the day-to-day operations of their online business, so they can focus on growth and strategy.
An OBM can perform a variety of tasks, including managing projects, overseeing staff and contractors, managing finances, developing and implementing marketing strategies, and monitoring and analysing business performance. The specific duties of an OBM will depend on the needs of the business owner they are working with and can vary.
Typically an OBM will work remotely and communicate with the business owner and team members using digital tools such as email, instant messaging and video conferencing. They may also work on a project basis or on an ongoing retainer arrangement.
6 essential values of successful Online Business Managers (OBMs)
As the person who manages the day-to-day operations of your online business, here are some values that are typically desirable when hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM):
1. Accountability:
Your OBM should be accountable for their actions and decisions, take ownership and take negative feedback in a positive way to learn from their mistakes.
2. Results oriented:
Make sure they are able to set goals and develop strategies to achieve them, measure progress and adjust strategies as needed to ensure they are on track to meet those goals and use data to inform decision making.
3. Collaboration:
Are they able to work effectively with everyone from diverse backgrounds and departments, while working together to achieve common goals? That’s a big strength that’s needed in that specific role.
4. Problem solving:
Your OBM should be able to identify issues and resolve them and then think critically and analyse data to make the best decisions for your business.
5. Integrity:
This is a very important value. An OBM must always act with integrity even in stressful situations, remain honest and transparent when dealing with challenging situations, and have high ethical standards.
6. Professional development:
Continuous learning and growth to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies, while being open to new ideas and perspectives.
An OBM needs to be like a chameleon in your business, adapting easily to changing circumstances and priorities, while also being able to pivot quickly when necessary to keep the work and business on track.
Qualities you want to see when hiring an OBM
Your Online Business Manager (OBM) needs to have a combination of technical and personal qualities to effectively manage your online business.
Here are some personal qualities that are typically desirable for someone in this role:
Project management
- Able to develop a project plan and identify the resources needed to execute the project successfully.
- Able to manage multiple projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
- Capable of managing complex projects and managing risk to make sure the project stays on track.
Leadership
- Able to build strong relationships with other team members, customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
- Clear vision, share the same purpose and work towards your company’s goals.
- Able to manage a team effectively, for example, delegation of work, provide feedback to and coach team members to help them to be their best at work, while also creating a positive and productive work environment.
Business acumen
- An understanding of business operations while also being able to identify opportunities for improvement within the company.
- Make informed decisions based on data.
- Able to set short and long-term goals and have strategies to help you achieve them.
Customer focus
- Able to put you and your clients first to make sure your business strategies are aligned with your company’s needs and goals.
- Exceed client expectations (we love this one!).
- Build long-term relationships with people and are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for you and your clients.
What else does an Online Business Manager need?
When you’re hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM) for your business, be sure to look for these top skills. They are essential for all OBMs and will be the difference between a thriving business and one that still gives you headaches.
Technology
- Understand how technology can support the business to increase efficiency and improve customer experience.
- Be comfortable in using technology and understand how to use the tools to collaborate and automate to increase operational efficiency.
Organisation
- Time management is key, and your OBM needs to be able to manage their time effectively, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Able to plan and coordinate projects effectively, for example, develop project plans and make sure all team members understand their responsibilities so they can work towards achieving the goals.
- Able to manage resources effectively.
- Able to delegate tasks effectively and make sure team members are working to their full potential.
Process improvement
- Able to identify areas of improvement within existing processes and procedures, and take appropriate action to rectify them.
- Develop new processes, for example, develop or redesign existing processes and use technology to improve operations efficiency.
- Able to monitor progress and use statistics and data to analyse performance to make improvements where necessary.
Strategic thinking
- Able to develop short and long-term strategic plans to achieve company goals.
- Able to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Able to identify and manage risk, develop a contingency plan and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the business is on track.
Communication
- Actively listen to and understand clients, team members and other parties’ needs and concerns, and then respond appropriately.
- Clear articulation to present ideas and plans to the company.
- Able to resolve conflict or disagreements and negotiate to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Hiring an Online Business Manager: Build a stronger business
Overall, hiring an Online Business Manager is a valuable move for an online business, as they can help a business owner stay organised, save time, and grow the business more efficiently.
Their strengths lie in helping to streamline operations, delegate tasks effectively and provide strategic guidance for growth and success – and this will save your sanity!
With a combination of technical expertise and strong leadership skills, OBMs can help you as a business owner achieve your goals and navigate the unique challenges of running a business while also achieving your big vision.
Did you know … I’m an OBM and I can safely say, I possess and embody these values, qualities and skill sets!
If you are scaling your business and need help, I’ll be your superhero for all things business management, so you don’t have to worry and can get on with anchoring your big vision.
Book a complimentary, no-obligation call to see if we’re a good fit here.
