What an OBM Does and Doesn’t DO: Online Business Manager Definition

Can’t even take a holiday without your inbox blowing up or Slack notifications buzzing non-stop? You’re not alone. So many business owners I work with have grown fast, they’ve got demand, but they’re maxed out. They’re ready to scale but can’t take on more clients because they’re stuck in the daily grind of running the business.

That’s where an Online Business Manager (OBM) comes in. Think of us as your strategic partner, handling all the essential business management tasks that keep things running smoothly. We step in when you’re ready to stop juggling everything and start running your business like the CEO you are.

As much as I’d love to claim my team and I are basically Wonder Woman, OBMs don’t (and can’t) do everything. Our magic happens when we focus on the big picture – strategy, systems, and making sure your team and operations run smoothly so you can finally step out of the chaos.

So, grab your coffee, and let’s break down the online business manager definition and duties. So you can decide if you need one in your business.

What OBMs Do (And Why You Need One)

Consider us as your business wingwoman, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so you can focus on what you do best.

We’re not just here to help you manage things. We take on core business manager duties that help you grow in a way that feels sustainable.

Here’s how we play to our strengths: 

Strategic Planning

You’ve got big dreams! Maybe you want to launch that new offer or grow your team. But those plans keep getting pushed to the back burner because you’re so caught up in the day-to-day, serving your clients. 

As part of our online business manager duties, we help you turn those big ideas into action plans. No more “I’ll do it one day” goals. We create the steps, set the deadlines, and make sure things can actually move forward.

Streamlining Operations

We take a look at how things are running now and ask, “what can we automate, delegate, or get rid of completely?” 

It’s all about simplifying – finding those places where you’re losing time or where things feel clunky for you, your team or your clients.

We systemise and streamline processes to give everyone (including you) a clearer path forward. It’s easier to focus on what really matters when operations flow smoothly, clients get a consistent, reliable experience, and your team knows exactly what they’re expected to do without constant follow-ups.

Team Management

Having a team doesn’t necessarily mean less work. To be honest, if you’re still handling every little question or managing details, it can feel like more work. That’s where we come in.

We set up project management systems so everyone knows what’s happening and when. We create clear communication channels so your team always knows where to go with questions (and it’s not straight to you every time). We build out SOPs so processes are clear, consistent, and easy to follow. And we help set boundaries, so you’re no longer getting pinged on Slack for every little thing.

Project Management

You know that part of your business that just lights you up? That’s exactly how we feel about project management – we’re in our element here!

We break down the entire project, set up a clear timeline, and make sure every single step is assigned to the right person. Everyone knows what they’re responsible for and in what order things need to happen, so nothing falls through the cracks. 

Tracking Progress

Putting systems in place is just the start – we’re also here to keep an eye on how things are actually working (or not). That could be tracking your sales goals, checking in on team performance, or keeping tabs on key metrics. 

We make sure everything’s moving in the right direction. And if something’s not quite right – we step in and adjust before it turns into a bigger issue.

What OBMs Don’t Do (Clearing Up the Confusion)

Okay, now you know what OBMs do… let’s talk about what OBMs don’t do – because, honestly, there’s often a lot of confusion here. 

We’re not miracle workers (although we’re pretty close in my opinion) who handle everything, and we’re definitely not a catch-all solution for every task under the sun. 

So, let’s clear this up:

We’re Not Virtual Assistants

You won’t find us managing your inbox, scheduling meetings, or posting on social media – that’s VA territory. 

VAs handle the day-to-day admin tasks, while OBMs focus on the bigger picture: strategy, team management, and optimising your operations.

Ideally, having someone on the team dedicated to admin means you’ve got the day-to-day covered, plus someone we can delegate certain tasks to when needed. It’s not uncommon to have both an OBM and a VA in a business – each role brings something unique to keep everything running smoothly.

We’re here to help your business run better and more strategically, not to handle daily admin. If you’re curious about the difference, I’ve got a whole blog on OBMs vs. VAs.

We Don’t Directly Drive Sales

✗ We’re not a lead gen or sales team. 

But having been behind the scenes in so many businesses, we know what works when it comes to sales strategies. So while we can definitely support you with proven systems and guidance, the responsibility for driving sales ultimately lies with you.

What we do is set up the systems that make it so much easier to connect with and convert clients. 

✓ Automations that follow up with leads right on time,

✓ workflows that guide potential clients through your offerings, and 

✓ streamlined processes that keep everything moving smoothly. 

With these systems in place, you’ll spend less time chasing down leads and more time actually connecting with the people who are ready to work with you. 

We’re Not Accountants or Lawyers

While I have a background in financial services and help many of my clients with financial planning and budgeting, we’re not accountants.

For finance and legal matters, you need specialists. An OBM can keep your financial processes organised, track your budgets, and even work with your accountant or lawyer to make sure things stay on track. But for the big stuff – like tax prep, legal compliance, or creating contracts – you’ll want to leave that to the pros.

Who Needs an OBM?

By now, you’re probably wondering, “is an OBM the missing piece in my business?”.

Let’s break it down – here’s who really benefits from having an OBM on their team:

You’ve Built a Successful Business, But… 

You’re juggling too much. Things have grown, which is great, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

OBMs thrive in businesses that are established, with steady revenue and maybe even a small team, but are getting tripped up by messy processes or team management issues.

You’re Ready to Scale, But…

You’re stuck in the weeds. You’ve got big plans – new offers, new clients, maybe even expanding your team – but right now, you’re so buried in the day-to-day that scaling feels impossible. 

An OBM helps you shift from “doing it all” to being the CEO. We clear the path so you can focus on the high-level stuff that drives growth.

You’re Overwhelmed by Operations, But…

The backend of the business just isn’t your thing, and that’s okay. 

If managing the team, setting up systems, and keeping track of everything is draining you, it’s time to let an OBM take over. We organise the chaos, streamline your workflows, and make sure things run smoothly without you having to be in the middle of it.

You Want Your Time Back, But…

You’re caught in the day-to-day noise. 

One of the biggest perks of having an OBM is that we act as a buffer between you and all the small, time-sucking issues. 

We manage the team and operations so you can finally focus on what really matters – whether that’s scaling your business or spending more time with your family.

Is It Time to Bring an OBM Into Your Business?

If you’ve been nodding along, then yeah, it’s probably time to bring an OBM on board. 

Whether you’re stuck in the day-to-day, overwhelmed with team management, or never finding the time to actually grow, an OBM can help you reclaim your time and get back to what you do best.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than just running a smoother business. It’s about giving you the space to fully step into your role as CEO, without constantly getting pulled back into the weeds. 

With an OBM managing the details, you can finally focus on strategy, growth, and the big moves that drive your business forward.

And when you work with us, we do things differently. We’re part of a powerful community of OBMs who come together to bring a wealth of expertise and insight to your business. One OBM brain is great, but a team of us? That’s next level. Every one of us brings a corporate background, but we’re also all entrepreneurs, so we get the balance between structure and agility.

Ready to see what an OBM can do for you? Let’s chat. Book a consultation, and let’s get your business running in a way that supports both your goals and your life.

FAQs About Online Business Managers

What are typical online business manager duties? 

Online business manager duties, tend to include overseeing day-to-day operations. This could be tasks like managing teams, creating and streamlining systems, and ensuring that projects stay on track. OBMs take care of the operational side of your business so you can focus on growth.

What is the definition of an online business manager? 

An online business manager is someone responsible for managing and overseeing a company’s operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. OBMs manage business operations, team management, and system optimisation, working as your strategic partner to keep things running efficiently.

What is an online business manager’s role?

The online business manager’s role involves handling the operational tasks that keep the business moving forward. For OBMs, this includes project management, team oversight, implementing systems, and tracking progress toward your business goals.

What are key business management tasks handled by an OBM?

Key business management tasks include setting up efficient workflows, managing teams, overseeing projects, and tracking key metrics. OBMs take on these tasks to ensure your business operates smoothly and can scale without you getting stuck in the weeds.