Online Business Manager (OBM) vs. Virtual Assistant (VA): Which Do You Need to Scale Your 6-Figure Business?
As a 6-figure online business owner, you're no stranger to long to-do lists, never-ending projects, and the constant juggling act of managing your business. You’ve grown to a point where you’re ready to offload some of that workload, but you’re probably wondering: Should I hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) or an Online Business Manager (OBM)? (Or maybe you need both and don’t know it yet…)
Let’s break down the key differences between these two roles, how they can support your business, and how to decide which one (or both) is the right fit for you.
The Role of a Virtual Assistant (VA)
A Virtual Assistant is essentially your go-to person for handling a variety of day-to-day tasks. They help lighten your load by taking care of administrative, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks that eat into your productivity. One of the easiest ways to know a VA should be handling a task is to ask yourself, “Do I already have a process in place for this task?” If the answer is yes, you probably need a VA.
Common tasks a VA handles include:
Email management
Calendar scheduling
Data entry
Social media posting
Customer support
Basic graphic design or website updates
A VA is task-oriented. They follow the instructions you give them and make sure those specific tasks are completed. The goal is to free up your time by handling things that don’t necessarily need your personal touch.
When to hire a VA:
You’re drowning in administrative tasks.
You need support with routine, recurring activities.
You want to delegate lower-level tasks so you can focus on strategy and business growth.
The Role of an Online Business Manager (OBM)
An Online Business Manager, on the other hand, is a high-level, strategic partner who helps you manage and grow your business. Think of an OBM as your right-hand person, focused on operations, strategy, and team management, among other things. If you need higher level support more like that of a partner, you might be looking at needing an OBM.
Typical responsibilities of an OBM include:
Managing day-to-day operations
Overseeing project management
Tracking key business metrics
Hiring, onboarding, and managing your team
Streamlining systems and workflows
Holding you accountable to business goals
An OBM doesn’t just execute tasks—they help you manage and scale your business. They’re proactive in identifying areas for improvement, streamlining operations, and ensuring the team is aligned and productive. OBMs focus on the big picture while keeping the day-to-day running smoothly.
When to hire an OBM:
You’ve hit a revenue plateau and need strategic help to scale.
You’re spending more time managing than growing your business.
You have a team (or want to build one) but don’t have time to manage them.
You need someone to organize, optimize, and execute your business systems and strategies.
Do You Need Both an OBM and a VA?
If your business has grown to the point where you're overwhelmed with both the big picture and the smaller tasks, then you might need both an OBM and a VA. They each play different, complementary roles in helping your business thrive.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
VA: Handles the execution of routine tasks, taking work off your plate so you can focus on what only you can do.
OBM: Manages the operations, strategy, and team, ensuring the business runs efficiently and continues to grow.
Together, they can create a powerful system where your business runs like a well-oiled machine—without you having to oversee every single detail.
How to Decide What Your Business Needs
Ask yourself these key questions to figure out whether you need a VA, an OBM, or both:
Are you spending too much time on routine tasks like email, scheduling, or customer support? → You need a VA.
Do you feel like you’re constantly managing projects or your team instead of focusing on high-level strategy? → You need an OBM.
Is your business ready to scale, but you’re unsure how to manage the growing complexity? → You likely need both.
The right support can transform your business by freeing you up to focus on growth, creativity, and your zone of genius. And that’s where Bohannon Virtual Solutions comes in.
Let’s Chat: Book a Free Discovery Call
Whether you need a Virtual Assistant, an Online Business Manager, or both, I can help you figure out the best solution for your business. At Bohannon Virtual Solutions, we specialize in providing the right mix of support to help 6-figure business owners like you scale without the burnout.
Let’s get on a call and discuss your unique needs. We’ll work together to figure out the perfect combination of services to help you take your business to the next level.
Click here to book your free discovery call today!
With the right team in place, there’s no limit to what your business can achieve. Let’s make that happen together!
Conclusion
As a successful business owner, knowing the difference between a VA and an OBM can be the key to scaling your business without losing your sanity. A VA helps with daily tasks, while an OBM manages operations and strategy. Together, they create a powerhouse of support that allows you to focus on growth and expansion.
Don't wait until you're burnt out—take action now by booking a free discovery call. Bohannon Virtual Solutions is here to provide the expert support you need to grow your business with confidence.
