Trust vs. Control: Overcoming the Fear of Outsourcing to an OBM
If you're a business owner or entrepreneur, you’ve probably experienced that overwhelming feeling when your to-do list stretches longer than your workday. Maybe you've thought, "I could really use an extra set of hands," but the thought of outsourcing to an Online Business Manager (OBM) brings up some fears—especially around losing control of your business. It’s a natural reaction! After all, you’ve poured so much into building your business, and delegating tasks can feel like a risk.
In this post, I'll address common fears about outsourcing, especially around the “trust vs. control” debate, and share practical steps to help you overcome them. By the end, you’ll see how partnering with the right OBM can unlock efficiency, growth, and a sense of ease you may not have known was possible.
Why Business Owners Fear Losing Control
Let’s start by breaking down why the idea of delegating feels intimidating. For many business owners, the biggest concerns around hiring an OBM fall into these categories:
Quality and Consistency Concerns – Will the OBM handle things with the same level of detail that you do?
Brand Representation – Will they understand your brand well enough to represent it accurately?
Communication and Alignment – Will they be proactive in keeping you informed and aligned with your vision?
Security and Privacy – Sharing sensitive information can feel risky if there’s any lack of trust.
These are valid fears! After all, you're bringing someone into the inner workings of your business. But with the right approach, you can find an OBM who not only respects your control but also helps build a stronger, more efficient operation. Let’s look at how you can transform these fears into strengths by learning to trust the right OBM.
Building Trust: The Key to Successful Outsourcing
The foundation of any successful outsourcing relationship is trust. And trust, thankfully, can be built with intention and the right steps.
1. Start Small and Scale Up
One of the best ways to ease into outsourcing is to start with a few manageable tasks. Maybe you start by delegating administrative work, social media management, or small project tasks. This lets you observe how the OBM works, giving you a chance to test the waters and see their skill and style without feeling like you've handed over the keys to the kingdom.
Starting small also allows you to communicate expectations and build a working relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. As you see positive results and gain confidence, you can then expand their responsibilities.
2. Communicate Your Vision and Goals Clearly
Your OBM can only be as effective as you allow them to be. This is where open and detailed communication becomes essential. When you onboard an OBM, take the time to lay out your business goals, key values, and what success looks like in your eyes. This doesn’t mean micromanaging every detail—instead, it's about giving them a clear sense of direction so they can make decisions that align with your goals.
Remember, an experienced OBM thrives on being able to see the big picture, so if you can provide that perspective, they’ll be able to manage the details in a way that stays true to your vision.
3. Set Clear Boundaries and Define Success Metrics
Control isn’t about hovering over every move your OBM makes; it’s about setting clear boundaries and defining what success looks like. Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or measurable goals for each area they’re managing can make a huge difference. When both of you understand these benchmarks, there’s no confusion over whether the job is getting done to your standards.
For example, if you hire an OBM to handle client onboarding, define metrics like client satisfaction scores or response time targets. This ensures you stay informed about outcomes, but your OBM also has the freedom to execute the tasks in a way they find most effective.
The Benefits of Trusting Your OBM
When you shift your focus from control to trust, a few game-changing benefits start to take shape.
1. Efficiency and Scalability
An OBM can bring a level of structure and process improvement that’s hard to achieve solo. With a skilled OBM handling the day-to-day management, you free up time to focus on strategic decisions, innovation, or maybe even taking a well-deserved break.
With the right OBM, your business becomes much more scalable. As they help you refine workflows and standardize processes, it becomes easier to expand your team, attract more clients, or launch new products without the risk of burnout.
2. Greater Focus on High-Impact Work
When you’re not caught up in day-to-day tasks, you gain time and energy to focus on what only you can do—whether that’s relationship-building with high-level clients, developing a new service offering, or creating content that enhances your brand. Knowing that your OBM is taking care of the operations lets you stay in your zone of genius.
3. Improved Decision-Making Through Collaboration
A trusted OBM brings a fresh perspective. With their experience across different businesses and industries, they can often spot opportunities for improvement or new trends that could benefit your business. When you lean into a collaborative relationship, you’re no longer the only one making all the calls, which allows for more well-rounded decisions.
Practical Steps to Build a Successful Relationship with Your OBM
By now, you might be thinking, "Okay, I'm open to this, but how do I find and work with the right OBM?" Here are some practical steps to build a strong, trust-based partnership.
1. Take Time During the Hiring Process
Finding the right OBM takes time, but it’s worth the investment. Look for someone who has experience with businesses like yours and whose working style complements your own. Schedule a few interviews to assess not only their skills but also how they communicate and problem-solve. Consider starting with a trial period to see if the relationship feels right.
2. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Regular meetings (whether weekly or bi-weekly) help keep communication flowing and build rapport. Use these check-ins to discuss progress, address any concerns, and celebrate wins. These consistent touchpoints provide you with a level of control while allowing the OBM autonomy in daily operations.
3. Establish Transparent Reporting
Transparency is key to keeping both control and trust intact. Ask your OBM to set up regular reports that show how they're tracking toward goals, handling client feedback, or managing projects. This way, you’re always in the loop, and you can make strategic adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts: Letting Go to Grow
Outsourcing to an OBM doesn’t mean you’re giving up control; it means you're extending your capacity to grow. With the right person by your side, you’ll see that delegation is not about losing control but about gaining freedom to focus on what matters most to you and your business.
The next time you feel that tug of hesitation, remind yourself that trust is the gateway to a more sustainable, scalable, and successful business. With a reliable OBM, you don’t have to sacrifice your standards or values. Instead, you’re building a partnership that allows you to take your business to new heights without doing it all alone.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’re ready to make the leap toward outsourcing but want some guidance on finding the right OBM, reach out! Remember, the right OBM will understand your desire for control and help you build trust every step of the way. And as your trust grows, so will the opportunities for your business.
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