Feeling stuck between hiring an Online Business Manager vs. a Virtual Assistant?

If you’re a small business owner juggling hats, post-its, and cat videos (for stress relief, obviously), you’re not alone.

The right business support can mean the difference between running like a well-oiled machine and, well… sometimes feeling like the machine that needs oil.

Let’s break down the key differences so you can make the right choice for your team (neurospicy brains welcome!).

What Is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?

Picture an OBM as your strategic partner and right-hand person. 

These pros don’t just keep your ship afloat; they plot the course, organize the crew, and call out “iceberg ahead!” (before you even spot the tip).

Key responsibilities of an OBM include:

• Strategic planning & operations management: Bringing a higher standard to your overall performance
• Project management: Leading project teams, managing team members, implementing processes, and supporting business growth
• Team management: Coordinating your entire team, recruiting, onboarding, and keeping meetings on track (with or without coffee)
• Accountability partner: Keeping the business owner focused, tracking big-picture business goals, and driving long-term success

While experience varies, many OBMs have a business degree or extensive experience in business management or leadership roles. They typically work on a monthly retainer and handle a more strategic level of support.

What Is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

Think of a Virtual Assistant as your extra pair of (virtual) hands, freeing you from day-to-day admin so you can finally tackle that email list or spend less time in your inbox (we see you, email hoarder).

Key responsibilities of a VA include:

• Administrative tasks: Email management, calendar magic, data entry, and handling routine tasks
• Social media management: Scheduling content, responding to comments, or even basic graphic design
• Content creation: Drafting blogs, prepping newsletters, or assisting in customer service
• Web development/basic website support: Sorting out tech headaches without breaking a sweat

VAs typically offer administrative support on an hourly rate or an ongoing package.

Good virtual assistants thrive on clear project briefs and frequently work across various aspects of the business, making them ideal for handling the “stuff that keeps falling off your list.”

Key Differences Between OBMs and VAs

Here’s where the “Online Business Manager vs. Virtual Assistant” face-off gets spicy:

The primary difference? 

OBMs act as a strategic partner and team manager, supporting your long-term goals and the rest of the team. 

VAs keep things running by handling the routine, yet crucial roles that form the backbone of your business processes.

Which Role Aligns Best With Your Business?

The answer truly lies in your needs.

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are ideal for business owners who need to delegate specific tasks, get administrative support, or require help managing digital tools, customer service, or social media. 

VAs are perfect for tackling day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

For instance, you might say, “I need a VR designer to handle creative projects and someone to moderate my email list, but my business isn’t quite ready for a team manager yet.”

In this scenario, VAs are your MVPs, stepping in to handle operational duties without the steep learning curve or high cost of a larger hire.

On the other hand, online business managers (OBMs) are designed for businesses that are scaling up, managing a growing team, or dealing with more strategic challenges.

If you find yourself spending more time in meetings about future goals and strategies rather than focusing on today’s task list, it might be time to bring an OBM on board.

Online business managers act as the orchestrator of your business, ensuring your team works seamlessly, projects run efficiently, and long-term objectives are met.

With their expertise in operations, project management, and team coordination, OBMs are the go-to professionals for businesses aiming to take their performance to the next level and align daily operations with those “big-picture” goals.

How Both Can Drive Business Growth

Excellent question!

Both Virtual Assistants (VAs) and Online Business Managers (OBMs) play crucial roles in helping businesses grow, each with distinct responsibilities but complementary benefits.

By understanding how they contribute to your operations, you can leverage their strengths to streamline processes and boost overall efficiency.

• Virtual Assistants (VAs):  

VAs take care of the essential, day-to-day tasks that often consume your time and energy. 

From managing emails, scheduling appointments, and data entry to customer support, they handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your business running smoothly. 

By delegating these routine tasks to a VA, you gain the liberation to focus on what truly matters—developing your creative vision, nurturing client relationships, and building your brand.

• Online Business Managers (OBMs):  

OBMs have a more strategic role, often stepping in as operational leaders to support your business’s long-term goals. They oversee projects, coordinate teams, implement systems, and ensure best practices are followed. 

In addition to managing operations, OBMs can identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, and take ownership of important aspects of your business. This level of responsibility allows you to focus on high-level decision-making, knowing that the foundation of your business is in capable hands.

Together, VAs and OBMs provide powerful support to help your business thrive. VAs handle the essential daily tasks, freeing up your time for creative and client-focused pursuits, while OBMs take the lead in driving strategy, development, and sustainable growth. 

Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a larger team, these roles can help you achieve efficiency, scale, and success.

How Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services Can Support Your Business  

At Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services, we proudly offer comprehensive support designed to meet the diverse needs of small business owners.

 Acting as both Virtual Assistants (VAs) and Online Business Managers (OBMs), we provide a seamless integration of daily task management and strategic planning. This dual approach ensures that your business operates smoothly on every level.  

Our experienced VAs focus on streamlining your everyday operations by handling administrative tasks, scheduling, email management, social media assistance, and much more. Meanwhile, our OBMs work closely with you to develop and implement strategies that facilitate sustainable growth, optimize workflows, and align with your long-term goals.  

Whether you need help managing the details or steering the bigger picture, Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services tailors its expertise to fit your unique needs. 

By partnering with us, you gain trusted support that allows you to focus on building your vision while knowing every aspect of your business is taken care of. Together, we can help your business reach new heights.  

Specializing in Supporting Neurodivergent Business Owners  

At Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services, we take pride in providing dedicated support for neurodivergent business owners. 

We understand that traditional workflows and strategies may not always align with the unique strengths and preferences of neurodivergent entrepreneurs. That’s why we focus on creating flexible, individualized solutions that empower you to thrive in your business.  

Our approach is centered on open communication, adaptability, and respect for your needs. 

From organizing tasks in ways that suit your thinking style to managing time and prioritization effectively, we aim to reduce the main stress of running a business and create systems that genuinely work for you. 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, understanding partnership that celebrates your creativity, innovation, and vision. With Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services, you’ll find both support and a collaboration that values and amplifies your unique perspective.  

The Bottom Line

Determining if you need a more strategic role or an extra pair of hands is a crucial step for every business owner. The right support can take your small business from “barely keeping up” to “blazing a trail”.

Need help making the right choice? Contact Sunrise Virtual Assistant Services for expert business admin, friendly social media whizzes, and website support that actually understands your unique (and sometimes neurodivergent) brain. 

We’ll handle the tasks and strategies, giving you time to grow the business you love.

Get in touch today and meet the business manager or assistant of your dreams!