Imagine this, dear reader if you will… You’re actually leaving the office at a reasonable hour, your to-do list is manageable, and you’re finally focusing on the strategic stuff that moves your business forward. Wow… What a mad dream! Ok, so it’s not that mad, but it doesn’t half seem completely unrealistic a lot of the time and so many business owners find themselves trapped in a cycle of overwhelm, constantly reacting to urgent tasks instead of proactively planning for growth. You’re wearing all the hats, the scarves, the gloves, the socks, the shoes… And now you’re supposed to magically find time to, you know, grow your business or perhaps you know, eat lunch?!
If you’re nodding along (or starting to sob…), chances are you’re ready for some support. This isn’t about admitting defeat. And let me say that again for those who need it.
This is not failure. This is not your inability to get a handle on things. It’s about being smart.
It’s about recognising that you can’t – and shouldn’t – do it all. So here I am waffling to you in another blog post to make sure you seriously explore options and check through the signs you need help. Then, because I’m just generally lovely, I’ll guide you toward a solution that might just change your business (and your sanity) for the better. Spoiler, it’s called hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM), and guess what, it’s me.
The Signs You Need an OBM. Let’s Get Real, Shall We?:
Running a business is tough. It’s not all glamorous Instagram posts and champagne celebrations. Most days, it’s more like coffee and crying in the corner. But there’s a difference between the normal challenges of entrepreneurship and feeling like you’re constantly on the verge of a meltdown.
Here are some telltale signs you might need an OBM, and I’m willing to bet you’ll recognise a few:
You’re chained to your desk: You haven’t seen daylight in days (or is it weeks?). Your family is starting to think you’ve moved in with your laptop.
Your to-do list is a monster: It’s so long it has its own postcode. You add things to it faster than you can cross them off.
You’re the bottleneck: Everything has to go through you, which means nothing gets done efficiently. You’re micromanaging everything because you don’t trust anyone else to do it right.
You’re a master of distraction: You’re constantly switching between tasks, never fully focusing on one thing. Your brain feels like a browser with 100 tabs open.
You’re reactive, not proactive: You’re always putting out fires instead of planning for the future. You’re constantly chasing your tail.
Growth terrifies you: The thought of scaling your business fills you with dread. You’re already overwhelmed, and more clients/projects means more chaos.
Sleep? What’s sleep?: You’re constantly worrying about your business, and your sleep is suffering. You’re starting to have nightmares about spreadsheets and overflowing inboxes. Your main topic of conversation is how stressed you are.
What Can an OBM Do For You (Besides Save Your Sanity)?
So, you’ve recognised yourself in a few of those scenarios (or maybe all of them – no judgement here). Now you’re probably wondering, “Okay, so an OBM sounds great, but what do they actually do?” Good question to be fair. I guess you can think of an OBM as your strategic right-hand person. The one who can handle the nitty-gritty details, or deal with the mundane so you can focus on the big picture.
How about these ideals of what could work when you hire an OBM:
Project Management: Launching a new product? Running a marketing campaign? An OBM can manage the entire process, from planning and budgeting to execution and reporting. They’ll keep things on track, on time, and within budget.
Operations Management: Streamlining your workflows, managing your team (if you have one), and generally making sure your business runs like a well-oiled machine. They’ll identify bottlenecks, implement systems, and create efficiencies you didn’t even know existed.
Client Management: Onboarding new clients, handling communication, and ensuring they’re happy. Because happy clients mean repeat business (and less stress for you).
Marketing Support: Managing social media, creating content, running email campaigns, and generally making sure your marketing efforts are actually, you know, working.
Team Management: If you have a team, an OBM can manage them for you. This includes task delegation, performance reviews, and even hiring and firing (the fun stuff).
Strategic Planning: An OBM can help you develop a strategic plan for your business, identify growth opportunities, and create a roadmap for achieving your goals.
Basically, an OBM can handle all the stuff you don’t have time for (or don’t want to do) so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Is an OBM Right for You? Let’s Find Out!
Okay, so you know what an OBM does. But the million-dollar question is: do you need one? Hiring an OBM is an investment, and it’s not the right fit for every business. Let’s walk through some questions to help you decide:
Are you ready to let go of control (at least a little)? An OBM is there to take things off your plate, but that requires trusting them to do their job. If you’re a hardcore micromanager, this might be a tough one.
Can you clearly define the tasks you need help with? Before you hire an OBM, you need to know what you want them to do. I can help you et clear on your pain points and the specific tasks you’d like to delegate before we even start.
Are you willing to invest in your business (and yourself)? Hiring an OBM is an investment, but it’s an investment in your growth and your sanity. If you’re only willing to spend pennies, you’ll probably get what you pay for.
Do you have the budget? OBMs come at different price points, so it’s essential to have a realistic budget in mind. Don’t just look at the cost, look at what it will save you in time, stress and quite possibly lost revenue.
Are you ready to communicate effectively? A successful OBM relationship relies on clear and open communication. You need to be able to articulate your needs, provide feedback, and work collaboratively.
Taking the Next Step. AKA Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something.
So, you’ve decided an OBM is the missing piece of your business puzzle. Congratulations! Now what? Here’s how to find the perfect OBM for you:
Get clear on your needs: What specific tasks do you want to delegate? What skills and experience are essential? What kind of personality do you want to work with? If sarcasm, coffee and chat about dogs is your thing you’re in the right place for sure!
Start your search: There are plenty of places to find OBMs, from online directories to freelance platforms to referrals from other business owners. You can even drop me a message. I might not be what you’re looking for, but I might know someone who is. The best connected people for freelancers are freelancers!
Ask the right questions: When interviewing potential OBMs, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. What’s their experience? What’s their communication style? How do they handle conflict? Can they provide references? How did they get to this point. This is often a biggy, as if it’s someone who’s decided on being an OBM because they can only work Tuesdays, but you need them more regularly then it’s important to know. Most people (well, me anyway) do it because they love to feel like they’re making a difference and doing it on their terms without the annoying water cooler chat or commute!
Check their credentials: Don’t just take their word for it. Look for testimonials, case studies, and any other evidence of their expertise. For instance, I’ve made sure that I’ve got some references for you to snoop on the website, on my LinkedIn and I even put them out on my socials from time to time. I hate blowing my own trumpet, but at least you know I can do what I say I can!
Trust your gut: Ultimately, the best OBM for you is someone you connect with and trust. If something feels off, move on.
Conclusion. Because Every Good Blog Post Needs One Just in Case you’re Skim Reading!
TLDR: Stop trying to be a superhero. You deserve support.
There you go, that was easy wasn’t it? You know that hiring an OBM can free up your time, reduce your stress, and help you focus on what you do best: growing your business. So stop dilly dallying (yes, I went there) and let’s talk.
SamCompany Owner
On a mission to create better things for myself and others. 🚀 Certified Weirdo (officially accredited) 🤪 I love a spreadsheet I'm obsessed with my Golden Retriever, Oscar 🐶 Digital is my thing, so websites, systems, automations, analytics, socials, content and all those buzzwords... Don't talk to me about Notion unless you have at least an hour to spare. Automations and integrations are my happy place ⚡ SEO is my religion 😇 Lego is my meditation 🧘 Helping others is where I find my Ikigai ❤️
