Ask anyone who knows: hiring a great online business manager can change everything. Having an efficient and proactive OBM who gets your vision the way you do works wonders on your business.
When it comes to hiring an online business manager, there are lots of things to consider. Often virtual assistants have the reputation of specializing in different areas; but so do OBMs!
There are numerous benefits to working with a specialized online business manager, someone who gets your industry as well as (or even better than!) you. Particularly when it comes to the passion-driven industry of coaching, you want to collaborate with someone who understands your coaching business to a T.
Why Niche Online Business Managers Work Best
Of course, any online business manager is going to help you with their variety of skills and ability to see the big picture – so just imagine how much more effective they’ll be if they specialize in your niche industry!
As a small business owner, you are constantly juggling tasks: business management and strategy, planning and launching courses, employee relations, accounts and budgets, marketing and social media campaigns. Sure, we thrive on it, but it can also be overwhelming.
Online assistants and business managers help take some of this weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on the aspects you truly love. Make use of the art of delegation in order to free some space in your day to develop the business and help your clients.
A niche online business manager goes above and beyond as they have an in-depth understanding of the industry you work in and a wealth of experience they can bring to the role. When helping you develop a business strategy, they’re not just bringing their business knowledge but also their expertise in your industry.
They have a solid understanding of how coaching businesses operate, what each component entails and how they all fit together in the most effective way. This also helps them in building relationships with your clients and suppliers.
Many business owners hire OBMs to help with managing employees, including recruitment and building up the team. A niche online business manager will naturally do this best as they know the qualities needed in the industry.
The Benefits of Working with a Specialized OBM
In our opinion, one of the top benefits of working with a specialized OBM is how inspiring and, honestly, fun it can be! This is someone who’s also interested in your industry and shares your passion. OBMs in the coaching industry love supporting you in your transformational work with others.
This means they’re a great person to work with on developing your business. After all, two heads are better than one, especially when both ‘heads’ have the same vision and enthusiasm. It can be inspiring for you to bounce ideas off them, even as they help you streamline and implement a strategy.
A specialized online business manager will have the ability to make your dreams a reality. They’re often proactive and have the astonishing ability to integrate all aspects of the business with your vision. So when you’re not sure quite how to implement a new idea, they’ll be able to help you get things on paper or into your business plan.
Another great thing about working with a specialized OBM is that their niche knowledge means they can jump right in to start helping you. There’s no need to spend a long time explaining things to them as they already understand your position in the industry.
It also means they have a head-start on more general online business managers when it comes to research, another essential task for virtual assistants or OBMs. When it comes to staying on top of industry trends, exploring new opportunities and learning more about your competitors, they already have their finger on the pulse.
In addition to this, a specialized business manager means you are more likely to be successful, to put it plainly! They are professionals with extensive experience in helping others in your industry, so their support and advice are invaluable in assuring your success. If you need an OBM to help you launch a new course, for example, a niche manager knows exactly what does into this and how to maximize your success.
First Steps to Hiring a Specialized OBM
So now you’re sold on the benefits of a specialized online business manager, what steps do you need to take to hire one?
First things first, you need to really dig deep into your business and identify exactly what you need from a successful OBM. If you just come up with a list of tasks that you’d like to delegate, perhaps you’re more in need of an online virtual assistant.
However, if you need support with strategy and growth, an online business manager is definitely who you need. Use the needs you have identified to write a clearly defined job profile and include your business’ core values – after all, you want an OBM who aligns with these.
Many of the best online assistants come via personal referrals, and there’s no more reliable way of finding a great employee, so ask around at networking events or from colleagues. Trust us, you’ll probably get tons!
Once you have some prospective candidates, take the time to talk to them. It’s often less of an interview and more of a way to find out if the two of you are a good fit. When you’re looking for a specialized OBM, this is a great opportunity to learn about the depth of their niche industry understanding. You’ll also be able to tell pretty early on if your visions align.
It might take some time, but when you find the perfect specialized online business manager you won’t believe the incredible benefits to your business.
