In this class, I’m joined by Susan Noked, an Online Business Manager (OBM) who teaches some of the principles of how you can become an OBM for your clients. So many businesses out there are looking for a point person who can manage their team, manage their finances, manage their launches, and put effective systems in place. Learn what it takes to take on this valuable, in-demand role!

 

Podcast Outline:

 

0:00 - Opening thoughts

0:54 - Introduction to Sarah Noked

2:04 - Setting the stage for the topic of Online Business Management (OBM)

3:28 - Sarah shares her freedom story

8:47 - The growth of the OBM industry and the importance of VAs

10:48 - How entrepreneurship and online businesses are becoming more popular

 

14:00 - The role of the OBM

• 14:25 - Definition of an OBM
• • Main aspects:
  • • Project Management
    • Team Management
    • Metrics Management
    • Launch Management
    • Operations Management

 

16:40 - How tasks can be delegated to a VA and overseen by an OBM using systems

17:40 - The importance of getting experience as a VA before becoming an OBM

18:29 - The importance of systems and how an OBM can organize businesses

 

19:43 - Steps to coming into a client’s business as an OBM

• Think outside the box.
• Determine
• • Where are they losing money?
  • What’s going wrong with the team?
  • What are their goals?
  • Are they clear about their goals and vision?
• Document their systems into standard operating procedures.
• Streamline the systems (e.g. technology).

 

21:08 - How to guide someone from one role to a different role as an OBM:

• Instead of asking the client what they need help with today, be more suggestive in the possible course of action that you can take.
• Be clear about the client’s vision and their goals.
• Take a leadership role with your client.

 

25:41 - How the business is your client

• Always act in the best interest of the business.

 

27:04 - How an OBM can be a voice of reason for clients

27:20 - The growth and advantages of the OBM industry

 

27:52 - Pricing and packaging as an OBM:

• Project-based retainer or hourly retainer
• A minimum of 90 days

 

29:10 - Understanding the client’s business:

• Where is the revenue coming from
• Meetings with all the team members
• Meetings with the client (getting clear about their goals)
• Cleanup (getting the project management in place)

 

30:08 - How every business needs a VA, but not every business needs an OBM

32:15 - How the role of strategist complements the role of OBM

35:00 - How you can begin with a simple project and move towards the OBM role

35:50 - How to learn more about Sarah and what she’s doing in the OBM space

36:43 - Final thoughts

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

 

Sarah Noked’s website: https://www.sarahnoked.com/ 

Access Sarah Noked’s Done-For-You Onboarding SOP for free! https://www.sarahnoked.com/podclass/ 

The Online Business Manager Training and Certification program with Tina Forsyth: https://certifiedobm.com/ 

International Association of Online Business Managers: https://onlinebusinessmanager.com/ 

Ryan Deiss Traffic and Conversion Summit: https://www.trafficandconversionsummit.com/ 

Facebook Ads: https://www.facebook.com/business/ads 
WordPress: https://wordpress.org/