Working Smarter Not Harder
That age-old advice just got easier!
Are you working IN your business instead of ON it? If you're struggling to find the time to focus on the big-picture strategic tasks that will help your business grow, it might be time to consider hiring an online business manager (OBM). OBM's are entrepreneurial wizards who deliver value by analyzing your day-to-day tasks and helping you find better ways to operationalize, prioritize, and strategize the management of your business. These magic makers can free up your time so you can focus on what you're good at. From project management and customer relationships to bookkeeping and social media, OBMs understand the many hats that have to be worn to run a business. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, it might be time add an OBM to your support team.
Here are some reasons you should consider an OBM.
1. You're feeling scattered and like you're constantly playing catch-up.
2. You're not sure what tasks should be prioritized, or you're constantly changing your mind about what's most important.
3. You find yourself spending more time on admin tasks and less time on the things you're actually passionate about.
4. You're feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by all the little things that need to be done.
5. You feel like you're constantly reactively putting out fires instead of working on strategic projects.
6. You're starting to dread running your business because it feels like an endless list of tasks with no end in sight.
Look, I get it. You're the boss. You can handle everything, right? Wrong, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. In fact, trying to do it all can easily lead to burnout and then the business you were so passionate about becomes a chore. Nobody wants that! An OBM could be the fairy godmother you’ve been dreaming of.
What exactly does an OBM do?
An OBM is responsible for a wide range of tasks, from content development and branding to operational planning and support. In short, they are your knowledgeable guide on the magical mystery tour that is your online presence. So let’s de-mystify exactly what they can help guide you on? Here are just a few of the many things that fall under the purview of an OBM:
- Branding: Maintaining a strong and consistent brand identity is a key component to any online business. An online business manager is responsible for developing and creating a unique visual style and voice, and ensuring that all of your business communications are consistent with this branding.
- Content Development: Whether your OBM is writing content or managing a team they are responsible for ensuring high-quality, on-brand material is delivered on deadline for all the online channels where your business is present.
- Software Review: Software as a service (SaaS) resources can help you automate business tasks, manage customer relationships, handle appointment scheduling, bookkeeping and so much more. An online business manager can review these technology tools and offer suggestions on which ones might best fit your business needs.
Finding the right OBM
OBM's (otherworldly beings of magic) are often thought of as mystical creatures. While this may be true, they are also very real and finding the right fit for your business can be a bit like finding a magical unicorn. They're out there, but you have to know where to look. Here are a few tips to help you find the right OBM for your business:
- Ask around. Talk to people in your industry and see who they recommend.
- Do your research. Once you've got a few names, check out their website, blog and reviews to get a sense of their style and personality.
- Make sure you're on the same page. Before you hire anyone, make sure you're clear about what your expectations are and what their responsibilities will be.
- Trust your gut. Ultimately, you need to go with what feels right for you.
Consistency is the key!
Being consistent with your online presence is a full-time job. And, if you're the one responsible for managing it, you know it can be difficult to keep up with. The demands of creating content, engaging with your audience, and staying on top of the latest trends take up a lot of time and many entrepreneurs lose enthusiasm. Staying on top of everything from content creation and social media management to email marketing and event planning becomes exhausting. Hiring an OBM frees up your time to focus on the tasks that you are the most passionate about in your business. Having someone you can trust to help operationalize and automate some of the more mundane daily activities that an online presence requires is magical. Your OMB can mainfest more time into your schedule, no this is not a fairy tale. The support of the right OBM ensures tasks are completed on time based on what the most important priorities are, which will make reaching your goals more attainable.
Online Business Management Resources
Looking for more resources to manage your business’s online presence? Click here to learn about my favorite tools and how they help save you time and grow your business.
Schedule a free* 1hr virtual consulting session with Melissa. You will receive actionable steps and technology tool recommendations to simplify the management of your online business.
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