The last few years have been a rollercoaster and SO much about our world has changed. The working landscape and “traditional” roles have shifted with many more people working from home permanently, and online business owners hitting their stride. With more online businesses popping up and more work to do, there is an ever increasing need for online business pros.

So many people have never heard of online business management, but OBMs are vital to the health of businesses looking to scale and expand their reach. With the lack of knowledge surrounding this type of work, there are so many misconceptions so let’s talk about them! Understanding and clarity can help you figure out if working with an OBM is right for you OR if you want to become an OBM yourself.

Misconception #1: An OBM’s job is to complete tasks for the business owner

This is the most common misconception that I hear about OBMs because there’s a little confusion about what the job entails! Completing tasks outlined by the business owner falls under the job of a virtual assistant, which is also a vital role in supporting a business but does not have any leadership involved. OBMs are great leaders when it comes to making a business owner’s vision a reality – we come up with ideas to get to the big picture and support the business in its pursuit to get there.

Misconception #2: OBMs don’t take on higher-level operations management

Operations management is one of the biggest roles an OBM takes on when working with a business! The goal is for an OBM to manage (hence, online business manager) the daily operations of the business to ensure that it continues running smoothly. It means that the business owner can free up their schedule to develop the vision for their company and formulate a plan to scale/generate more revenue. It’s the best working relationship because with everyone completing their tasks at hand, the business runs smoothly and continues to grow.

Misconception #3: OBMs aren’t able to help with overall business strategy

Hmm, false. Online business managers are integral parts of the higher level strategy involved with running and scaling a business. If the business owner can come up with an overall vision for where they’d like to take their company in the future, an OBM can help break it down into a plan of action. OBMs are strategic in their thinking, and understand that steps need to be laid out in a way that make sense and will generate more revenue to keep growing.

Misconception #4: You won’t be able to make a stable income as an OBM

This is probably the most glaring misconception of them all! OBMs are absolutely capable of making stable incomes – they’re vital to the heath of a growing (and large-scale) business, and are becoming much more utilized in the online world. With the changes that we’ve seen regarding the workplace as a result of the pandemic, the demand for OBMs and other online service providers is only going to continue growing. The value that OBMs bring to the table is huge, and for their services they’re able to charge a premium rate. There’s also unlimited income potential through products OBMs can create to help business owners and other OBMs alike!

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OBMs are savvy and have the ability to contribute greatly to the overall trajectory of a business. With strategic planning, intentional collaboration, and vast knowledge, the value they can provide is off the charts. They stand side by side with business owners, oversee other independent contractors/employees, and can be client-facing as well. Sounds pretty amazing, huh?

So tell me what you think: Have you had any of these misconceptions about OBMs? Or do you have any others that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments!