Hello and welcome to another episode of the OBM Educator. This episode is for you, whether you are a seasoned VA looking to take your business to the next level, or you're new to the online space and you're wondering where you should begin. Or you're a new OBM and you're still just a little confused on what's going on. So today we are diving into a topic that is crucial for anyone considering the leap from VA to OBM, and we're going to talk about the differences between the two roles, breaking down the roles and responsibilities, discussing skills needed for each, exploring the mindset shifts, highlighting the benefits of becoming an OBM. Make sure to listen to the end, because I am sharing a valuable new resource with you, which is my new quiz called VA to OBM Are you ready to take the lead? This quiz is designed to help you assess your readiness and identify any areas that you might need to focus on as you prepare for the transition to OBM. Trust me, you will not want to miss it, so stick around to the end. Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, let's get started.Ā
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01:16
Welcome to the OBM Educator. I'm your host, Amanda McVicker, a veteran OBM who serves six and seven figure entrepreneurs as well as educates new OBMs with the skills and confidence they need to start and grow their own successful online business management business. Follow along as I share valuable insights behind the scenes, sneak peeks and proven strategies to help you build a better OBM business. So let's start by discussing the roles and responsibilities of a virtual assistant, or VA, versus an online business manager or OBM. Understanding these differences is going to be key to knowing whether you are ready or not to make that transition. First, let's talk about VAs. Vas typically handle a variety of tasks that help keep the daily operations of a business running smoothly, so this can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling customer service inquiries, posting on social media. Vas often focus on specific tasks and follow the instructions that are given by their client, by the business owner. Their role truly is essential for keeping the business organized and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. So typically, they are going to be the first support position a CEO is going to hire out for, so that they can get the admin things off of their plate. On the other hand, obms take on a broader scope of responsibilities. So an OBM's role is to manage the day-to-day operations of a business, and it really does get much deeper than that they are responsible for project management, team management, strategy implementation. They ensure that all of the systems and processes within a business are running effectively, efficiently. They usually create SOPs or standard operating procedures, they manage launches, they analyze business metrics all of those things. So, basically, vas are going to be focused on executing the tasks, while OBMs are focused on managing and optimizing the entire business operation.Ā
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03:31
So now that we have a clear understanding of the different roles and responsibilities of VAs and OBMs, let's move on to the skills that are required for each as a VA. Key skills are going to include strong organization, time management, attention to detail, being good in various software tools. Vas must be able to juggle multiple tasks, communicate well with their clients and be adaptable to learn new skills as needed. So they're going to need to be reliable and efficient in handling a range of administrative and support tasks. When it comes to being an OBM, take all of those skills, because those are all very important, but then you're gonna expand on them as an OBM. So leadership skills are crucial, as OBMs often manage teams and need to provide direction and support. There's project management experience, so OBMs oversee multiple projects and ensure they are completed on time within budget. And then strategic thinking. Obms need to understand the broader business goals that a CEO has and develop plans to achieve them. Also, obms need to be skilled in creating and implementing systems, analyzing business data to make informed decisions and managing client relationships at a higher level. So advanced communication skills are essential. Obms need to delegate tasks, provide feedback and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to business objectives.Ā
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05:07
So now let's look into what are some of the mindset shifts that need to happen to make that transition from VA to OBM. So one of the most significant shifts is moving from kind of being task-oriented to strategic-oriented thinking and I talked about this in an episode a few weeks ago transitioning from a doer to a leader. But as a VA, your focus is often on completing specific tasks and ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly, whereas as an OBM, you need to think beyond the daily tasks and consider more of the long-term goals and the growth of the business. So leadership and ownership are crucial mindset shifts. As a VA, you might follow instructions and complete tasks as directed, but as an OBM, you need to take ownership of projects. Lead the teams, make decisions. You need to take ownership of projects, lead the teams make decisions. It requires confidence, assertiveness and the ability to provide direction and support to others. Adaptability, problem solving those skills are also essential to being an OBM. You have to be proactive in identifying issues and finding solutions. Vas kind of are more reactive, so you have to be in that proactive state. This means also being able to troubleshoot problems, optimize processes and look for ways to improve things in the business.Ā
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06:37
The last thing in the mindset shift is how you manage your client relationship as an OBM versus, you know, a VA, where you interact with clients to complete tasks. Usually you have a good relationship with them, but when you become an OBM to a client like, that relationship is so much deeper because you're building a strategic partnership with your client and this involves like gaining their trust and understanding business goals and working closely with them to achieve those goals. And these relationships are usually much more long term than a VA. If the fit is right, chances are you could be an OBM with a client for years. So what are the benefits of stepping into the OBM role?Ā
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07:21
I talk about this a lot, but while it's not always about the money, money is a huge reason why most people step into the role, for it being like a full-time gig. So OBMs will have a higher rate, probably work more hours with less clients, but that means like a higher retainer and be able to also do side projects, vip days, strategy sessions, things like that that bring in additional income. Another benefit is the greater influence and impact you can have on your client's business. As an OBM, you play a critical role in shaping strategy, managing operations and I mean ultimately driving growth for the business. So your strategic input, your management, can have a direct impact to the significant outcomes that your clients have. Being fulfilled in your business is another benefit. You know I talk about this a lot that many OBMs do find their work challenging but also rewarding, compared to when they were a VA and I know this personally that my tasks as a VA were more mundane and repetitive. But as an OBM, like I, have more complex tasks, lead teams, make strategic decisions, like every day, every week is different, and that makes it more exciting and it brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in those roles.Ā
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08:55
To wrap up, we've covered the key differences between VAs and OBMs, the skills required for each role, the mindset shifts needed and the benefits of becoming an OBM. So I hope this episode has given you a clearer understanding of what it takes to move from a VA to an OBM. If you are curious about where you stand whether you're ready all of that good stuff I have a new special resource just for you. It is a quiz called VA to OBM Are you Ready to Take the Leap? This quiz is designed to help you assess your readiness and identify any areas that you might need a little bit more focus on as you prepare for the transition. It's a super short quiz 10 questions. You can find the quiz either in the show notes or on my website at amandamcvickercom slash quiz. I encourage you to take it. You'll get some valuable insights into your strengths and your areas for improvement. It is a great starting point to help you understand the steps that you need to take to become a successful OBM.Ā
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10:04
Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of the OBM Educator. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with others who might benefit from listening. Don't forget to take the quiz to see if you're ready to take the leap from VA to OBM. I'll talk with you guys next week. Bye, thanks for joining me for this episode of the OBM Educator. I hope what you heard today is helpful for you on your OBM journey. If you loved today's episode, I would so appreciate you sharing it and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Want to be a guest on the OBM Educator? Fill out the form in the show notes and I'll be in touch. Join us next guest on the OBM Educator. Fill out the form in the show notes and I'll be in touch. Join us next time on the OBM Educator.