You know you need help—the to-do list is endless, the team’s pulling in different directions, and you’re constantly firefighting just to keep things moving. But here’s where a lot of entrepreneurs get stuck: hiring the wrong kind of support too soon (or too late).
A Virtual Assistant (VA) can be a game-changer for specific tasks. An Online Business Manager (OBM)? That’s your strategic partner who takes over the big-picture operations so you can finally step out of the day-to-day maze.
Let’s break it down—no fluff, just the real differences and how to figure out what your business actually needs right now.
A VA is an excellent doer. They excel at executing tasks in their wheelhouse—whether that’s admin, customer support, social media scheduling, tech setup, or content creation. You tell them what needs doing, and they get it done reliably.
An OBM is a manager—your second-in-command. They don’t handle tasks; they oversee the whole operation: figuring out priorities, coordinating the team, streamlining processes, tracking progress toward goals, and proactively spotting (and fixing) blind spots. As one business owner put it, “The right OBM will bring operational strategy and expertise… help refine what we do, and bring ideas to the table that will help us improve and streamline processes.”
In short: VAs work independently on their assignments (often still needing direction from you). OBMs take on the responsibility of running the operations by plugging into the vision, lay out plans, and ensure everyone—including any VAs—is aligned and moving forward.
So…
…How do You Know You’re Ready for More Than a VA?
If you’re consistently hitting 6 figures (or pushing toward 7) with courses, digital products, memberships, or high-level services, and you have big goals like a book launch or $100k+ offering, you’re likely past the extra hands phase. You need someone who can build the infrastructure to scale—getting all the ducks in a row so opportunities don’t slip through because operations can’t keep up.
If it’s you—
—you’re probably spending far more time than you realize on coordination. Many owners I talk to are shocked at how much energy this drains. Entrepreneurs often spend an average of 36% of their work week on administrative tasks. An OBM steps in as that proactive leader, freeing you to focus on revenue-generating activities and visionary work.
Projects stalling waiting on your approval? Team members unsure of priorities? Feeling overworked and on the edge of burnout? That’s classic when everything flows through you. As businesses hit mid-6 figures, the early hustle everything myself mindset starts holding you back. One owner shared: “I am a true visionary who needs a systems and project oriented second in command to manage all things that lead up to my long and short term goals.”
There’s no shame in starting with a VA—they’re fantastic for reclaiming chunks of time early on. But many owners hire more team members thinking it’ll fix the overwhelm, only to end up still managing everyone. An OBM takes true ownership, turning chaos into a well-oiled machine.
Nearly 30% of entrepreneurs work more than 50 hours per week. If that sounds familiar, and you’re nodding along to pains like being too reactive and lacking proactiveness or complexity in processes and systems, it might be time for an OBM.
Your business is ready to grow beyond you doing it all. Hiring the right support isn’t about adding another expense—it’s about reclaiming your time, reducing burnout, and building something sustainable.
If you’re tired of spinning plates and ready to step fully into the visionary role, let’s have real conversation about where you are and what comes next.
Reserve your spot today and let’s create a plan that actually works.
“I’m too busy and something needs to change…” If that’s looping in your head, you’re far from alone. For many 6- and 7-figure online business owners running courses, memberships, digital products, or high-level services, “too busy” stops being a phase and starts blocking real growth. The good news? It’s fixable—and
If you’re running a 6- or pushing-to-7-figure online business—courses, memberships, digital products, high-level services—you know growth is supposed to feel exciting. But often it just feels heavier. One owner summed it up perfectly: “Every day when I wake up, I want to know what I’m supposed to work on. My
