Let's make something neat
What Even IS an OBM?
The Rundown on OBMs
Online Business Managers have been around for a while, but in a post-covid era that has taken “hustle culture”, online entrepreneurship and digital businesses to new heights, the need for skilled, specialised, and accountable business support has also grown.
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Enter the OBM – or Digital Business Manager (“DBM”), or a host of similar titles making up this tier of virtual support workers.
So who are these workers and what do they do?
OBMs function as a blend of a few critical roles seen in traditional organizations, notably:
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The (Senior) Executive Assistant, with their speed and technical, time-management, and service-oriented approach
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The Chief of Staff, a core partner to top-tier executives, insight, direction, and oversight of critical functions in the exec’s “office” or business portfolio
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The Project Manager, whose process-focused drive for excellence helps teams and companies build meaningful results
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OBMs provide a hands-on, high level of support to business owners, overseeing everyday operations, managing teams and contractors, or developing the strategy behind -- and then leading the execution of -- critical projects. OBMs can be highly niched, specialising in specific industries or offerings, or more generalised & industry agnostic.
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Wondering what it is that both unites OBMs, and sets them apart? Ownership.
OBMs own the outcome of their work. They take support to a next level beyond straight task execution.
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But shouldn't any professional do this?
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Well, yes -- definitely. The differentiator here is the degree of ownership, and also the element of strategy.
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For example, let's say you have an expense report that needs filing. You already have a template that you use, you know where your receipts are, you know how you need to submit or bill them, and then how to archive them. What you need is someone to enter the information onto the template, and then complete the defined next steps.
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Or, maybe it's just the opposite of this. Sure, you definitely need to file your expenses, but you have no idea HOW. You have no template, but maybe you're thinking "wait, don't I have an accounting software subscription?". Your receipts are all hard copies, left in various locations. You're not sure who to submit them to, what information you should save for your own tax filing purposes, etc etc. You need someone to create the process, test & calibrate, and then define it in a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). THIS is what an OBM does.
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OBMS take on a higher degree of responsibility in helping you and your business succeed -- whether it's through creating processes, managing teams, overseeing projects, deliverables, initiatives, or whole business areas … you name it.
The Neat Choice: Working with us.
At Neat Business, we take Ownership seriously. It goes beyond “getting the job done”. For us, forms the basis for our other values:
Trust - Our clients trust us with their business – it’s their livelihood, the income that supports their families, and the dream idea that they’ve been nurturing for years.
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Integrity - We honour this responsibility, and work conscientiously with the same care, diligence, and transparency as we ourselves would hope for.
Communication - We strive to understand where people are “at” and what their goals are, so we can build the best possible systems and support for their unique needs.
Balance of Autonomy & Accountability - Embracing the upsides of virtual collaboration without wavering in our commitment to excellence and accountability.
Let’s Work Together
Curious to learn more, or to explore how we can help? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete the form below or email Sarah at sarah@neatbusiness.ca
