Scaling a business can be daunting, which is why many solopreneurs and small business owners turn to a virtual, online business manager (OBM) to manage day-to-day operations while they focus on activities that drive growth. Finding the “right” OBM is critical, so it’s important to consider what experience, skillset and workstyle best aligns with your business, vision, and strategic goals.
While every business is unique and needs vary, there are several non-negotiable skills business owners should look for when hiring an online business manager. In this blog, we’ll highlight ten vital skills and also share insight on how freelance recruiting platforms can help with an OBM search.
Feeling overwhelmed? Our past blog, “Three Signs It’s Time to Hire a Freelancer,” is a great resource.
The Top 10 Online Business Manager Skills
There are many benefits to hiring an online business manager. An experienced OBM freelancer can take on tasks that bog business owners down, freeing up time to work on more critical tasks and the business-driving initiatives they enjoy. OBMs can also do the heavy lifting associated with managing internal teams and projects, and provide strategic insight when needed. When selecting a freelance OBM, look for candidates with the following essential skills.
No. 1: Industry experience. While industry experience is more of a quality than a skill, finding a seasoned online business manager with experience working in a business similar to yours can prove invaluable. Not only can the candidate hit the ground running once onboarded, they can share insight about strategies and tactics that have helped drive success for similar businesses in your industry.
No. 2: Communication. In a virtual and remote work world, OBMs need to communicate clearly and effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. From regularly apprising the business owner of project status to working with vendors to manage inventory to keeping team members on task, strong communication skills are a must.
No. 3: Process Optimization. A strong online business manager understands the importance of streamlined operations – offline and online in combination, reduced inefficiencies, and how to enhance overall productivity in business. This role demands a professional who can efficiently optimize existing processes, leverage technology – and support the development of new process, including AI-supported processes and tools – aimed at helping solopreneurs and small business owners save time and focus on high-value activities.
No. 4: Problem-solving. Since OBMs are responsible for handling an assortment of tasks, usually on a deadline, issues are bound to arise. You should be able to rely on your online business manager to identify problems and come up with viable solutions quickly.
No. 5: Business & Strategy development. The most sought after OBMs clearly understand the big picture of the organizations they manage, while being able to identify opportunities for growth and process improvement. These strategic thinkers have strong critical reasoning skills that allow them to make informed decisions in the short- and long-term.
No. 6: Leadership. Overseeing teams is one of the key roles of an online business manager. This requires an individual with demonstrated leadership experience, who knows how to motivate, mentor, and manage teams working in different capacities, including remote, freelance, and onsite personnel.
No. 7: Marketing. If the business has marketing resources, overseeing marketing initiatives is another important responsibility for an online business manager. If the business does not have marketing resources, the OBM sought should have experience in developing marketing strategies, as well as supporting and executing marketing plans involving social media, email campaigns, and other marketing tactics.
No. 8: Technology integration. OBMs are typically very hands-on when it comes to managing and optimizing online resources like CRM systems and other software platforms that tie into an organization’s sales and marketing functions. A qualified resource is able to make system recommendations, understand how to leverage these systems, and know how to export and interpret the data from systems. Given the constantly changing software environment, OMBs must be tech-savvy, keep current on continual development of relevant tools and able to educate the business owner and team in their use.
No. 9: Customer service. The online business manager frequently serves as the point person when it comes to communicating with clients. Skilled OBMs are proficient at resolving client problems quickly, as well as building and retaining relationships that help ensure the long-term stability and growth of the businesses they manage.
No. 10: Operational support and management. To effectively manage an online business, the OBM should also have first-hand business experience, from operations to the financial side of things. Hiring an online business manager with an understanding of operational execution, team management, business finances, and results tracking can be very beneficial, especially for business owners who are used to doing it all.
Tap Into the Benefits of Freelance Recruiting Platforms to Find an OBM
Solopreneurs and small business owners can feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of work involved with running a business. While they might like to hire an online business manager to help out, the perceived costs and time investments involved can be a deterrent—but they don’t have to be.
A freelance recruiting platform and service —like ResultsResourcing— is ideal for small business owners who want to find and hire an experienced, pre-vetted, online business manager on their terms. The ResultsResourcing process includes a discovery call to learn about your business, a match to an OBM who meets your specific needs, and a satisfaction guarantee. No long-term commitments are required and you can be up and running with your best-matched OBM in 24 to 48 hours.
ResultsResourcing’s On-Demand Online Business Managers specialize in streamlining processes, managing projects, and coordinating teams to keep your business running smoothly without the commitment of a full-time hire. ResultsResourcing is your trusted partner for accessing high-quality, on-demand administrative and operational support.
Ready to get started? Hire a freelancer or book a complimentary discovery call today!
