Strategic support unveiled: the roles of VAs, OBMs and consultants

In today’s digital age, business owners have access to a wide array of professionals who can help them streamline operations, increase productivity, and drive growth. Among these professionals are Virtual Assistants (VAs), Online Business Managers (OBMs), and OBC (Online Business Consultants or Mentors). While they may seem similar in some ways, each plays a distinct and important role in a business's success. Understanding how these roles work individually and how they intertwine when working together can help business owners determine which professional is best suited to their needs and how to effectively collaborate with them for the best results.

Virtual Assistant (VA): The backbone of daily operations

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly versatile role focused on providing administrative support to business owners. VAs often handle the day-to-day tasks that keep a business running smoothly, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on high-level strategic activities.

Some key responsibilities of a VA can include:

1. Administrative support: VAs manage calendars, schedule appointments, answer emails, and provide general administrative assistance. This ensures that the business owner can focus on tasks that drive growth rather than getting bogged down by mundane but necessary tasks.

2. Customer support: Many VAs handle customer inquiries, process orders, and manage social media interactions. By ensuring timely and professional communication with clients, VAs help to build positive customer relationships.

3. Content management: A VA might also assist with content creation, scheduling blog posts or social media updates, and managing newsletters. This helps businesses maintain an active online presence without having to dedicate significant time to content planning.

4. Data entry and research: For tasks that require a high degree of attention to detail, such as entering data into spreadsheets, conducting market research, or managing client databases, VAs can take on these responsibilities to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

5. Tech support: Setting up funnels, email automations, landing pages, websites on numerous different systems.

While Virtual Assistants (VAs) are essential for handling operational tasks that keep a business running smoothly, it's important to recognize that VAs come with varying levels of expertise and skill sets. Some VAs are adept at executing time-consuming, repetitive tasks, effectively freeing up business owners to focus on strategic pursuits. Others, however, possess advanced skills and experience, enabling them to offer valuable suggestions and contribute to business improvements. This range allows businesses to delegate tasks more effectively, depending on the VA's proficiency and the organisation's specific needs.

The above list is by far exhaustive, and in reality there are almost as many definitions of what a VA is and does, as there are VAs!!

Online Business Manager (OBM): The Organiser and Strategist

An Online Business Manager (OBM) takes on a more strategic and managerial role than a VA. OBMs are typically brought in when a business has outgrown the need for just administrative or tech support and requires someone to manage the larger picture of operations. They may also be known as Executive VAs.

Key responsibilities of an OBM include:

1. Project management: OBMs oversee the execution of projects, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget. They organise teams, assign tasks, track progress, and manage deadlines, ensuring that the business's goals are met efficiently.

2. Team management: As businesses grow, they often expand their teams. OBMs are responsible for managing teams (whether in-house or virtual) and ensuring smooth communication between members. They handle the day-to-day management of staff, delegating tasks, and resolving conflicts.

3. Systems and process optimisation: OBMs analyse existing workflows and implement systems and processes to improve efficiency. They ensure that the business runs smoothly by optimising processes, whether that involves automating certain tasks or streamlining communication and task management systems.

4. Strategy development: Unlike VAs, OBMs are more involved in the business’s long-term planning. They often work with business owners to develop strategies, manage key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensure that the business is moving towards its goals.

An OBM is typically needed by growing businesses that require more management oversight and strategic input. Their role is a mix of operational leadership and higher-level strategy implementation, ensuring that everything is in place for business growth and long-term success.

Online Business Consultant: The Expert Adviser

An Online Business Consultant provides specialised advice and expertise to help businesses scale, improve their operations, and solve specific challenges. Consultants often come into play when a business needs guidance on a particular area of their operations or strategy but doesn’t have the in-house expertise.

Key responsibilities of an Online Business Consultant include:

1. Strategic advice: Consultants analyse the business from a high-level perspective and provide expert advice on where improvements can be made. This could include advice on marketing, business models, sales funnels, or customer acquisition strategies.

2. Problem-solving: When a business faces a specific challenge—whether it’s slow growth, inefficient processes, or poor customer engagement—a consultant can step in with the expertise to identify the root cause and recommend solutions. Some consultants are also trained in mindset strategies and can offer techniques such as energy clearing to beat the mind monkeys that we all fall foul to sometimes.

3. Business growth and scaling: Consultants are often hired by businesses that are looking to grow. They bring their expertise to the table to help businesses expand, whether that’s through operational improvements, customer retention strategies, or an improved market analysis.

4. Training and development: Consultants can also play a key role in training teams or business owners; imparting knowledge that helps the business grow in a sustainable manner. They might train staff on new systems or tools, or provide guidance on leadership and management strategies.

Online Business Consultants are often sought after for their specialised knowledge and high-level insight. They are typically brought in for short-term projects or specific business challenges, providing targeted advice that can lead to significant improvements or growth.

How these roles work together:

Although each of these professionals has a unique role, they can also work together in harmony to help a business thrive. The key is to understand how each contributes to the overall success of the business and how their skills can complement one another.

1. VAs support day-to-day tasks, freeing up time for the business owner to focus on strategic initiatives. The OBM can use this extra time to manage projects, optimise processes, and implement strategies, which are informed by the expertise of the consultant.

2. OBMs and consultants collaborate on strategy. OBMs manage the implementation of strategies, while consultants provide the high-level advice and insight that drives these strategies. Together, they ensure that both the big picture and the small details align.

3. VAs support OBMs and consultants. As OBMs and consultants work on strategy and management, VAs handle the implementation of smaller, administrative tasks, allowing both to focus on their key roles.

Why each role is needed individually:

While collaboration is key, it’s important to note that each role also holds value individually. A small business might start by hiring a VA to manage day-to-day tasks before expanding to an OBM as the business grows. An OBM may eventually bring in a consultant for expert advice as the business reaches new stages of development.

Each role serves a distinct purpose, and a business can benefit greatly from having one or more of these professionals onboard, depending on its stage of growth. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up, the right combination of these roles can make all the difference in the success of your business.

The roles of a VA, OBM, and Online Business Consultant may seem similar on the surface, but each plays a distinct role in driving a business forward. Whether working together or individually, these professionals help business owners optimise operations, implement strategy, and solve challenges, ultimately contributing to the business’s growth and success. Understanding when and how to bring these experts into your business can make all the difference in achieving your business goals.

If you’re looking to streamline your operations, scale your business, or gain expert guidance to overcome challenges, the right support can make all the difference. Whether you need a skilled VA to take tasks off your plate, an OBM to manage and optimise your business operations, or a consultant to provide strategic direction, investing in the right expertise can help you work smarter, not harder.

If you're ready to take your business to the next level, let’s connect and discuss how the right support can transform the way you work. Reach out today and start building the team that will help your business thrive!