An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a strategic partner who works with business owners to manage day-to-day operations and implement systems for sustainable growth. Unlike a Virtual Assistant (VA), who is a "doer," an OBM is a "manager" who focuses on the big picture, team leadership, and strategy.

If you're looking to transition into this role, here's a handy checklist to get you started.

Part 1: Skill and Knowledge Checklist
An OBM needs a combination of strategic and operational skills. You may already have many of these from previous roles.

Foundational Skills
Leadership and Team Management: The ability to lead, delegate, and manage a team to ensure tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.

Project Management: Experience in planning, executing, and monitoring projects from start to finish. This includes setting deadlines, allocating resources, and communicating status updates.

Operations Management: A deep understanding of how to streamline and automate business processes, create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and optimize workflows.

Metrics Management: The ability to track and analyze key business statistics to make data-driven decisions and report on performance.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to manage teams, communicate with clients, and facilitate clear conversations.

Problem-Solving: The ability to proactively identify bottlenecks, anticipate challenges, and implement creative solutions.

Key Areas of Expertise
Launch Management: Experience in planning and overseeing a product, service, or event launch.

Financial Management: An understanding of basic financial concepts, budgeting, and tracking revenue streams.

Marketing and Strategy: While not a marketing expert, an OBM should understand marketing and sales funnels and be able to implement a marketing strategy.

Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with a range of business tools and platforms, such as project management software (Trello, Asana), communication tools (Slack), and email marketing platforms.

Part 2: Business Setup Checklist
This is where you turn your skills into a profitable service.

Your Business Foundation
Define Your Ideal Client and Niche: Who do you want to work with? What specific problems do you want to solve? This helps you market yourself effectively.

Set Your Services and Pricing: Decide what services you will offer and how you will charge (e.g., hourly, retainer, project-based). OBM rates are typically higher than a VA's, with certified OBMs charging from $65/hour and up.

Create Your Business Plan: Outline your goals, target market, and a plan for how you will get your first clients.

Set Up Your Business Infrastructure: This includes creating a business name, setting up a business bank account, and having a professional contract for your clients.

Your Marketing and Visibility
Create a Professional Website or Portfolio: A simple website or a portfolio page on a platform like LinkedIn can showcase your skills, services, and testimonials.

Build Your Professional Network: Join online communities and groups for business owners and other online service providers. Networking is often the best way to land your first clients.

Use Social Media Strategically: Create a professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, sharing valuable insights on business strategy and operations.

Offer a Strategy Session: A popular strategy is to offer a paid, one-time strategy session to a potential client. This allows you to demonstrate your value and can often lead to a long-term retainer client.

Part 3: Professional Development Checklist
An OBM is a lifelong learner. Continuously improving your skills is key to staying competitive.

Consider OBM Certification: While not a requirement, getting certified from a reputable program like the International Association of Online Business Managers (IAOBM) can give you credibility and provide a structured framework for your skills.

Invest in Yourself: Take courses or workshops in areas you want to strengthen, whether it's financial management, launch strategy, or a specific software.

Find a Mentor or Community: Connect with other OBMs to get advice, share experiences, and learn from their successes and failures.