What does an Online Business Manager do? Introducing Jen Sands, your OBM & business cheer squad 🎉
A few years ago, my business naturally transitioned from a one-woman-band VA to an OBM leading a team of brilliant, talented VAs. And I know it can feel a bit confusing – everywhere you look, the advice is “Get a VA!” or “You need an Operations Manager!”… but if you’re not sure what each one actually does, how are you meant to know who you need?
Read on and if you’re still baffled, just book a call, you’ll know within a few minutes of meeting me if we can work well together.
What is an Online Business Manager?
Think of me as your business wing-woman – your partner in planning, organising, delegating, managing, improving and making sht happen*.
You launched your business to do what you love…
not to manage workflows, data, inbox chaos, and everyone else calling your name.
That’s where I step in 👇
An OBM oversees the day-to-day, leads your team (or helps build one), improves your systems, and supports you in making strategic decisions that move the business forward.
In short:
You focus on CEO brilliance; I handle the rest.
From VA to OBM
I launched my business during my daughter’s nap times (hello multitasking motherhood 💪). For four years, I worked as a Virtual Assistant – and I loved it. But over time, I found myself naturally:
📌 creating systems
📌 improving processes
📌 forecasting goals
📌 supporting launches
📌 leading teams
…which are all OBM responsibilities.
So I rebranded back in 2022! Not many people know what an OBM is and the difference they can make, so here’s my explanation.
What does an OBM actually do?
Here are just a few of the ways I help growing small businesses:
⭐ Team & project management
No more juggling freelancers, delegating tasks, or chasing people for updates.
I coordinate the work and solve issues before they reach you.
⭐ Systems & operations
CRM setups, process documentation, workflow improvements — productivity and organisation, but make it smooth.
⭐ Marketing strategy support
Funnels, launches, audience nurturing, reporting — so your marketing works smarter, not louder.
⭐ Accountability & big-picture growth
Regular review calls, goal-setting, identifying opportunities — keeping momentum and motivation on track.
⭐Creates space & supports all the way
You’re never alone with an OBM, someone is always there to message when you have a question. Working together gives you space, pass stuff over to free up brain space for you.
➡️ You get one point of contact, not 5 different people demanding your attention.
Signs you might be ready for an OBM
If any of these feel familiar… 
it’s time:
✅ You’re growing, but the backend is a hot mess
✅ You’re the bottleneck – everything waits for your approval
✅ You’re running out of hours in the day
✅ You have a team, but no one to manage them
✅ The business is scaling… but your sanity isn’t
In short:
If running your business feels like pushing water uphill…
I bring the bucket. 💁♀️
Real results: From overwhelm to direction
One client was this close to shutting down because:
❌ No systems
❌ Money coming in but cashflow tricky
❌ Inbox out of control
❌ No clear plan for growth
We tackled:
✨ Inbox management
✨ Finances organisation
✨ A CRM
✨ Email marketing setup
✨ Stronger online presence
✨ A strategy for the next launch
They’re now growing with confidence – and loving business again
OBM vs VA – What’s the Difference?
I loved being a VA. It’s a bit like working in a pub – you start at the pot wash, then waitress, then one day you’re running the whole place. And honestly? It’s invaluable to know every role inside out.
As I naturally stepped into my OBM role, I built an incredible team of VAs who now keep all the doings… doing. 😉 And it works beautifully.
You get the best of both worlds: focused 1:1 time with me to plan, prioritise and tackle challenges head-on, plus a clear strategy that gives you total clarity on what you’re doing and what we’re handling behind the scenes. There’s a calm confidence in knowing everything is moving forward – without the stress sitting on your shoulders.
While you lead your business and look to the future, my team and I are busy making things happen smoothly, efficiently and with a whole lot of joy.
It’s flow. It’s fun. And it gives you room to breathe again.
|
Virtual Assistant (VA) |
Online Business Manager (OBM) |
|
Supports tasks |
Leads operations |
|
Works in the business |
Works on the business |
|
Takes instruction |
Creates the plan |
|
Several clients per month |
Few clients, deeper support |
And lucky me — I have an amazing team of skilled VAs behind me to support delivery ✨
Ready to feel supported in your business again?
I’m here to bring structure, calm, confidence… and a sprinkling of jazz 💃
Left-handed, problem-solving, cheer-squad energy included for free 😉
Let’s make running your business feel good again.
➜ Book a free intro call
➜ Or slide into my DMs – I’m friendly, promise!
Testimonial ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Jen is fantastic to work with! Highly efficient, flexible and always tailoring her approach… I really appreciate her no-fuss, clear and focused style.”
— Ricky Cheema
Final word (plus a plant update 🌱)
Speaking of improvements – I’m writing this from my home office.
My clever husband built my desk from scratch (legend), and yes – plants everywhere.
The star? Keith the Leaf. He’s thriving.
Much like your business could be 😉
One Response
Absolutely! Handling logistics, customer expectations, and digital marketing can be overwhelming. But the freedom it offers is priceless!