Online Business Manager vs Virtual Assistant: How to Choose the Right Support for Your Growing Business

Thinking about hiring a virtual assistant or online business manager, but not sure which one is right for your business? You’re not alone. A lot of business owners reach that tipping point where they can’t do it all anymore — but they’re unsure who to bring on first.

Let’s break down the difference between an Online Business Manager (OBM) and a Virtual Assistant (VA), when to hire each, and how to know what’s right for you.

What Does an Online Business Manager Do?

An Online Business Manger (OBM) is exactly what it sounds like - a manager. They help you manage the operations, systems, and team that keep your business running.

Here’s what an OBM might do:

• Set up and organize the backend of your business

• Create workflows and systems so things run smoother

• Manage your team so you’re not stuck in Slack all day

• Oversee launches, making sure everything gets done on time

• Track projects and hold people accountable

• Help you plan strategically for growth
  

Think of your OBM like a project manager, systems expert, and team wrangler all rolled into one. They’re the go-to person between you and the rest of your team. They’re not doing the actual tasks, they’re making sure those tasks get done (and done well).

If you feel like you're constantly in the weeds, trying to manage everything yourself, an OBM can help you step back into your role as the CEO. For a more in depth look at the different ways an OBM could help your growing business, check out THIS blog post.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

A Virtual Assistant, or VA, is your go-to for getting stuff done. They provide essential support by handling the day-to-day tasks that keep a business organized and functioning.

Their role is typically execution-based, helping business owners stay on top of their workload and freeing up time for higher-level priorities. VA's focus on implementation, managing things like email, scheduling, client communication, social media, data entry, and other administrative tasks.

Unlike an OBM, a VA is not usually responsible for creating or managing strategy. Instead, they’re the doers, jumping in to carry out the work that’s already been planned.

A great VA is detail-oriented, responsive, and reliable, offering invaluable support so the business owner can stay focused on growth and vision. There are many different types of VAs, and they often specialize in a certain area. Some examples:

• Admin VA: Handles inbox management, scheduling, data entry, and other back-office tasks.

• Tech VA: Sets up email automations, integrates tools, updates your website.

• Marketing VA: Schedules social media posts, formats blog content, assists with launches.

• Customer Support VA: Answers client emails, monitors your DMs, helps with onboarding.
  

VAs are task-focused. You tell them what needs to be done, and they do it. They’re great when you need more hands to keep the business running day-to-day.

Should You Hire a Virtual Assistant or an Online Business Manager?

Here’s the simplest way to look at it:

• Hire a VA if you know what needs to be done and just need help doing it.

• Hire an OBM if you want someone to figure out what needs to be done, create the plan, and make sure it all happens.
  

If you're still not sure, here are a few examples:

• You spend most of your time answering emails, uploading content, and setting up tech stuff ➡️VA.
  

• You’re managing 3 contractors, running multiple offers, and every launch feels chaotic ➡️OBM.
  

• You know how to do everything in your business, but you're running out of hours ➡️ VA.
  

• You have no idea what’s working behind the scenes, and your systems are a mess ➡️ OBM.

How Do You Know When You're Ready for an OBM?

You don’t need to be making millions to hire an OBM. In fact, bringing one in before you scale too far can save you time, money, and stress.

You might be ready for this kind of support if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to manage your team, or if your systems and SOPs are either outdated or non-existent. Maybe you’re constantly behind on launches or promotions, or things only get done if you personally follow up on every single task.

If you’re spending so much time working in the business that you never have time to work on it, that’s a clear sign it’s time to bring in someone who can help you lead, delegate, and streamline so you can finally step into your role as CEO.

Can You Hire Both?

Absolutely. And a lot of business owners do.

A solid team might look like this:

• You (CEO): Focus on strategy, relationships, and revenue-generating tasks.

• OBM: Manages the big picture — operations, team, systems, launches.

• VAs: Execute the day-to-day tasks — customer service, scheduling, tech setup, etc.

An OBM works closely with your VAs and helps make sure everyone stays in their lane. That way, you’re not micromanaging or constantly delegating.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Cost vs. an Online Business Manager?

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Virtual Assistants usually charge $25–$60/hour, depending on their skills and experience. Some offer monthly packages based on hours or deliverables.

• Online Business Managers usually work on monthly retainers starting around $1,500–$3,500/month. Rates go up based on the size of your business and what they’re managing.
  

It’s a bigger investment, but you’re also getting someone who can take real ownership over your business operations.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

No matter who you’re hiring, you want to make sure it’s a good fit. Here are some questions to ask on your discovery call:

If you’re hiring a VA:

• What types of tasks do you specialize in?

• How do you prefer to receive instructions?

• Do you work on a schedule or by deadlines?

• What tools are you comfortable with?
  

If you’re hiring an OBM:

• What kind of businesses have you worked with?

• How do you approach team and project management?

• Can you help clean up existing systems?

• How do you report progress and keep things on track?
  

And for either role, don’t be afraid to ask about communication, availability, and how they handle challenges. You want to know they can step in and make your life easier — not more complicated.

Final Thoughts

Hiring help can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. But the truth is, if your business is growing, you can’t keep doing it all yourself.

A VA helps you get tasks done. An OBM helps your business run better.

If you’re stuck trying to figure out what you need, here’s the short version:

• Start with a VA if you know what needs to get done but don’t have time to do it.

• Bring in an OBM when you need a partner to help manage, plan, and grow the business with you.
  

Need help figuring out what kind of support your business needs right now? I’d love to chat. You can fill out my contact form here and I’ll be in touch soon!