VA or OBM? Here’s How to Know Which One You Actually Need

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Hire a VA to take things off your plate.”
Sounds simple enough... until the tasks keep piling up, systems still feel like chaos, and you’re managing your VA instead of getting your time back.

At some point, every online business owner asks the question:

“Do I need a Virtual Assistant or an Online Business Manager?”

It’s not just a matter of hiring help, it’s about hiring the right kind of help based on where your business is now… and where you want it to go.

Let’s break it down in real-world terms, so you can make the best choice for your sanity, your systems, and your growth.

What’s the Difference Between a VA and an OBM?

Here’s the simplest way to say it:

• A VA (Virtual Assistant) supports your business by doing specific tasks.
  
• An OBM (Online Business Manager) supports your business by building and managing the systems those tasks live inside.
  

Think of a VA as your implementer: they take action on what you assign.

An OBM is your architect and strategist: they make sure the entire structure is functional, sustainable, and scalable.

Let’s Talk Scope

A Virtual Assistant might:

• Schedule and publish your Instagram posts
  
• Format and send your weekly newsletter
  
• Upload blog content to your website
  
• Answer customer service emails
  
• Take on admin tasks as assigned
  

These are all valuable tasks, but the VA executes based on what you direct.

An Online Business Manager, on the other hand, might:

• Build a content marketing system that auto-syncs your blog, Pinterest, and email list
  
• Audit and clean up your entire onboarding workflow
  
• Set up an Airtable project dashboard integrated with Make.com automations
  
• Oversee team communication systems so everyone knows what to do and when
  
• Manage the team (including VAs) and ensure execution aligns with business goals
  

They’re not just helping you “get things done.” They’re helping you build something that runs without your constant involvement.

So... Which One Do You Actually Need?

The short answer: it depends on your current level of overwhelm and the kind of support you need most.

Here’s how to tell:

Client Case Study: What Mike Thought He Needed vs. What Actually Helped

My client, Mike, originally reached out asking for SEO blog writing. He wanted more traffic and visibility and figured fresh posts would get the job done.

But when we got on a consult call, it became clear that ranking on Google in today’s AI-driven world requires more than keywords.

He didn’t just need longer blogs, he needed a system that aligned content, SEO, and visibility across platforms.

Instead of rewriting a few posts and calling it done, we designed an integrated system:

• Updated his blogs with strategy
  
• Built social repurposing workflows for Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
  
• Connected his Airtable content tracker with Make.com automations
  

Now, one blog update triggers three platforms, three different audiences, and a visibility snowball effect: all without him managing it manually.

That’s the power of hiring someone to build the structure, not just complete the task.

"But OBMs Are Just for Big Teams, Right?"

Nope. That’s a common misconception, and I hear it all the time.

The truth is: OBMs are most valuable for small businesses in growth mode.

I specialize in helping solo business owners, service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who:

• Feel maxed out with client work
  
• Keep hiring help but still feel like they’re doing it all
  
• Want sustainable growth, not more chaos
  

I don’t need to “do everything” to be valuable as an OBM; I need to help you build systems that fit your life and make your business easier to run.

Some clients want automation. Others want systems that are more manual but structured. OBMs are flexible, strategic, and focused on the big picture, not just task checkboxes.

Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself:

• Do I want to just take tasks off my plate, or do I want a business that runs smoother long-term?
  
• Do I need execution, or direction and execution?
  
• Am I stuck in the weeds, or do I need help pulling up to 30,000 feet?
  

If you’re feeling stuck and spread too thin, it might be time to go beyond a VA and get a system strategist in your corner.

What It Looks Like to Work With Me as Your OBM

Working with me means we don’t slap a band-aid on your business and call it good.

We’ll map out your backend, identify the pressure points, and build a system that aligns with how you actually work.

You get:
✅ Strategic consulting on what’s worth your time

✅ Custom systems designed in platforms you already use (Google Drive, Canva, Airtable, etc.)

✅ Automations if you want them, manual workflows if you prefer

✅ Real-time Slack access and documentation so you stay in control, without having to do it all

✅ Someone monitoring every step of input to make sure the system runs exactly as it should and updating any AI inputs to add that human-approach that makes businesses stand out.

Final Thought: Task Doers Are Great, But System Builders Change Everything

There’s no shame in hiring a VA. In fact, they’re essential. I help manage VA's for clients all the time.

But when your tasks keep multiplying and your capacity keeps shrinking… it’s time to zoom out.

An OBM doesn’t just help you get things done. They help you make sure everything connects, and works for you instead of against you.

Ready to step into your CEO role (and out of the weeds)?

Let’s set up your business systems the smart way.
Book a free 15-minute OBM consultation with me to talk through your backend, your bottlenecks, and your next best step.

Book Your Free Consult Here