Why Every Virtual Organisation Needs Virtual Assistants and OBMs
As the business world becomes increasingly digital, more companies are embracing the flexibility and efficiency of virtual operations. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or running a fast-growing startup, having the right team members is crucial for maintaining smooth day-to-day operations. While technology plays a huge role in virtual businesses, one of the most valuable assets you can have is human support, and that's where Virtual Assistants (VAs) and Online Business Managers (OBMs) come in.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why VAs and OBMs are vital to any virtual organisation and how they help streamline operations, save time, and ensure that businesses are ready to scale successfully.
1. What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
Virtual Assistants (VAs) are remote professionals who provide administrative support to businesses, saving owners and teams valuable time. From managing emails and calendars to handling customer inquiries and social media, VAs are the backbone of many businesses, especially in the virtual space. The best part? They’re flexible and cost-effective, making them ideal for small businesses or entrepreneurs who need support but don’t want to commit to hiring a full-time employee.
Common tasks handled by VAs:
Email and calendar management
Customer service and support
Data entry and database management
Social media management
Content creation and blog posting
Travel arrangements and appointment scheduling
2. What is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?
An OBM takes things a step further. Unlike a VA, who focuses on administrative tasks, an OBM is more of a project manager and strategist. An OBM oversees the day-to-day operations of a business, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage teams, projects, and systems, and they help implement business strategies that align with the company's goals.
Common tasks handled by OBMs:
Project management and team coordination
Strategic planning and business growth
Systems and process optimisation
Reporting and performance analysis
Managing virtual teams and contractors
Overseeing client communications and relationships
3. How VAs and OBMs Work Together to Power Virtual Organisations
When VAs and OBMs work in tandem, they can support every aspect of a virtual organisation's needs. While the VA takes care of the more tactical, operational tasks, the OBM focuses on the bigger picture, ensuring that the business is working toward its long-term goals.
Here’s how their roles complement each other:
Delegation of Tasks: The OBM creates a strategy for business operations and assigns tasks to the VA, ensuring that all the details are handled. The VA can then focus on execution while the OBM manages the workflow.
Streamlining Processes: While the VA handles routine administrative tasks, the OBM focuses on optimising business processes and improving efficiency. Together, they ensure that the organisation functions like a well-oiled machine.
Time Management and Prioritisation: The OBM helps to ensure that business priorities are clear, and the VA is utilised to meet those priorities, preventing the organisation from being overwhelmed by day-to-day operations.
4. Why Virtual Organisations Can't Thrive Without Them
Virtual businesses are often run by a small core team, and with remote teams being spread across different locations, staying organised and on track can be a challenge. This is where VAs and OBMs come in, ensuring that every part of the business works together in harmony.
Here are some key reasons why VAs and OBMs are indispensable:
Improved Efficiency and Productivity: By delegating tasks to a VA, business owners can focus on high-priority tasks such as strategy, sales, and growth. Meanwhile, OBMs ensure that the team stays on track and that workflows are smooth and streamlined. Together, they create a highly productive work environment, where every minute spent is focused on activities that push the business forward.
Cost-Effective Business Support: Hiring full-time employees can be expensive, especially for small businesses or startups. VAs and OBMs, however, offer flexible, cost-effective solutions. You only pay for the hours you need, and you get the benefits of having a skilled professional without the overhead costs of full-time staff.
Scalability Without Overhead Costs: As your business grows, so do your needs. Hiring VAs and OBMs allows you to scale without the burden of hiring multiple full-time staff members. You can easily increase your VA’s hours or hire additional VAs as your business expands, while your OBM can help plan and oversee the transition to new projects and systems.
Expertise You Can Rely On: Virtual assistants and OBMs bring specialised skills to the table. VAs are experts at handling administrative tasks, while OBMs are seasoned at managing operations, leading teams, and executing business strategies. Their expertise ensures that business functions are carried out efficiently and to a high standard.
5. How to Leverage VAs and OBMs for Business Success
To fully reap the benefits of VAs and OBMs, it’s important to understand how to integrate them into your business processes effectively. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your VAs and OBMs:
a. Communicate Your Goals Clearly: Ensure your VAs and OBMs understand your vision and business goals. This will help them prioritise tasks and develop strategies that align with your objectives.
b. Use the Right Tools: Take advantage of online collaboration and project management tools, such as Trello, Asana, or Slack, to keep everyone on the same page. This will improve communication and efficiency across your virtual team.
c. Delegate Wisely: Assign tasks to your VA that are repeatable and administrative in nature. For your OBM, focus on strategic tasks such as overseeing projects, refining systems, and ensuring that the team works toward business growth.
d. Build a Strong Working Relationship: Your VA and OBM are not just contractors – they are essential team members. Invest time in building a solid working relationship with them so that they become integral parts of your business.
6. Conclusion: The Perfect Pair for Virtual Organisations
Every virtual organisation needs support to succeed. Virtual Assistants and Online Business Managers provide businesses with the flexibility, expertise, and efficiency required to grow without the overhead costs of full-time employees. Whether you need help with administrative tasks, managing projects, or implementing long-term business strategies, VAs and OBMs are the key to smooth, successful operations.
At Tegemea, we specialise in connecting businesses with experienced VAs and OBMs who can help you optimise your operations, save time, and achieve your goals. Ready to scale your virtual business? Reach out to us today to learn how our skilled VAs and OBMs can support your growth.
Ready to streamline your operations? Let our expert VAs and OBMs take your business to the next level. Get in touch with Tegemea today and discover how we can help you grow your virtual organisation with expert support.