As an entrepreneur, you’ve worked hard to build your business from the ground up. You’ve seen the long nights, the endless brainstorming sessions, and the constant juggling of tasks. You’ve celebrated the milestone of reaching six figures and now your online business is multiplying. With this success comes a new set of challenges. How do you effectively manage a team, delegate tasks, and still have time for strategic planning and business development?
The answer may be simpler than you think: hire an Online Business Manager (OBM). An OBM is responsible for managing your team, systems, and strategy, allowing you to focus on the parts of your business that you love and do best. But how do you know when it’s the right time to hire an OBM? Here are five signs that you are ready to bring an OBM on board.
Reminder, these signs are not failings on your part. They are indicators of growth and evolution in your business. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward taking your online business to the next level.
You’ve Become a Bottleneck in Your Company
Understanding the Bottleneck
As your business grows, it’s natural to want to retain control. After all, it was your vision and hard work that got you this far. However, being overly involved in every detail can unintentionally hinder your company’s growth. You may find yourself overwhelmed with tasks, leaving your team waiting for decisions or directions from you before they can proceed. This is what it means to become a bottleneck in your own company.
Signs of a Bottleneck
You might be a bottleneck if your inbox is constantly overflowing with questions from your team, or if projects are frequently delayed because they require your input. You may also notice that you’re spending more time on daily operations than on strategic planning. This is a clear sign that you need an OBM to take over the day-to-day management of your business, freeing up your time for more high-level tasks.
The OBM Solution
An OBM can help you break free from the bottleneck by managing your team, handling operational tasks, and ensuring that projects are completed on time. They can also create systems and processes to streamline communication, so you’re not constantly bombarded with questions. With an OBM in place, you can focus on the big picture and drive your business forward.
You’re Still Doing Tasks a Team Member Could be Doing
Recognizing the Issue
As a business owner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing tasks because you’ve always done them, not because they’re the best use of your time. However, if you’re spending your time on tasks that could be delegated to a team member, you’re not using your time effectively.
Signs of the Issue
If you find yourself constantly working on administrative tasks, replying to emails, or handling customer service issues, it might be time to reassess. These tasks, while important, can often be handled by a team member, freeing up your time for more strategic activities.
The OBM Solution
An OBM can help by taking on these tasks or delegating them to the appropriate team member. They can also create a clear delegation plan to ensure that tasks are allocated effectively and efficiently. This allows you to focus on activities that add the most value to your business, such as strategic planning and business development.
You’re Hosting Long Weekly Meetings
Understanding the Issue
Meetings are essential for team communication and collaboration. However, excessively long meetings can drain productivity and leave less time for actual work. If you’re spending hours each week in meetings, it’s time to reconsider your approach.
Signs of the Issue
You might have a meeting issue if your weekly team meetings regularly run over time, or if you find yourself talking more about work than actually doing it. You may also notice that these lengthy meetings leave you and your team feeling drained and unproductive.
The OBM Solution
Because your OBM checks in regularly throughout the week overseeing your team member’s projects he/she can help streamline your meetings by setting clear agendas, keeping discussions on track, and ensuring that action items are assigned, followed up on and your team is held accountable. Hosting bi-weekly check-in meetings with a brief report from each team member on the projects they’re working on will help keep the momentum moving forward without wasting unnecessary time. This will make your meetings more efficient and productive, allowing you and your team to spend more time on meaningful work. Your OBM will be the go-to person for team members for questions. Your OBM will come to you with the questions versus multiple team members bombarding your email, Voxer, WhatsApp, etc.
You’re Having to Motivate Your Team
Understanding the Issue
While it’s important to inspire and motivate your team, it shouldn’t be your full-time job. If you’re constantly having to motivate your team, it might be a sign that they’re not clear on their roles, responsibilities, and the company’s vision, or they are feeling a disconnect with your company and other team members.
Signs of the Issue
If you’re frequently having to push your team to meet deadlines, or if you’re constantly reminding them of the company’s goals, it might be time to consider an OBM. You may also notice a lack of initiative or enthusiasm among your team members.
The OBM Solution
An OBM can help by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, setting performance expectations, and ensuring that everyone understands the company’s vision and goals. They can also help create a positive and productive work environment that naturally motivates your team.
You Don’t Have Any Systems, Processes, or SOPs in Place
Understanding the Issue
Systems, processes, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are vital for a smoothly running business. They provide clarity, consistency, and efficiency, and ensure your business can run effectively even in your absence. If you don’t have these in place, your business is likely running less efficiently than it could be.
Signs of the Issue
You may need to consider an OBM if tasks are frequently dropped or delayed, if there’s confusion or miscommunication among your team, or if you’re constantly having to step in to resolve issues. This lack of systems and processes can lead to inefficiency, frustration, and even burnout. Another sign is you have multiple documents, files, graphics, course material, etc. scattered in different places versus neat folders such as in your company’s Google Drive.
The OBM Solution
An OBM can help by developing systems, processes, and SOPs tailored to your business. They can streamline operations, improve communication, and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. This not only improves productivity, but also creates a stronger, more resilient business.
Recognizing these signs and bringing an OBM onboard can be a game-changer for your business. An OBM can free up your time, streamline your operations, and help you build a stronger, more resilient business. So if these signs resonate with you, it may be time to consider hiring an OBM. Remember, it’s not about losing control of your business, it’s about gaining the freedom to focus on what you do best and love most. If you are ready to hire an OBM reach out and I’ll get back with you on my availability and what our first 90 days working together would look like.
P.S. I’m plugged into a database off wonderful OBM’s. If I’m booked I’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.
