Tips for Success When Getting Started with Your OBM

Running a small business can feel a lot like starring in your own show. One where you’re not just playing the leading role, you’re also adjusting the lighting, fixing the sound, and trying to keep everyone on script.

If you’re in that position now, consider an OBM (Online Business Manager). An OBM can step in like a calm, experienced director, working off camera to make sure everyone does their part, and your vision becomes reality. They’re not there to steal the spotlight, but to calm the chaos behind the scenes.

An OBM’s help can turn those “when I get to it” tasks into a smooth process, so your business can grow without losing time or compromising quality.

Let’s walk through what to expect when getting started with an OBM and our top tips for success.

To start, OBMs can work with you on short-term projects or longer term partnerships. You can expect work in 3 phases:

1. Listening (assessment and review)
2. Planning (strategy and metrics)
3. Implementing (execution and optimization) 

Phase 1: Listening and learning

This is the crucial phase where we assess and listen to help us understand the current process and what changes need to be made.

This can include:

• Understanding your long- and short-term goals
• Assessing the business process or project
• Identifying bottlenecks, gaps, or inefficiencies
• Reviewing current systems and tools
• Assessing capacity and growth needs

Phase 2: Aiming for success

As they say, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” This is where we take all we’ve learned and create a strategy to make it happen.

This can include:

• Defining what success looks like
• Setting performance metrics we want to measure
• Prioritizing tasks, projects or goals
• Creating a quarterly plan or roadmap
• Addressing any issues or bottlenecks

Phase 3: Making it real

This is where your film director (the OBM) yells “Action!”

This can include:

• Overseeing systems or workflows to free up your time
• Delegating or documenting the process
• Training team members (if needed)
• Making adjustments to improve performance

What will you see?

Once the system is up and running, you’ll gain the benefit of…

• Smoother workflows
• Less involvement in daily details
• Repeatable processes that help you scale
• Consistent reports measuring your progress
• More predictable workdays
• Fewer last-minute issues

RELATED: How an OBM Helps You Expand Your Business

What can you do to ensure a successful start?

To kick off a strong relationship with your OBM, consider these tips:

• Good communication is vital, especially in the first phase, which takes some time. Allow enough time for the OBM to get to know you and your business for a more successful outcome.
• Be clear about your goals and your vision for the project and business overall. This will ensure you’re both on the same page.
• Be willing to let go. Experienced OBMs are comfortable taking the lead on projects and overseeing others. This helps free up your time. Things might not be done the way you’re used to, but it’s all meant to get the best results.
• Talk to your OBM about expectations. OBMs might not be able to solve every issue on your plate right away. OBMs set priorities for a reason and will provide a realistic timeframe.

What will you need to get started?

Here are examples of information you can provide to help us, or your OBM, get started.

Business Basics

• Business overview (services/products, audience, goals)
• Current team roles and responsibilities
• Information on the project or issue you need help with
• Short-term and long-term goals for the project and the business overall

Tools, Software

• Project management tool access
• Shared drives or documentation
• CRM, ecommerce, or scheduling tools
• Communication tools (Slack, email, etc.)

Current Systems & Processes

• Existing Standard Operating Procedures or process docs (even notes)
• Onboarding workflow for new clients, new employees or both
• An overview of the sales process and customer experience

Reporting

• Any metrics or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) you track
• Recent performance reports (if available)
• What you’d like to improve and how

Expectations & Preferences

• Communication preferences
• Level of involvement you wish for

Even the most experienced actors rely on good directors to deliver their best work. When actors and directors are aligned, the process is smoother and the final performance is stronger. The same applies to leading your business with the help of an OBM.

Have any questions? Let us know below or contact us.