Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed in your own business? The to-do list is a mile long, your team (if you have one) is waiting for direction, and big, exciting projects are just sitting there because you have no bandwidth to lead them. You started this business for freedom, but now you are buried in work. If this sounds familiar, then you have stumbled upon the right article. Today, we are going to talk about a person and a concept that has been a game-changer for countless entrepreneurs: Nanette Mirkovich and the role of the Online Business Manager.
I remember when I first hit that wall in my own small business. I was the head of everything, from marketing and sales to customer service and product development. I had hired a virtual assistant, which helped with small tasks, but the weight of the big picture was still squarely on my shoulders. That is when I learned about the work of Nanette Mirkovich. It was not just about hiring more help; it was about hiring the right kind of help. Let me share with you what I discovered.
From Virtual Assistant to Industry Leader: The Nanette Mirkovich Story
So, who is Nanette Mirkovich? To put it simply, she is widely recognized as a pioneer and the leading expert in the field of Online Business Management. But her story did not start at the top. Like many of us, she began her journey in the online world as a Virtual Assistant (VA). She was great at her job, handling tasks for her clients with efficiency.
However, Nanette started to notice a recurring pattern. Her clients, who were talented coaches, course creators, and service providers, were brilliant at what they did but often struggled with the actual management of their businesses. They needed more than just task-oriented support. They needed someone who could see the forest for the trees, someone who could take their vision and translate it into an actionable plan, manage the team to execute it, and ensure the business operations ran smoothly. They needed a right-hand person who could think strategically.
Seeing this gap, Nanette naturally evolved from doing tasks to managing projects, leading teams, and overseeing operations. She was not just an assistant anymore; she was a manager. She realized this was a distinct and crucial role, and she named it the “Online Business Manager” or OBM. She did not stop there. She founded The OBM Agency to connect skilled OBMs with entrepreneurs who needed them, and she created training programs to help other VAs and organized professionals step into this high-impact, well-paid role.
In my opinion, this is what makes her contribution so significant. She did not just identify a problem; she built an entire ecosystem to solve it. She gave a name to a role that many businesses desperately needed but did not know how to ask for, and she created a pathway for talented individuals to build incredible careers.
Read Also: The Four Agreements: A Simple Guide to Personal Freedom
What Exactly is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?
An Online Business Manager is a senior-level professional who remotely manages the day-to-day operations, projects, and team members of an online business. Think of them as the integrator or the chief operating officer (COO) for a small to medium-sized business. While a VA is task-focused, an OBM is strategic and leadership-focused.
Let me give you a simple analogy. If your business were a ship, you would be the captain, setting the destination and the vision. A VA might be the crew member swabbing the deck or handling the sails as directed. An OBM, however, is your first mate. They take your destination, chart the course, coordinate the crew, ensure the ship is stocked and maintained, and navigate the day-to-day challenges to ensure you actually get where you want to go.
OBM vs. Virtual Assistant: Knowing the Crucial Difference
This is the most common point of confusion, and understanding it is critical.
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A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a “DOER.” They are excellent at executing specific, defined tasks. You might ask a VA to: “Please schedule these ten social media posts,” “Respond to these customer service emails using this template,” or “Format this blog post.” The key is that you are giving them a clear task with clear instructions. Their sphere of influence is the task itself.
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An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a “MANAGER.” They are responsible for outcomes and results. You would ask an OBM to: “Our goal is to increase our webinar sign-ups by 30% this quarter. Please manage that project, coordinate with the copywriter and the ads manager, and report back on the results.” The OBM then figures out the how. They create the project plan, delegate the tasks to the right team members (which could include your VA), track the progress, and troubleshoot any issues. Their sphere of influence is the project, the team, or even a whole department.
Trying to get a VA to do an OBM’s job will lead to frustration on both sides. Similarly, having an OBM do basic VA tasks is a poor use of their skills and your budget. They are both vital roles, but they serve very different purposes in the growth of a business.
The Core Services an OBM Provides
To make this even clearer, let us break down the three key areas where an Online Business Manager provides immense value.
Project Management: Keeping Everything on Track
Most entrepreneurs are full of ideas, but turning those ideas into reality is hard. This is where the OBM shines. They take your big ideas, like launching a new course, running a membership site, or automating your client onboarding process, and they break them down into manageable steps. They create the timeline, assign tasks, and ensure everything moves forward smoothly. They are the point person who makes sure the launch does not just live in your head; it actually happens, on time and without you having to micromanage every detail.
Team Management: Leading Your Remote Crew
As your business grows, you will likely hire specialists: a graphic designer, a copywriter, a video editor, a few VAs. Managing a team, especially a remote one, takes a significant amount of time and energy. An OBM acts as the team leader. They are the one who holds regular team meetings, clarifies priorities, ensures everyone has what they need to do their job, and handles any communication issues that arise. This frees you up from being the constant “go-to” person for every small question, allowing you to focus on high-level strategy.
Operations Management: Creating Business Harmony
This is all about the “engine” of your business. How do leads come in? How are they converted into clients? What does the client onboarding process look like? How do you deliver your services? An OBM looks at all these systems and processes. They find the bottlenecks, the inefficiencies, and the gaps. Then, they work to streamline and systemize everything. They might implement new software, create standard operating procedures (SOPs), or automate repetitive processes. The goal is to make your business run like a well-oiled machine, which reduces stress and creates a better experience for both you and your clients.
Why Would Your Business Need an Online Business Manager?
You might be wondering if your business is ready for an OBM. Based on what I have seen and experienced, here are the telltale signs that it might be time:
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You are stuck in the weeds: You are spending more time managing the business than actually doing the work you love and that generates revenue.
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You have a team, but you are still the bottleneck: Every decision, big or small, has to go through you. Your team is often waiting for your direction, which slows everything down.
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Projects are constantly delayed: Your big ideas never seem to get off the ground because you simply do not have the time to lead them.
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You feel overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout: The weight of responsibility for every part of the business is becoming too heavy.
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You are ready to scale: You have a successful business, but you know that to get to the next level, you need a strategic partner to help you manage the increased complexity.
Hiring an OBM is an investment, but it is an investment in your sanity, your business’s growth, and your ability to finally step back into the role of the visionary leader you were meant to be.
How Nanette Mirkovich is Shaping the OBM Industry
Through The OBM Agency, Nanette has created a reputable source for businesses to find pre-vetted, highly skilled Online Business Managers. This solves a huge problem for entrepreneurs who would not know where to begin looking for such a specific role.
Furthermore, through her training and certification programs, she has established a high standard for what it means to be an OBM. She is not just creating job opportunities; she is building a profession. Her work ensures that when a business hires someone calling themselves an OBM, there is a shared understanding of the skills, responsibilities, and strategic value that person should bring. This professionalism benefits everyone: the OBMs have clear career paths, and the entrepreneurs get reliable, high-quality support.
Conclusion: Is an OBM the Right Next Step for You?
The journey of Nanette Mirkovich from a VA to the founder of a thriving agency is a powerful testament to the importance of identifying a need and filling it with excellence. The role of the Online Business Manager is no longer a niche secret; it is a fundamental part of the modern online business ecosystem.
If you see your business in the challenges we have discussed, I encourage you to look deeper into the world of OBMs. Explore The OBM Agency, read the client success stories, and really consider what it would feel like to have a strategic partner who manages the operational chaos for you. It could be the key that unlocks the next chapter of growth and freedom in your entrepreneurial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to hire an Online Business Manager?
OBMs are typically more expensive than VAs due to their strategic, high-level role. Rates can vary based on experience and the scope of work, but they often range from several thousand to ten thousand dollars per month for a full-time equivalent commitment. Many work on retainer packages tailored to a business’s specific needs.
2. Can I hire an OBM part-time?
Yes, many OBMs work on a part-time basis, especially when first starting with a client. A business might hire an OBM for 10 or 20 hours a week to manage a key project or a specific department before scaling up to a full-time management role.
3. What should I look for when hiring an OBM?
Beyond the core skills of project, team, and operations management, look for someone who understands your vision and communicates in a way that resonates with you. They should be a proactive problem-solver, not just an order-taker. Experience in your industry is a plus, but a strong general management skillset is most important.
4. Do I still need a Virtual Assistant if I have an OBM?
Often, yes. The OBM manages the projects and the team, and the VA executes the specific tasks. In this structure, the OBM might delegate tasks to the VA, creating a powerful and efficient team structure that fully supports you.
5. Where can I find a certified OBM?
The OBM Agency founded by Nanette Mirkovich is a primary source. There are also independent OBMs who have been certified through her training programs or other similar courses. Looking for someone who has invested in formal OBM training is a good indicator of their professionalism.
