Choosing the Right Support for Your Growing Business: VA or OBM or EA?

As an entrepreneur, you’ve likely experienced the overwhelming juggle of tasks that come with running a business. From managing your inbox to strategic planning, the to-do list seems never-ending. But what if I told you there’s a way to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters in your business? The secret lies in understanding and leveraging the right kind of support for your specific needs: do you need a VA or OBM or EA?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of business support roles, specifically comparing Virtual Assistants (VAs), Online Business Managers (OBMs), and Executive Assistants (EAs). By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which role might be the perfect fit for your business at its current stage.

The Entrepreneurial Overwhelm: A Common Story

Let me paint a picture that might feel all too familiar. You started your business because you’re passionate about helping people – maybe you’re a health coach, a marketing guru, or a creative professional. You love what you do, but suddenly you find yourself drowning in administrative tasks, struggling to keep up with client work, and feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is a common scenario I see with many of my clients, and it’s often the first sign that it’s time to bring in some support.

Understanding the Different Support Roles: VA or OBM or EA

Before we dive into the specifics of each role, let’s get a bird’s eye view of what each of these support professionals brings to the table.

Virtual Assistant (VA)

A VA is typically your first line of defense against the overwhelm of day-to-day tasks. They’re remote professionals who can handle a variety of administrative, technical, or creative tasks, depending on their specialization.

Online Business Manager (OBM)

An OBM is like the conductor of your business orchestra. They take a more high-level approach, managing your business operations, overseeing team members, and implementing systems and processes.

Executive Assistant (EA)

An EA is your right-hand person, providing comprehensive support directly to you as the business owner. They often handle complex schedules, communications, and even personal tasks.

Now, let’s break down each role in more detail.

Virtual Assistant: Your Task-Tackling Sidekick

What Does a VA Do?

A VA’s primary role is to take routine, repetitive tasks off your plate. This could include:

• Managing emails and calendars (at a basic level)
• Handling customer service requests
• Data entry and basic bookkeeping
• Managing social media posts (execution, not strategy)
• Making travel arrangements
• General administrative tasks

Signs You Might Need a VA

• You’re spending too much time on routine, repetitive tasks
• Your inbox is overwhelming and unmanageable
• You’re missing deadlines and assignments
• You find yourself doing a lot of administrative work that doesn’t require your expertise
• You’re working long hours but not making progress on important projects

Benefits of Hiring a VA

1. Cost-effective support for specific tasks
2. Frees up your time for core business activities
3. Increases overall productivity
4. Allows access to specialized skills without full-time commitment
5. Helps maintain work-life balance

Potential Drawbacks

• May require time for training and onboarding
• Limited availability if they have multiple clients
• May not have in-depth knowledge of your specific business or niche
• May need more detailed instructions and management

Real-World Example

I once worked with a client, Sarah, who runs a successful health coaching business. She was spending hours each week scheduling client appointments and sending follow-up emails. By hiring a VA to handle these tasks, Sarah freed up nearly 10 hours a week – time she now uses to develop new coaching programs and grow her business.

Online Business Manager: Your Operational Maestro

What Does an OBM Do?

An OBM takes on a more managerial role in your business. Their responsibilities often include:

• Project management and team oversight
• Implementing business systems and processes
• Managing launches and marketing campaigns
• Tracking and analyzing business metrics
• Vendor management
• Strategic planning and execution

Signs You Might Need an OBM

• Your business is growing, but you’re struggling to keep up with operations
• You’re spending more time managing your team than working with clients
• Your systems and processes are inefficient or non-existent
• You need someone to implement your vision and manage projects
• You’re ready to scale but don’t have the bandwidth to manage growth

Benefits of Hiring an OBM

1. Allows you to focus on high-level strategy
2. Improves overall efficiency and productivity
3. Provides a strategic partner in business operations
4. Helps scale your business more effectively
5. Brings professional management skills to the business
6. Coordinates all other contractors or team members

Potential Drawbacks

• More expensive than a VA
• Requires your business to be more complex to be cost-effective
• Could lead to reduced control over day-to-day operations
• Finding the right fit in terms of personality and management style can be challenging

Real-World Example

One of my clients, Michael, runs a digital marketing agency. As his business grew, he found himself overwhelmed with managing his team of freelancers and keeping projects on track. By hiring an OBM, Michael was able to step back from the day-to-day management and focus on building client relationships and developing new service offerings. Within six months, his business revenue increased by 30%.

Executive Assistant: Your High-Level Support System

What Does an EA Do?

An EA provides comprehensive, high-level support, often handling:

• Complex schedule management
• High-level communications
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Attending meetings and taking notes
• Handling confidential information
• Acting as a liaison between executives or clients
• Managing personal tasks for the business owner

Signs You Might Need an EA

• You’re at a high level of business and need dedicated, comprehensive support
• You need someone to manage complex schedules and communications
• You require a high level of confidentiality and trust
• You’re looking for someone who can anticipate your needs and act as your right hand

Benefits of Hiring an EA

1. Highly experienced and specialized support
2. Allows you to focus on high-level, strategic activities
3. Provides personalized assistance in both business and personal matters
4. Enhances your professional image and efficiency

Potential Drawbacks

• Typically the most expensive option
• Can be difficult to find someone you trust with confidential information
• May lead to over-reliance, making it challenging to function without them
• Potential for role ambiguity if expectations aren’t clearly defined

Real-World Example

I once worked with a client, Emma, who runs a successful author coaching business and does frequent speaking engagements. She was struggling to balance her writing, coaching, and travel schedule. By hiring an EA, Emma was able to offload the complex task of coordinating her commitments. Her EA now manages her calendar, handles travel arrangements, and even helps with personal tasks like gift shopping. This has allowed Emma to increase her speaking engagements by 50% while still maintaining time for writing and coaching.

How to Choose the Right Support for Your Business: VA or OBM or EA

Choosing the right support role depends on several factors:

1. Stage of Your Business: If you’re just starting out, a VA is probably your best first hire. As you grow and have multiple team members or contractors, an OBM might be more appropriate. If you’re well-established and need high-level personal support, an EA could be the right choice.
2. Specific Needs: Assess what tasks you need help with most. If it’s routine administrative work, a VA is perfect. If you need help with overall strategy and team management, an OBM is ideal. If you need someone to manage your personal and professional life seamlessly, an EA is the way to go.
3. Budget: VAs are typically the most cost-effective, followed by OBMs, with EAs often being the most expensive due to their high-level skills and experience.
4. Growth Plans: If you’re looking to scale rapidly, an OBM can be invaluable in helping you build and manage the systems needed for growth.

Your Action Item: Assessing Your Support Needs

To help you determine if you need a VA or OBM or EA, try this exercise:

1. List all the tasks you do in a typical week.
2. Categorize these tasks into three groups:
   • Tasks only you can do
   • Tasks that require your business knowledge but could be delegated
   • Routine tasks that don’t require your specific expertise
3. Look at the second and third categories. If they’re mostly routine tasks, a VA might be your best bet. If they involve a lot of management and strategy, consider an OBM. If they’re a mix of high-level business and personal tasks, an EA might be the right fit.

Remember, as your business grows, your needs may change. It’s not uncommon for a business owner to start with a VA, then add an OBM as they scale, and eventually bring on an EA for more personalized support.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Business Growth with a VA or OBM or EA

Bringing on the right support can be a game-changer for your business. It’s not just about delegating tasks – it’s about creating space for you to step into your role as the visionary leader of your company. Whether you choose a VA, OBM, or EA (or a combination as you grow), the right support will help you reclaim your time, increase your productivity, and ultimately, grow your business more effectively.

Remember, the goal is to work smarter, not harder. By understanding these different support roles and choosing the right fit for your current needs, you’re setting yourself and your business up for sustainable success.

Ready to take the next step in streamlining your business operations? Download my free guide, “Seven Days to Streamline Your Business,” at laurenglynn.com/resources. This guide will help you identify areas where you can improve efficiency and determine which tasks you might be ready to delegate.

Your business deserves the support it needs to thrive. What step will you take today to make that happen?

Other Notes From This Episode

• Connect with Lauren @laurengconsulting on Threads and on Instagram.
• Watch this episode and other exclusive content from Lauren Glynn Consulting on YouTube.

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