Why the Online Business Manager (OBM) Role Is Exploding in the Age of AI

There are two major forces that are impacting today’s online business landscape, and creating a unique mix of challenge and opportunity for small businesses.

1. Economic Pressure

We are no longer in the ‘heyday’ of the Covid Era, which for many online businesses was a boon of fast growth and higher revenues. Launches felt easier and folks - flush with cash from incentives and their own higher earning ability - were quick to say yes and purchase at all levels of pricing.

In today's world of rising inflation, global market instability, and shifting consumer behaviors, many businesses are under pressure to do more with less. Things that "used to come easier" are no longer working the same. This is requiring a stronger business acumen to navigate these challenges and business owners are hungry for support to do so.

2. The AI Revolution

What began as curiosity about AI tools has rapidly evolved into a business imperative. In just a few years, the role of AI has shifted from the experimental “let's play and see what it can do” stage to becoming a necessity. Companies that embrace AI thoughtfully are gaining significant competitive advantages in speed, efficiency, and decision-making.

And yet, the world of AI can be confusing and overwhelming for small business owners, particularly those who don’t consider themselves “techy”, don’t have the time or the inclination to dive deep into AI or the team to support them in doing so. It can be easy to feel like they are being left behind and not sure what to do about it.

As AI transforms how work is executed, human leadership, oversight, and strategic thinking become even more valuable.

As great as it can be, AI cannot:

Lead a team
Make judgment calls
Navigate emotionally charged situations
Prioritize what matters
Turn ideas into executable plans
Understand nuance or context

But an OBM can.

This is why OBMs have become more essential—not less.

Why Small Businesses Need OBMs Now More Than Ever

A typical 6–7 figure online business runs with a tiny team—often the founder and a few part-time contractors. Yet they must somehow cover:

Sales * Marketing * Service Delivery * Finance * HR *
Operations * Project Management * Tech * Planning

In larger companies, these are full departments. In small businesses, they fall onto a handful of people—leading to bottlenecks, burnout and chaos.

AI can help, but it cannot fix structural issues, drive accountability, or guide humans.

This is where a Certified OBM becomes indispensable as a strategic partner who brings order to complexity, calm to chaos and momentum to growth

The Certified OBM® Learning Journey

The program blends structured modules, hands-on projects and live support to help you build the confidence, competence and strategic mindset of an AI Empowered OBM.

Every module builds on the last, guiding you through:

Understanding the online business landscape
Developing the leadership competencies of an OBM
Mastering AI-supported systems and automation
Planning at a strategic level
Leading teams
Managing performance
Onboarding new clients
Building your Certified OBM business

Here’s an overview of what you will learn in the Certified OBM® Training (Click here to download a comprehensive syllabus)

MODULE 1: Online Business Models & Trends

See the online world differently. Understand the shifts. Step into the future of operational leadership.

Module 1 reframes how you see the online business world. The digital landscape has changed rapidly, and as we enter 2026 and beyond, businesses are scaling faster, operating leaner and relying heavily on AI-supported systems. This module shows you what those shifts mean—and where YOU fit as a modern OBM.

You’ll explore evolving business models, emerging trends, and the growing demand for strategic operational leadership. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by change, you’ll begin to recognize opportunity: leadership gaps, strategic partnership roles, and new ways OBMs support founders navigating an increasingly complex environment.

MODULE 2: Mastering OBM Leadership

Lead the future. Think strategically. Harness AI with confidence.

Module 2 is where you move beyond traditional operations and step into the modern OBM role—one that blends strategy, leadership and intelligent use of AI. As businesses shift quickly and founders rely on smarter systems, OBMs are becoming trusted partners who think ahead, lead through change and support growth with a modern strategic lens.

In this module, you’ll elevate how you see yourself and your role: adopting an AI-informed mindset, thinking like an entrepreneur, communicating with confidence and leading proactively in fast-moving environments. You’ll learn what effective leadership looks like in 2026 and beyond—human-first, emotionally intelligent and supported by tools that help you work smarter and lead with clarity.

MODULE 3: AI & Automation

Build smarter systems. Lead the AI-enabled operations of 2026 and beyond.

Module 3 takes you into the future of operational leadership, where businesses rely on AI-assisted workflows, automation and streamlined systems to move faster and deliver consistent results. You’ll learn how modern operations actually function in the AI era —and how OBMs lead these environments without being the “tech implementer,” but rather the strategic mind who understands how systems, tools and people work together.

You’ll discover how to evaluate system needs, centralize information, use AI to accelerate documentation and workflow design, and build operational foundations that make growth sustainable. From AI policies and tool stacks to the 12 Core AI Workflows and a full systems + AI audit model, this module gives you the new standard for how OBMs design, maintain and scale modern operations.

MODULE 4: People

Lead with clarity. Build the right team. Become the human-first leader for the AI-enabled era.

Module 4 is where you step fully into operational leadership—the people side of the business. Teams, workflows and expectations are evolving fast, and founders need OBMs who can lead with emotional intelligence, create structure, and keep the human side strong in AI-supported environments.

You’ll learn how to understand team dynamics, assess capacity, identify gaps, and make confident hiring recommendations. From role design to interviewing to onboarding, you’ll build the skills to build and manage teams that can grow and adapt.

MODULE 5: Strategic Planning

Turn ideas and vision into action. Lead the planning that powers real results.

Planning is the heartbeat of operations, and it’s one of the most in-demand leadership skills for OBMs. Founders bring ideas, but they need someone who can turn those ideas into clear, realistic, actionable plans the team can follow without confusion or overwhelm. This module shows you how to become that strategic partner.

You’ll learn how to lead every level of planning—from annual vision-setting to 90-day priorities, budgeting, project planning and full launch execution. You’ll also explore how AI-supported tools accelerate clarity, capacity planning and decision-making, becoming powerful partners in the planning process without replacing human judgment.

MODULE 6: Performance

Lead performance. Drive progress. Become the operational heartbeat of the business.

Module 6 is where you step fully into the role of operational leader—the person who keeps the business moving with clarity, rhythm and data-driven insight. Founders don’t need guesswork; they need structure, accountability and an OBM who can make performance visible, trackable and actionable.

You’ll learn the exact touchpoints OBMs use to keep a business on track, how to track the metrics that actually matter, and how to interpret data in a way that supports confident decision-making. You’ll experience both manual and AI-supported analysis including watching the OBM Sidekick break down metrics so you can compare its interpretation with your own.

MODULE 7: The First 90 Days

Start strong. Build trust. Deliver value from day one.

The first 90 days set the tone for your entire client relationship—your credibility, your leadership, and the long-term success of your work together. This module shows you how to make a powerful first impression, deliver meaningful value early and step confidently into leadership from day one.

You’ll learn how to conduct a professional Ops Review, make strong strategic recommendations and create structured 30/60/90-day plans that build trust quickly. With support from the OBM Sidekick and a real-life capstone project, you’ll gain hands-on experience in how an OBM enters, evaluates and leads a business effectively.

MODULE EIGHT: Building your OBM Business

Your business. Your future. Build a career with freedom, clarity and confidence.

Module 8 turns everything inward, helping you build the OBM business that supports the lifestyle you want, the income you desire and the long-term career path you envision. You’ll learn how to design offers that reflect your full skillset—including your ability to use AI-supported tools to work smarter and deliver stronger client outcomes.

You’ll explore value-based pricing, aligned marketing, positioning yourself as an AI-empowered OBM and attracting clients who are ready for real operational leadership—not task support. You’ll also learn how to lead sales conversations that feel natural, grounded and professional.

With new trainings starting monthly, there’s no better time to step into your future as a Certified Online Business Manager®.

🌍 Join a Global Network of Professionals

Our program has trained and certified students from 28 countries and counting, equipping them with the skills to thrive in today’s digital-first economy.

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"Within 2 months, I had signed 3 OBM client contracts and replaced my former income."

"I was able to hone my skills and level up in my business management awareness in my training with Keldie, and was able to step away from a secure role with a growing business to begin my own company. Within 2 months, I had signed 3 OBM client contracts and replaced my former income.

Today, I accepted my fourth contract and, in doing so, have hired an assistant. By the end of the week, I expect another contract to be accepted.

Being able to step into my role as an OBM, I’ve helped 1 of my clients grow her business by 36% and the other just signed another $35,000 in coaching clients.

Through our training, Keldie took the time to speak to our specific questions so that we were
prepared for various situations in the online business management space.

The online space is vast and there are opportunities. Having the OBM training and certification has
been such a value add to my skills and services that, in turn, have already made an impact in the
lives of my clients and those we serve."

Lisa Unruh, Certified OBM®

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"This certification didn't just change my business; it transformed my entire relationship with work and life."

"The Certified OBM® training with Keldie was exactly what I needed but didn't know existed! When I first connected with Keldie, I was drowning in client work with no systems in place. I was working 60+ hour weeks, constantly putting out fires, and still falling behind.

The ROI has been nothing short of incredible. Since completing the certification, I've increased my rates by 35%, cut my working hours by a third, and built a waitlist of ideal clients who value my OBM expertise. The IAOBM community has been an unexpected treasure—connecting me with like-minded professionals who understand the unique challenges we face.

For anyone considering OBM certification, stop hesitating! If you're where I was—talented but overwhelmed and undercharging—this investment will pay for itself within months. What makes Keldie's training stand out is her personalized approach and real-world experience. She doesn't just teach theory; she shows you how to apply OBM principles to create tangible results.

The most delightful surprise? I discovered I'm particularly skilled at project management and systems creation—strengths I never would have uncovered without Keldie's guidance. Thanks to the IAOBM directory and Keldie's network, clients are now finding ME instead of the other way around.

This certification didn't just change my business; it transformed my entire relationship with work and life."

James Gavriilidis, Certified OBM®

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"I was able to secure a full-time client before I even graduated!"

"In 2019 I made the decision to transition from my 20+ year career in corporate to an entrepreneurial role. I wanted to leverage the skills I honed over the years to start my own business supporting online entrepreneurs.

After searching the web to see how this would be possible, I was fortunate to find the Certified OBM training. After a brief zoom chat with my trainer Keldie, I was convinced that being an Online Business Manager was the right move for me. I immediately signed up for the training and subsequently passed my certification with flying colors. I was able to secure a full-time client before I even graduated!

The training provided a very comprehensive view of how an online business operates and how OBMs can best serve our clients. She used many real world examples during the training to help illustrate the various scenarios we could encounter as an OBM. The experience opened up unlimited possibilities for me to create a career where I can work remotely, make my own hours, choose my clients and set my own rules. I am very grateful for this life-changing opportunity."

Aimee Accinno, Certified OBM®

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"Today, I only work with a few high paying clients and I get to choose which clients I want to work with."

"Fast forward and I had finished the program and I also gained this tremendous knowledge about what it really takes to help clients run an online business. I was also provided with tons of systems and templates and guides to help me support my clients even more. I was now more confident than ever to sign up high paying clients for a service I now knew how to sell and deliver. And my worry that I would have wasted my money joining the program…

I can tell you, within a month, I had made the money back for the program fee from my very first client, which I, by the way, found through the International Association of Online Business Management Managers database.

Today, I only work with a few high paying clients and I get to choose which clients I want to work with. I get to use my passion and strengths in working with interesting people all over the world, from the comfort of my home, wherever that now may be. I just, love my job."

Adam Kawalec, Certified OBM®

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"Taking my OBM certification training was an absolute game-changer."

"Taking my OBM certification training was an absolute game-changer. My trainer was warm, supportive, funny, and - most importantly - not afraid to give you a gentle nudge to get you moving in the right direction.

A true teacher and coach, Keldie uses her extensive training in the industry to give real-life examples to help her students learn concepts and synthesize the materials. She is committed to supporting her students from finding clients, to networking, to helping solve some sticky client and team situations."

Andrea Swinson, Certified OBM®

Become an AI Empowered Certified Online Business Manager®

Lead the Future of Online Operations. Build a Flexible, High-Earning Career. Work From Anywhere.

Why the Online Business Manager (OBM) Role Is Exploding in the Age of AI

1. Economic Pressure

Why Small Businesses Need OBMs Now More Than Ever

Why Become a Certified OBM®?

Take Control of Your Career

What Makes This Program Different?

This is not a course. This is a professional development pathway grounded in nearly two decades of OBM excellence.

The Certified OBM® Learning Journey

Your AI Empowered Certified OBM® Journey Awaits

What Past Students Have to Say about Becoming a Certified OBM®