We were recently having a bit of fun in our Certified OBM group and asked our members to finish the sentence "You might be an OBM if...."

Here's a list of what they came up with - curious if any of these resonate for you?

You might be an OBM if...

Every time someone shares an idea, your brain automatically goes to all the steps and resources required to bring it to life (you can't help it - this is just the way your brain works!)
Chaos is both frustrating and motivating to you. When you see a mess you want to jump in and get it all cleaned up (organization comes naturally to you)
Your mind is always looking at the best way to do something "If only they would do it this way, it would be soooo much easier!"
You love nothing more than checking something off the to-do list... seeing things come to life is your jam.
You would much rather be the 'wizard behind the curtain' than the one on stage, and love nothing more than supporting others to bring their big visions to life
The people around you are the key to your success, because you know you can't 'do it all yourself' (nor do you want to!)
You are a natural fixer and people have always turned to you for help.
You LOVE operating at a partner level - it's not enough for you to be 'just another cog in the wheel', you want to be plugged into the bigger picture of the business.
Your work matters, and you want to make an impact

Any of these ring true for you? If yes, becoming an OBM might be right up your alley.

WHAT IS AN ONLINE BUSINESS MANAGER?

The official definition of an Online Business Manager (OBM) is:

A virtual based support professional who runs the day-to-day activities of online based businesses, including the management of projects, operations and team members.

Put simply, an OBM is responsible to get the right things done, at the right time, in the right way and by the right person.

Being an OBM is also about freeing up your clients so that they can focus their time and energy on the things that only THEY can do in their business.

Most business owners look to hire an Online Business Manager (OBM) when they simply cannot grow their business anymore being the only one in charge. In order for them to take their business to the next level (usually at the early to mid 6-figure range) they need to pull themselves out of the day-to-day management activities and let someone else take the lead. ← That’s where the OBM steps in.

WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT WORKING AS AN OBM?

Breaking Free from the 9 to 5 'Grind'
Gone are the days where we have to 'get a job' in order to make a great living and progress in our careers. Where we have to rely on a boss to decide what we can - and can't - create. Being a Certified OBM puts you on the path to creating success on YOUR terms - to working with amazing people, creating your own schedule (cya later 9 to 5!) and making more money doing work that you enjoy. Ooooo yea.

Significant Earning Potential
Certified OBMs charge $65/hr and up - depending on their level of experience - with average retainers starting at $2000/month per client. And when you set up an incentive based payment structure with your clients, you blow the roof off of the traditional and limiting 'time for money' model-- meaning there is no cap on your earning potential and have you the ability to increase your income over time.

The Ability to Pick Who you Want to Work With
With the fast paced growth of the online business market - and offline businesses who want to come online! - there is no shortage of clients looking to work with OBMs. We have OBMs who work with coaches, trainers, consultants, speakers and authors. We have OBMs who work with clients in other 'traditional' industries such as construction, legal or financial services. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to the type of clients you can work with.

Not Having to Juggle Too Many Clients
Many other service professionals - VAs, social media experts, website designers, bookkeepers, etc - have to work with a bunch of people at a time to create the income they are looking for. As an OBM you can be successful working with just a small group of your ideal clients - usually 2 or 3 at a time - vs. having to juggle the ‘too many clients” model that can be so tiring in other service based professions.

Long-Term Client Relationships
Likewise, because the Online Business Manager role is integral to your client's business it has a very low turnover rate. Once you’ve found your ideal clients you may work with them for many years, and rarely have to look for new clients. PLUS, many Online Business Managers will continue to grow with their clients businesses, opening up opportunity for advancement and partnership.

Establish Yourself as an Expert
When you help your clients create success, you will be considered an expert in online business systems and your client's niche market. You become known as the 'go to person' for anyone who wants to build sustainable success.

Find New Clients by Word of Mouth
Likewise, when you help your clients succeed, word gets around very quickly and referrals start to flow in... to the point where you will find yourself having to say 'sorry, my business is full' to the business owners who pop up asking for your help.

Continuous Learning and Growth
The world of online business is constantly evolving - new tools, strategies and ideas seem to pop up every month. Let's just say you will never be bored when you are working as an OBM.

Becoming a Certified OBM® allows you to take control of your livelihood, make a great income and build a business that suits your lifestyle and goals!

What Exactly Will I Learn?

Since 2009, the Certified OBM® program has been widely recognized as the leading authority for training leaders in Online Business Management.

With our newly updated curriculum designed by a team of online business owners, Certified OBM® professionals and Adult Learning and Instructional Design experts, this program equips our students with everything they need to succeed in today's digital economy, regardless of their background.

Here's a quick overview of each module (click here to download a detailed training syllabus.)

MODULE 2: OBM Leadership Competencies

Being a Leader is What Makes You an OBM

The #1 thing that a business is looking for when they hire an OBM is leadership. They want someone to take charge. To plug into the bigger picture of the business and turn goals into plans. To lead the team on execution of the plan so that goals become reality. Developing your leadership skills and really owning your role is the key to becoming the rockstar OBM that business owners want to hire (and will never want to let go!)

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

Certification Week

Upon completion of the training outlined above, you will have the opportunity to participate in Certification Week and apply to become a Certified OBM® with the International Association of Online Business Managers.

Certification Week is a process of being able to demonstrate, in real-life situations, that you have the knowledge, expertise and fortitude required to excel as an Online Business Manager.

With successful completion of the Certification process (as evaluated by our Certification Committee) you will be awarded the credential of Certified OBM® and become a member of the International Association of Online Business Managers.

"The training, for me, was so valuable that even 10 years later, I'm STILL referencing modules to help guide me through challenges. But the bigger value for me, was in the mindset shift from being the VA, or doer in the business, to a strategist and planner.

The Certification process was powerful for me. The Projects are challenging, and it mirrored, perfectly, what it can be like in the day-to-day as an OBM.

I was able to come out of the Certification with confidence to serve my clients with excellence. And as a Certified OBM® I have a built-in community of other Certified OBM's that I can lean on for support, help or input when I need another perspective and access to the amazing ongoing training opportunities. That kind of support from the Association is absolutely an essential for me."

Crystal Coleman, Certified OBM®

"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 Keldie's Certified OBM training. After a brief zoom chat, 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!

Keldie's 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. In addition to the thorough training, I really appreciated all the extra support Keldie willingly offers to her students.

If you are considering a career shift or are ready to make the plunge, I highly recommend training with Keldie. 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 to Keldie for this life changing opportunity."

Aimee Accinno, Certified OBM®

The Certified Online Business Manager® Training Program