OBM vs VA: Who Do You Really Need?

The terms VA and OBM are often thrown about and used interchangeably. You might even have found yourself Googling something along the lines of “Do I need a VA or an OBM?” and you wouldn't be alone.

Think of it like this:

• A VA (Virtual Assistant) is your extra pair of hands. They tick things off your to-do list so you can breathe.

• An OBM (Online Business Manager) is more like a right-hand. They are the one holding the to-do list, questioning why you’ve got half the things on there and setting up a system so you don’t end up drowning in it again.

Both are brilliant. Both have their place. But they solve different problems.

When a VA is your best friend

• You’re spending hours on admin instead of serving your clients

• You need someone to schedule posts, send invoices, tidy up your inbox or keep the wheels turning

• You want tasks off your plate, pronto

VAs are task-doers. They take your instructions and get the job done.

When an OBM is your secret weapon

• You’ve got clients, income, ideas… and absolute chaos behind the scenes

• You don’t just need help doing the work - you need help running the work

• You want someone who can manage projects, build systems, manage a team and make sure your ideas actually happen (instead of living in the 'someday' folder)

OBMs are strategic partners. They don’t just do the tasks, they decide which tasks matter.

So, who do you really need?

If you’re at the start of your business, juggling everything yourself and desperate for someone to just do the stuff, a VA is the way to go.

If you’re established, making money but spending most of your time firefighting instead of growing - that’s OBM territory.

And sometimes, you might need both. A VA to handle the admin. An OBM to manage the bigger picture.

The trick is being honest about where you are right now.

Do you need someone to take work off your hands? Someone to steer the ship with you? Or both?