Are Online Business Managers Worth It?

A Cost-Benefit Analysis Based on a Professional Services business

As a business owner, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Do I really need an Online Business Manager (OBM), or can I keep managing everything myself?” While OBMs are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs and small businesses, it’s important to weigh the costs against the tangible benefits they provide before making a decision.

In this blog, we’ll break down what an OBM does, when it makes sense to hire one, and whether the return on investment is truly worth it.

What Does an Online Business Manager (OBM) Do?

An OBM is a strategic partner who supports business owners by:

• Managing daily operations

• Overseeing teams and contractors

• Implementing systems and processes

• Coordinating projects

• Tracking performance and KPIs

While a Virtual Assistant (VA) handles specific tasks, an OBM manages how those tasks—and your entire business—run. Think of an OBM as your behind-the-scenes COO, helping you move from reactive mode into focused, sustainable growth.

When Does It Make Sense to Hire an Online Business Manager (OBM)?

Hiring an OBM makes sense when:

• You’re spending more time working in the business than on it

• You’re overwhelmed managing a team or juggling multiple projects

• Your revenue is growing, but systems and workflows aren’t keeping up

• You’re ready to scale, but you need help creating and executing a plan

If you find yourself constantly firefighting, or delaying strategic decisions due to lack of time or structure, an OBM can step in and bring clarity, structure, and momentum.

Cost of Hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM)

OBMs typically charge between AUD $70–$120+ per hour, or offer retainer packages starting from around AUD $1,000–$3,000+ per month, depending on:

• Scope of work

• Industry

• Experience level

• Time commitment required

At first glance, this might seem like a significant investment. However, when you look at what you gain, the numbers tell a different story........

The Benefits:- A breakdown

1. Time Reclaimed = Money Earned

Let’s say your professional hourly rate is $200 (this will vary depending on the type of business you are operating), and you spend 10 hours per week managing tasks an OBM could handle. That’s ~$8-10,000 per month. By delegating, you can reinvest that time into high-impact activities like partnerships, professional services and business growth.

2. Increased Productivity and Efficiency

An OBM improves operations through:

• Streamlined processes

• Automated workflows

• Clearer communication systems

• Better project oversight

This leads to fewer mistakes, faster turnaround, and more productive use of team resources—all of which save you time and money.

3. Better Use of Your Team

By managing your time and your team effectively, an OBM ensures everyone is working toward shared goals, reducing wasted time, confusion, and miscommunication.

4. Strategic Business Growth

OBM’s help you make informed, data-driven decisions. With someone tracking metrics, identifying opportunities, and ensuring follow-through, your business can grow sustainably—not chaotically.

Talk to me now about how I can help your business