Most of my introductory sales conversations are spent educating prospects and clients on the difference between a virtual assistant and an online business manager. The dictionary provides a simple difference but doesn’t tell the complete story.

man·ag·er

ˈmanijər/

a person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization.

as·sis·tant

əˈsistənt/

a person who helps in particular work

In a large corporation, you will find different types of managers – some managers manage people and some managers manage projects or business activities – some managers manage both.  In a small business, you have the same concept, but on a much smaller scale. In the beginning stages of a business, the owner/CEO is wearing all the hats – owner, manager, and assistant.  As the business grows, the business owner gives away the assistant role and focuses more on management and the activities of a business owner. As the management of the business takes up an increasing amount of time, that role is eventually relinquished as well.  This is a gradual process that happens over time but ultimately has to happen in order to scale, grow revenue and operate as a smooth business unit.

In steps your online business manager.  I could describe to you, in words, what an online business manager is and does for you, but you’ve heard the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”.  This graphic, in a nutshell, will give you the best explanation of an online business manager.