When hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM) for your online business, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that are bound to take place if you try to rush through the process. OBM’s can be incredibly valuable for helping you manage and optimize your online creative marketing business, but if you don’t take the time to carefully select the right person for the job, you could end up wasting money and resources. In this article, we’ll discuss five mistakes to avoid when hiring an OBM for your online business.
1) Assuming that an OBM is the right fit for your business
Many online business owners assume that hiring an Online Business Manager is the right solution for managing their business. While it can be a great option for some, it’s important to first assess whether online business management services are what you truly need.
An OBM is not a one-size-fits-all solution and might not be the right fit for your business. Before deciding to hire an OBM, consider the nature of your business and its unique needs. For example, if your business requires more technical expertise or marketing experience, then an OBM might not be the best option.
Instead, you may need to consider other professionals like SEO experts, copywriters, or web developers. On the other hand, if your business has reached a certain level of growth, and you’re struggling to keep up with administrative tasks, then an OBM can provide much-needed relief.
To determine if an OBM is right for your business, take a closer look at your day-to-day operations. Are you spending most of your time on administrative tasks, or are you focused on growth and development? If you’re spending most of your time inside your business than on it, then an OBM might be a great solution.
Don’t make assumptions and rush into hiring an OBM without assessing your business’s specific needs first. Take the time to evaluate your operations and make an informed decision on whether or not an OBM is the right fit for your business.
2) Not understanding the role of an OBM
One of the biggest mistakes that business owners make when hiring an Online Business Manager is not fully understanding what their role entails. Some may assume that an OBM simply handles administrative tasks or acts as a virtual assistant, but their responsibilities go far beyond that.
An OBM is a strategic partner who helps to manage the day-to-day operations of your business and ensures that your overall vision and goals are being met. They provide online business management services, including team management, project management, and financial management. Additionally, they may assist with marketing strategy, product launches, and client management.
Without a clear understanding of what an OBM does, you risk hiring someone who may not be the right fit for your business or who may not be able to deliver the level of support you need. Therefore, take the time to educate yourself about the role of an OBM and determine what specific tasks and responsibilities you want them to handle. Here’s an article that takes a deep dive into the role of an OBM versus the role of a Virtual Assistant (VA).
When you have a clear understanding of what an OBM does, you will be better equipped to evaluate potential candidates and choose the one who has the right skills and experience for your business. This will ensure that you find an OBM who can provide the online business management services that you need to grow and scale your online creative marketing business.
3) Hiring an OBM based solely on price
While it’s understandable that as a business owner, you may be looking for ways to cut costs wherever possible, hiring an OBM based solely on their price tag is a common mistake that can have serious consequences for your business in the long run.
An OBM’s role is a critical one, and their expertise and experience can greatly impact the success of your online business. While you may be tempted to choose the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. A cheap OBM may lack the necessary skills and experience to properly manage your business, which could end up costing you more money in the long run if mistakes are made.
Additionally, when an OBM is hired solely based on their price, it can lead to a lack of respect for the role and the person in charge. If you don’t value the work that your OBM does, it’s likely that they won’t be motivated to give their best effort or take ownership of their role.
Instead of solely considering the cost of hiring an OBM, focus on finding someone with the necessary skills and experience to manage your business effectively. Consider the return on investment that a qualified OBM can bring to your business, rather than just the upfront cost.
Remember, an OBM is an investment in the growth and success of your online business, so it’s important to choose wisely and not let price be the sole determining factor.
4) Not conducting a thorough interview process
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring an online business manager for your online business is not conducting a thorough interview process. Hiring someone based on their resume or initial conversation may seem efficient, but it can lead to a poor fit for your business.
To conduct a thorough interview process, start by asking open-ended questions that will allow the OBM to talk about their experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Dig deeper into their responses by asking follow-up questions that will give you a better understanding of their communication style, work ethic, and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, consider giving them a sample project or task to complete during the interview process. This will not only give you a better sense of their skills, but it will also show you how they approach problem-solving and how they communicate throughout the project.
It’s important to note that the interview process is not just about the OBM’s qualifications. You also want to make sure that they are a good fit for your company culture and that you can see yourself working with them long-term.
By conducting a thorough interview process, you will be able to make an informed decision and hire an OBM who is the right fit for your online creative marketing business. Don’t rush the process and be sure to ask the tough questions to ensure that you are making the best decision for your business.
5) Not checking references and experience
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring an OBM for your online business is not checking their references and experience. This is especially important because an OBM will have access to sensitive information and will be making important decisions for your business.
To ensure that you are hiring the right person for the job, ask for references from previous clients and check them thoroughly. You can also look for online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of their past work experiences.
It’s also important to consider their experience and qualifications. A good OBM will have a proven track record of managing successful online businesses and will have the necessary skills to manage your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask about their education and training, as well as any certifications or awards they may have received.
By taking the time to thoroughly check the references and experience of your potential OBM, you can ensure that you are hiring someone who is qualified, trustworthy, and will be a good fit for your business. This can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Hiring the right Online Business Manager can be a crucial decision for your digital marketing business. Even after taking all of these steps, there is no guarantee that you will find the perfect OBM for your business. One effective way to gauge their work style and work ethics is to offer them a test project. This will help you to better understand if they are a good fit for your business. By avoiding these common hiring mistakes and taking steps to better understand the OBM, you can ensure a successful and fruitful partnership that will help take your business to the next level.
As part of my services, I offer short-term projects that are designed to bring momentum to your business and also serve as an indicator if we are a good fit for each other! Click here to learn more.
