Interested in becoming a high-end virtual support professional?

Discover Why Online Business Management Careers Continue To Boom BECAUSE Of The Challenging Economy, And Take Advantage of A Very Special Moment In Time:

When The Demand For Online Business Managers FAR OUTSTRIPS Supply

Now's The Time To Put Yourself In Demand, And Get Your Pick of the Well-Paying High-End Clients Who Are Leading Their Markets

 

Date:
From the desk of: Tina Forsyth, Author of Becoming an Online Business Manager

Dear (aspiring) Online Business Manager,

Since writing and launching the book Becoming an Online Business Manager in Fall 2008 a funny thing has started happening...

You see, I wrote the book for you - the aspiring Online Business Manager who wanted to learn about this role and how they could start offering this level of service to their clients. (And a number of you have told me how much you LOVED the book and can't wait to officially start working as an OBM. Music to my ears!)

I expected to hear from aspiring and active Online Business Managers who connected with the book - but what I didn't expect was the level of response I started to get from the business owners who want to *hire* an Online Business Manager.

After Reading the Book a Tidal Wave Of Pent-Up Demand From Business Owners Seeking An Online Business Manager Swept Through My Office!

You see, business owners have been reading the book too or hearing about it from their colleagues. And they are catching onto the idea of what an Online Business Manager can do for them and their business. Once they *get* what it means to have an Online Business Manager on their team, well let's just say that they can't wait to find and hire that person!

And so I receive emails like this on a pretty much daily basis now:

The trouble is that the industry is still very new - and there aren't enough Online Business Managers to match the demand for their services (yet!) So I don't have many people to refer these clients to, which is a shame!

Over the past year I have connected with a number of you who have expressed a strong interest in becoming an Online Business Manager, but you feel that you don't yet have the expertise to officially step into the role.

I'm sure you can see where i'm going here - it is pretty obvious that, with a bit of training and support, we can create a community of Online Business Managers who are confident and ready to work with these business owners that are so desperate to hire you.

Which is exactly why we've created a custom program specifically for you...

The Online Business Manager Certification Program

A 5 Day Intensive Virtual Training Program
for aspiring Online Business Managers

If you are new to this concept, i'm sure you are wondering what an Online Business Manager is.

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

A virtually based support professional who manages online based businesses, including the day-to-day management of projects, operations, team members and metrics.

However I like to look at the role from a bit of a different angle - what is the purpose of an Online Business Manager beyond ‘what they do’?

The role of the OBM boils down to one simple thing:

To free up the business owner 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 they need to pull themselves out of the day-to-day management activities and focus on growth.

This includes areas such as product development, strategic alliances and big picture business planning, all of which are essential to the growth of a business. Everything else becomes the responsibility of the OBM.

Can you really make a difference as an Online Business Manager?

Here is a great example of the impact that you - as an Online Business Manager - can have on your client's business.

OBM Profile: Casey & Amber of The Therapists Leadership Institute

Business owners perspective...

"In the last year we doubled our already 6-figure revenues, and I simply wouldn’t have been able to do this without Amber as my Online Business Manager. I used to be the one who was always doing everything until Amber came along and organized our operations, improved our customer service and structured the business so money is coming in regularly. She manages our staff, supervises the day to day operations, and keeps the business running. She also helps me with ideas to grow the business and is instrumental in the implementation of those ideas. Now my time is freed up to be able to do strategic planning and marketing. If it weren't for Amber, I would be running around trying to keep the plates spinning (and not doing anything well) instead of moving our business toward seven figures."

Casey Truffo
CEO and Founder of The Therapists Leadership Institute and 
Be a Wealthy Therapist.com

Online Business Manager's perspective...

“Coming from a background in technology and management I always knew that I wanted to do more than the traditional VA role. I started with Casey doing her ezine and customer service and very quickly recognized that she needed a higher level of support if we wanted to take the business where we wanted it to be. I officially stepped up into the role of Business Manager in December of 2007 and since then we’ve been able to grow the business significantly – including launching the Therapist Leadership Institute and the first ever Therapist Leadership Virtual Conference.”

Amber Miller
Online Business Manager for The Therapists Leadership Institute and 
Be a Wealthy Therapist.com

 

In These Challenging Times Great Online Business Managers Can Collaborate With Owners To Drive The Economy – a great privilege and responsibility!

Despite the economic challenges we hear about daily on the news, online-based businesses continue to thrive. And there is a really good reason for this, as online-based businesses are uniquely structured to respond quickly to the ever changing needs of the market.

Compared to the more complex and slow-paced structure of the much larger (and currently suffering) companies, this gives online-based businesses a distinct advantage in our current economy. We can quickly implement new tools, strategies and methods of connecting to customers and providing them the value that they desire NOW and are willing to pay for.

What is so great about working as an Online Business Manager?

Before we tell you a bit more about the training, let's take a look at why you may want to consider becoming an Online Business Manager in the first place! The role isn't for everyone, but there certainly are some benefits to playing a bigger game with your clients as an OBM.

No Earnings Cap, Ability To Pick and Choose Clients You Love, Much Less Need for Marketing, and more are reasons Online Business Managers never go back after taking the leap

In Other Words, When You Choose To Become An Online Business Manager, You Seize Control Over Your Career, Your Future, Your Lifestyle

OBM Profile: Jen & Erin of ADD Management Group & Virtual AD/HD Conference™

Business owners perspective...

"In the last year we more than doubled our revenue, and I simply wouldn’t have been able to do this without Erin as our Business Manager. I used to be the one who was always doing website updates, newsletter broadcasts, and article distribution until Erin gave me a loving ‘slap on the wrist’ to let it go. Now my time is freed up to be able to focus on coaching, marketing, and product development. She takes care of the execution, which makes life so much easier for me.

Jennifer Koretsky
Author of Odd One Out, The Maverick’s Guide to Adult ADD
Founder, ADD Management Group & Virtual AD/HD Conference™
http://www.ADDmanagement.com
http://www.ADHDconference.com

Online Business Manager's perspective...

“I held traditional corporate roles for several years, but I always knew that I wanted to do something more. When I joined my partner Jen’s business in 2007, I recognized that she needed a high level of support to take the business where we wanted it to be. I took on the role of Business Manager so that Jen could focus on marketing, development and, of course, our clients. Since then the business has grown by leaps and bounds, and last year we produced a hugely successful Virtual Conference. "

Erin Moore
Business Manager, ADD Management Group & Virtual AD/HD Conference™
http://www.ADDmanagement.com
http://www.ADHDconference.com

 

Does this sound appealing to you? Keep Reading...

What exactly will you be learning in this program? How can you get from where you are to where you want to go? Let's break it down...

First, the certification program is comprehensive, as you would expect for a managerial role.  So the material has been broken into 5 distinct modules:

 

As an Online Business Manager,it’s essential to ground yourself in an understanding of online business models. It’s fundamental - you simply cannot play a bigger role in your client's business if you don't truly understand what they are building and how. So we lay that foundation in Module 1.

During this module on you will learn:

 

The job of the OBM is to delegate and manage, not always *do*... and so the skills needed in this role may be a bit different than what you are used to (especially if you've been working as a VA, web designer or other service delivery professional).

As outlined in the book Becoming an Online Business Manager, there are four key areas of responsibility for the Online Business Manager. During this module you will learn the online business application of:

  1. Project Management - how to setup a simple project management plan that works for YOU and your client, including a comparison of the *many* project management tools available (so you can pick one that fits you best)
  2. Operations Management - how to analyze, streamline and simplify online business processes, with a focus on automation and the best tools to use
  3. People Management - how to find, hire, train and retain virtual team members for your clients
  4. Metrics Management - how to create a weekly and monthly metrics tracking system so that you and your client have the information you need to make informed business decisions.

 

This module is the *meat* of the training, and quite honestly is worth its weight in 'virtual' gold! As an OBM you need to know the steps, elements and processes of various projects in order to ensure that they get done quickly and effectively.

Most importantly you need to know how to bring to life the various revenue streams that make up your client's business. You need to know how to take these initiatives from concept to completion and through to launch.

During this module you will be given a complete step-by-step process map and guide to helping launch and manage the following foundational elements and revenue streams that are the lifeblood of the majority of online businesses. (And if they’re not, they need to be, with help from you!)

 

Being an Online Business Manager is not for the 'faint of heart'. You need to have a strong sense of purpose, both for your and your clients, in order to make the role an enjoyable and mutually beneficial experience.

During this module we will focus on the 'inner game' of being an Online Business Manager, and will teach you how to apply a coaching approach in your day-to-day work with your clients, your team and yourself.

 

Certification 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.

This final week of the program is where you will get the chance to truly apply everything you've been learning by working as an Online Business Manager in a series of real-life business scenarios. We don't want to give away too much yet, but rest assured that it will be a challenging, busy and at times crazy week.

In the same way that you might decide to train for a marathon, the first 4 modules are your 'training plan' so that you are ready to run the big race that is Certification Week. At the end of which you will have proved, not only to us but to yourself, that you are ready to officially work as an Online Business Manager.

At Last, An Online Training Equivalent Of An MBA, without the massive cost, years of onerous study...and fears of no return on all that investment...

"Do I really need to be certified?"

Really great question, and the answer is of course "it depends".

Certification is certainly not a requirement of working as an Online Business Manager... and in fact there are many excellent people working in this role without need of certification.

However because this is virgin territory, Certification is currently one of the only ways for OBMs and their potential clients to gain confidence in each other.

  • When a client hires a Certified Online Business Manager, they are confident that the person has the knowledge and expertise required to play this role
  • When an Online Business Manager is connecting with potential new clients they are confident that they have the proper knowledge and expertise at hand (vs. just figuring it out as they go).

Certification allows you to connect faster with new clients and start off in a relationship of mutual trust based on this common knowledge and expertise.

Plus it also shows clients that you are serious about working as an Online Business Manager. The fact that you've made the investment of time and energy to pursue training and certification proves that this isn't something you are just going to "try and see how it goes" - this kind of commitment speaks volumes about your dedication and intention.

I put my name, 8 years of experience delivering OBM services to six and seven figure businesses, right on the line for this burgeoning industry

Some of the things covered in this training may not be new to you - and in fact you may already be quite proficient in some areas! (We expect that you have a certain level of skill/understanding already, or you’ll find this training quite a bit out of your depth.)

What is different in this training is that everything will be taught to you from the perspective of the Online Business Manager. Other training programs are usually directed to the business owner (how to start and grow your own business), however this is truly the only training that is specifically and purposefully taught from the perspective of being the OBM for these business owners. So the content may be familiar, but the orientation, values and depth will be very different.

This training is not about how to 'be' the business owner, it is about how to 'be' the business manager who supports the business owner - A subtle but hugely important difference that I’ve lived as an active OBM myself, for the last 8 years.

I’ve come to terms with it. Believe it or not, the die was cast when I wrote the book ‘Becoming An Online Business Manager.’  I started the conversation and I realize I need to follow through to make sure the promises in the book are delivered on – and you get to benefit!

When you've completed the OBM Certification Program you will be effective and confident in a profound new way for your clients:

 

Comments from graduates of this training:

"I've been working online since 1999 and was looking for a way to take my business to the next level. When I heard about Online Business Management, it sounded like the perfect next step for me and my team. I was an experienced virtual assistant already, and the training with Tina and Andrea gave me the extra boost of skills and confidence to step up and partner with my clients in a new way. Since the training (just four short months ago!), my business has grown by 62% and I know this is just the beginning. If you are ready to step up and create success for you and your clients, this is the training you want to invest in."

Peggy Murrah, CEO
PMA Web Services, LLC
www.peggymurrah.com

"I started my business in February 2008 - after 30 years of high-level experience in the corporate world. I wanted to create a business where I could continue to work and grow at a higher level in the virtual world that I did in corporate. When I discovered the role of the Online Business Manager, I immediately knew it was for me. The training with Tina & Andrea gave me the extra boost of skills and confidence I needed to play this larger role with my clients. Since the training, my business has already started to grow in the direction that I want! I feel more control over my business and its future, as well as better equipped to offer and bring real growth to my clients' online businesses. If you are ready to truly step up and create success for you and your clients this is the training for you."

Brenda M. Violette
Online Business Manager
www.VBSVirtualAssist.com

"The Online Business Manager Certification is a brilliantly developed and presented program. To be honest it was so informative that even months after the program has ended I am running to my notes and applying more and more resources to my client's businesses! EVERY aspect of what it means to manage an online business is covered in a way that is relative to my business and clients businesses as well as foreseeing future growth and opportunity for both!! Yes it is that good... and if you are considering taking it there's a bonus: On average I receive 3-4 emails a month of folks wanting to work with me referred from the OBM directory. The course has paid for itself and more... more.. more!"

Tiffany Johnson
Online Business Manager
www.VASPPRO.com

"Take the program and be ready for a huge change in your life and perspective. You will walk out of this program with the tools needed to be an OBM. The course covers the nuts and bolts of what you need to be successful as an OBM, and why you need these things.

Ladies, as I mentioned early on in the course, I don't spend my money with just anyone. This course was excellent, and delivered everything (and more) than promised. As you know, under-promise and over-deliver is key in any business!"

Cindy Hillsey
Virtual Partnering
www.virtualpartnering.com

"The program brought all my knowledge from previous training courses together into a complete action guide on how to help grow my clients' businesses most effectively. It also gave me contacts in the industry and tips on how to deal with difficult situations.

Since taking the course, I have made a big leap. Even my husband commented that he noticed this sudden leap in my business that really surprised him. I had been a bit hesitant and overly cautious in the past. The course equipped me with the confidence and knowledge to boldly pursue my goal of stepping up."

Heike Miller
PA Excellence Ltd.
http://www.heikemiller.com

"You should absolutely take this course. The information taught in this course will help you to build well rounded skills in virtually all things internet. You will learn the key to creating a successful online presence as well as how to manage all the moving parts!

Thanks Tina and Andrea for a truly great program. When I grow up I want to be like you guys one day! :) lol..

All joking aside. I am eager to put all that I have learned to work for myself and my clients!

And I just wanted to let you know that I secured an awesome OBM client yesterday who contacted me after viewing my profile from the site. God is good! We are inking a deal today and I am so excited to be embarking on this journey."

Kenya Halliburton
My Virtual Genie
www.myvirtualgenie.com

"I've already told several people that it's the best training money I've spent since I became a VA. The classes were informative, in depth, well-presented and far from boring. If someone's been a VA for awhile and is wondering what the next step is, she should look into becoming an OBM; if the definition describes her, then this training is a MUST!"

Debbie Lonergan
Ideal Assistant Services, LLC
www.ideal-assistant.com

"If you are looking to hone your online business skills, get great strategic perspective and tactical tools and resources and if you would like to experience community during the process – sign up now! Tina and Andrea are absolutely top-notch professionals who know their stuff and generously provide their knowledge in an organized, intelligent way that will build your confidence, knowledge and skills. The learning environment they create is safe, productive and well worth the money."

Donna Frindt
Fast Track OBM

 

The facts are clear. OBMs are in high demand by high-paying clients. Certified OBMs will be snapped up quickly. The only thing uncertain yet is:

Are you ready to become an Online Business Manager?

We find that people have a pretty strong reaction once they understand what the role of the Online Business Manager is. In fact, this was my goal when writing the book Becoming an Online Business Manager. I wanted people to have a strong feeling of either:

It may seem obvious to say but this program is for those people who have a strong and resounding feeling of YES when asked 'Do you want to become an Online Business Manager'? Many people have described it as finally finding the role that fits for them, and in some cases may already be informally doing some OBM level work for clients but haven't formalized it yet.

Who this program is NOT for:

The Online Business Manager Training and Certification program is not a "click here, buy now and plop, you’re in" program.

You see, at the end of this program we want (need!) to be able to announce 30 more Certified Online Business Managers who are ready to start working right away. If you aren't totally sure and ready that this is for you, then you would be taking the spot of someone who is... which isn't really fair and will get me in a load of trouble with the people I’ve promised to refer to.

Please take your application to join the OBM Training seriously
If You:

We urge you to join us on this grand adventure...

The Online Business Manager Certification Program

A 5 Day Intensive Virtual Training Program
October 18-22, 2010
Taking Place LIVE by Webinar

The program is delivered virtually (by webinar), in an intimate and intensive 5-day format, led by Tina Forsyth together with guest trainers , Founders of the International Association of Online Business Managers.

Our goal is to give you everything we possibly can in a jam-packed 5-days together, so that you can take your new skills and start using them with clients *right away*. We are capping the program at 30 participants in order to give each of you the proper attention and energy in delivering a program of this caliber.

We will be providing you with a complete Online Business Manager Manual, which includes complete notes, worksheets, flowcharts and supplemental materials for all modules.

A reminder of what is taught in the program as detailed above. During the 5 Day Intensive Virtual Training we will be covering:

Module 1: Online Business Models and Strategy

Module 2: Your Business Management Toolbelt - Sharpening your skills

Module 3: Online Revenue Streams - Maps & Processes

Module 4: Building your OBM Muscle

And after the training we will be offering you the choice of dates in March and April 2010 to complete:

Module 5: Certification Week

A few extra-added goodies (aka bonuses)

1) One year free in the International Association of Online Business Managers - the official home of the Certified Online Business Manager (and where potential clients will be directed to find their OBM match. ($107 annual fee)

2) The Certified Online Business Manager Certificate and Digital Certification Logo that you can use on your website and other marketing materials, so that business owners know you are officially trained and ready to support their needs.

3) A premium listing in the exclusive Certified Online Business Manager Directory - the only place where we refer business owners who are ready and excited to hire an OBM!

"On average I receive 3-4 emails a month of folks wanting to work with me referred from the OBM directory."
- Tiffany Johnson

4) A copy of our popular multimedia program Pink Spoon Marketing, a step-by-step guide to building a business online using the models you will learn in this training. This material is what we have been teaching business owners for years re: how to create success online. (sells for $197)

5) A copy of the Compensation Conversation: Breaking Free From The Time For Money Trap. This Multimedia Kit includes a 182 page Workbook containing step-by-step Conversation Templates and 6 Audio CDs to help you create incentive-based compensation agreements with your clients - essential for any Online Business Manager! (sells for $495)

6) The ongoing support of your fellow trainees and Online Business Managers. I really can't stress this enough - the other people who participate in this training with you will become your biggest supporters and resources throughout the training and beyond. Within this group there is no question or challenge that will be left unanswered for you (truly priceless).

Register Now for the October 2010
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The 'I Swear On My Laptop' Guarantee

As a service provider who has been around the block awhile, you'll want to know that my goal is your absolute satisfaction.

If by the end of the first day of training you decide this program isn't for you, we will cheerfully refund whatever portion (or full amount) of tuition you've paid. I swear on my laptop...

I have a simple wish for you and your business, and it is this:

For you to discover what YOU enjoy most and WHO you serve best - and to build your business around that.

Whether it is as an Online Business Manager or in any of the other virtual support specialties that we have the privilege of choosing from in today's marketplace, we are truly blessed to be able to create our own path to success in the work that we do. Life is too short to have it any other way! (And I'm guessing you didn't get into business for yourself to do stuff that you don't want to do - we could have stayed in our regular day jobs for that! ;-)

I for one am thrilled (and quite frankly honored) to be able to support you should you decide that the Online Business Manager is the role for you.

To your success, 

 

Tina Forsyth

Author of Becoming an Online Business Manager: Playing a Bigger Game with your Clients (and Yourself)

Founder of the International Association of Online Business Managers

 

PS. Have questions about the program? Not sure if it is right for you or if you are ready? Feel free to give us a call at 877-576-2229. I'm more than happy to have a quick conversation with you to determine if this is your next big step.

PPS. Want to learn more about your instructor Tina Forsyth? Click here for my background and experience in the wide world of online based-business. This program is my passion and is the culmination of 10+ years experience working online - and my goal is to give the best of what I have learned to you as you step into the role of Online Business Manager.