Interested in becoming a high-end virtual support professional?

How Would You Like to Leverage your Operations and Administrative Expertise, Take Control of your Success and *Finally* Get Paid What you are Worth as the Person Who "Gets Stuff Done."

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 regular basis now:

The trouble is that the industry is still quite new - and there aren't many Certified Online Business Managers™ for clients to hire. Which of course means lots of opportunity for anyone who wants to step into this role. Woo hoo!

Over the past couple of years 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 and confidence 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 Certified 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 Training & Certification Program

A 90 Day Virtual Intensive
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.

 

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

• Significant Earning Potential - by setting up an incentive based payment structure you blow the roof off of the traditional and limiting 'time for money' model that most VAs and other online support professionals follow.
• Work with a Select Few Clients - you get to choose to work with a small group of your ideal clients (usually no more than 3) vs. having to juggle the many-client-model that can be so tiring.
• Establish Yourself as an Expert - when you help your clients create success, you will also be considered an expert in online business systems and your client's niche market... leading to new opportunities such as consulting, mentoring or training.
• Find New Clients by Word of Mouth - likewise, when you help your client's create success word gets around *very* quickly to the point where you will find yourself having to say 'sorry, my business is full' to the many business owners who will pop up asking for your help.
• Enjoy Longer Term Client Relationships - the Online Business Manager role is integral to your client's business, and as such it has a very low turnover... which means you will rarely have to look for new clients.
• Co-creating with your Clients - many Online Business Managers will grow into creating new programs or products with their clients, and ultimately may have the opportunity to become a partner in the business itself.
• Continuous Learning and Growth - the world of online business is constantly evolving, with new tools, strategies and ideas that seem to pop up every month. Let's just say you will never be bored!

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

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 training program is comprehensive, as you would expect for a managerial role.  So the material has been broken into 6 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 generosity based business model that is the standard for most information-based businesses (authors, speakers, coaches, consultants, and other experts)
• the key elements of this business model
• the 8 steps to implementing a generosity based business model
• an overview of internet marketing strategies, including social media, SEO, email marketing, blogging and much more
• how others are doing it exactly, with case studies of real  businesses that demonstrate the key strategies successfully

 

In our experience it's not only about *what* you are doing - it's also about *how* you do it. The Competencies are the soft skills of being an Online Business Manager, with a focus on how to be proactive, responsible and truly "own" the role.

These competencies are the foundation of all the work you do as an Online Business Manager and can truly make-or-break your success and enjoyment (and how happy your clients are with you!)

During this module on you will learn about:

• Managing Expectations - there are things that your clients really need from you, but that they don't ask you for. You need to understand these "hidden needs" so that you are able to support your clients at the highest level possible (and have them singing your praises!)
• Managing Your Clients - we like to say, somewhat tongue in cheek, that working as an OBM is the equivalent of a business marriage. As such, you need to understand the entrepreneurial nature of these high-end clients in a deeper way so as to ensure you build a strong and profitable relationship.
• Managing Yourself - working at this level with your clients will challenge you to step up and become 'more' of who you are. It will be an uncomfortable (and sometimes scary) journey at times and you need to make sure you have an environment and structure that supports you.
• Managing Communication - we will teach you how to use a coaching approach in communicating with your clients and team, which allows you to get things done, sail through challenges and resolve conflict.

 

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 "doing" 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 create 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!)

• Creating (or Revising) your Client's Main Website - setting up a brand new site or revamping a current site, you need to understand how to plan for and execute a successful (and headache free!) site design.
• Producing a Print Book - everything from supporting the writing process through to design and production of a print book
• Producing CD & Multimedia Programs - the process to record, edit and produce audio and multimedia based programs
• Setting up a Membership Program - how to choose the best technology to fit the requirements of the membership, get it implemented and set the process for ongoing maintenance
• Setting up a Store Website - as your client grows the scope of their offerings, they will want to setup an official store based website as a central hub
• Managing a Product Launch - how to help plan for, coordinate and ensure that a product, event or service launch is executed according to plan
• Managing Online Events - everything from single teleseminars, webinars or week long telesummits, you need to know how to coordinate the technology and people involved
• Managing Live Events - conferences, trainings and workshops - there is an 'art' to managing live events that will help ensure a successful and smooth delivery
• Managing High-End Mastermind/Coaching Programs - there are key elements of these high-end programs that you need to be ready to manage in order to take the best care of participants
• Managing an Affiliate Program - setting up the best tools, resources and providing the best level of support to affiliates
• Coordinating a Joint Venture Promotion - collaborative promotions are at the heart of many successfully online businesses, learn how to coordinate everyone involved to ensure a mutually beneficial promotion

 

Now that you've got the skills it's time to get clients, but of course! As an Online Business Manager it's essential that you know how to find your ideal clients and the best way to connect with them so that they are chomping at the bit to hire you.

During this module on you will learn about:

• Your Ideal Client - how to know who is ready (or not ready) to hire an OBM and how to identify your ideal client based on your strengths.
• Having the (sometimes dreaded) sales conversation - how to talk to potential clients so that they say a resounding "yes!" to hiring you.
• OBM Compensation Options - it's not just about being paid hourly, in fact we recommend an incentive-based payment structure that allows you to be paid more as the business grows.
• Inner Game of Being an OBM - Being an Online Business Manager is not for the faint of heart. You need to have a strong sense of purpose, both for you and your clients, in order to make the role an enjoyable and mutually beneficial experience.
• Managing Your Business - getting clear on what you want, what you offer and how you want to build your business are essential. As much as you are here to serve your clients, you are ultimately here to build a business that serves you first.

Open exclusively to participants in this Training, you will have the opportunity to participate in the OBM Certification Week and apply to become a Certified Online Business Manager™. Upon successful completion of the Certification process (as evaluated by our Certification Committee) you will be awarded the credential of Certified Online Business Manager™ - and join the ranks of select few in our industry.

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. During Certification Week you will get the chance to apply everything you've been learning by working as an Online Business Manager in a series of business scenarios that we get direct from the business owners themselves. 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 5 modules are your 'training plan' so that you are ready to run the big race that is Certification Week.

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...

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 other business owners - A subtle but hugely important difference that I’ve lived as an active OBM myself for many 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 Training Program you will be effective and confident in a profound new way for your clients:

• Give them a sigh of relief, knowing that they FINALLY have someone on their team who is taking the day-to-day management off their plate (and believe me, for some business owners this sigh of relief may be a strong gale wind!)
• Grab the reigns of a project and take it through to completion (including those projects that may have been sitting half-done for months or even years!)
• Find, hire and manage virtual team members for all aspects of their business, so that they don't have to struggle with this themselves anymore (this is the biggest challenge business owners have)
• Streamline and simplify the systems and processes in the business, including which tools are the best (and the least expensive!)
• Give them an accurate report on their business metrics, so that they are able to see what is going on in their business and make informed decisions. (you would be surprised to know how many business owners aren't really aware of this yet!)
• Implement and manage new revenue streams, taking the business owners ideas and expertise and packaging it to be ready for sale (which is at the heart of any online business)
• Act on their behalf, making decisions and taking care of the things that shouldn't be on the shoulders of your client (protecting them from the little things so they can focus on the big things)
• Take care of issues when they arise, everything from conflicts in the team to technology challenges (so that there is minimum interruption to the business activities)
• Be the calm in the eye of the storm, when things are super busy and it seems like everything is up in the air, you are the one that keeps it all together (the 'glue' that prevents things from falling apart)
• Drive income, create value, and help build a business that can proudly grow to its full potential

 

Comments from graduates of this training:

 

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