Not all OBMs — or businesses — are created equal. Learn how to hire the right OBM based on your business stage, and avoid costly mistakes.

Hiring an OBM sounds like the solution to all your business problems — until you realize you don’t actually know what kind of OBM you need… or if you're ready for one.

The truth is, OBMs are not one-size-fits-all. The type of OBM your business needs depends on the kind of CEO you are, and the stage your business is in.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through:

• The 3 types of CEOs who hire OBMs

• What kind of OBM each stage actually needs

• How much you should expect to invest

• What questions to ask when hiring

• Where to actually find your OBM

Prefer to Watch it? Check out the YouTube Video:

What Is an OBM (Online Business Manager)?

An Online Business Manager (OBM) is the manager of your online business when you need someone to oversee systems, teams, and help you run the business — not just check off tasks. Keyword here is MANAGER.

But here’s the thing: not every business needs the same level of OBM support. Let’s figure out where you fall. If there is nothing to manage - you may need an an OBM.

The 3 Types of CEOs Who Hire OBMs

1. The Foundational CEO

You’re the business. You’re wearing every hat — sales, marketing, admin, client delivery — and it’s all in your head. Your systems? Scattered. Your onboarding? Chaos. You’re overwhelmed and ready for structure.

What you need:
An OBM who can build your back office from the ground up. That means:

• Documenting SOPs

• Setting up your project management system (like Airtable or ClickUp)

• Implementing automations

• Hiring and onboarding your first few key team members

But here’s the reality: If your business isn’t generating at least $350K annually, you might not be ready to sustain a strategic OBM long-term. OBMs are not task-doers — they’re managers and systems builders. That comes with a premium.

⚠️ If you're at this stage, you’re likely still deciding if it’s worth it. Spoiler: if you can't commit, don't hire an OBM yet.

2. The Growth CEO

You’ve got a small team and steady revenue, but every single decision still runs through you. Your VA is great, but you’re still the bottleneck. Delegation feels fake — because your systems are messy.

What you need:
An OBM who can run the team and build real workflows. Their responsibilities include:

• Managing project timelines and deliverables

• Supporting team members (VAs, contractors, specialists)

• Acting as the bridge between you and your team
  

This OBM is no longer just setting things up — they’re making sure your people actually function together.

What to expect investment-wise:
If you’re offering $1,500/mo, you're looking for a VA, not an OBM. Strategic leadership starts at higher investment levels — and it’s worth every dollar when you get your time back.

3. The Scaling CEO

You’ve got a team, systems, and revenue... and now you're ready to fully step back. You’re no longer in the weeds — you’re in the strategy.

What you need:
An OBM who can act as your second-in-command. Not only are they refining your existing systems, they’re:

• Overseeing team performance

• Ensuring cross-department alignment with KPIs

• Managing data and performance reporting

• Making strategic decisions alongside you

At this stage, your OBM is more than a manager — they’re a partner in growth.

How to Choose the Right OBM

Now that you know which CEO category you fall into, here’s what to look for when hiring:

What to Look for in an OBM (by CEO Type)

• Foundational CEO: Look for experience in system setup, project management tools, SOPs, and workflow creation. Bonus if they’ve built from scratch before.

• Growth CEO: Look for strong team leadership, communication, delegation systems, and critical thinking.

• Scaling CEO: Look for someone with operations-level thinking, who understands strategy, performance, and can handle data and leadership reporting.

What to Ask in the OBM Interview

Use these questions to vet the right fit:

• Can you walk me through how you’ve structured systems for past clients?

• How do you manage teams and ensure projects stay on track?

• What tools and systems are you most confident in?

• How do you work with CEOs who struggle to delegate?

• What does success look like to you in the OBM role?

Where to Find an OBM

Let’s keep it simple. You can find top OBMs in:

• The OBM Directory (powered by my Back Office Blueprint Community — every OBM listed has training and a real system)

• Referrals from other CEOs and operators

• Professional Communities (Circle, Skool, Slack groups)

• LinkedIn + Direct Outreach

• Indeed or your business job board of choice
  

But don’t just post a job and hope. Be clear on what type of OBM you're hiring for — and if you’re not sure, that’s where this next part helps...

The OBM Hiring Playbook (Your Next Step)

I created the OBM Hiring Playbook to take the guesswork out of this process. It includes:

• The complete hiring framework

• The exact questions to ask

• How to match the right OBM to your stage

• A plug-and-play onboarding checklist and easy “what to have ready for my OBM” in the first 90 days. 

Get the OBM Hiring Playbook here

Wrap Up

Hiring the right OBM can completely change how your business operates — but only if you choose one that matches your needs and your stage of growth. Use this guide to figure out where you stand, what kind of OBM you need, and where to find them.

You’re not just hiring help — you’re hiring leadership. Make it count.

Thank you so much for reading!

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