As an Online Business Manager (OBM), professional development is part of the gig. You’re managing teams, systems, strategy, and sometimes even full-blown launches — so keeping your skills sharp is non-negotiable.

But with a million online courses out there promising “next-level results,” how do you know what’s actually worth the investment?

Let’s cut through the noise. Before you hit “Enroll,” ask yourself these three questions. They’ll help you choose the right course — the one that moves the needle in your OBM business, not just your bookmarks folder.

1. Will This Course Directly Improve My OBM Skills?

Here’s the reality: you don’t need another theory-based course that teaches fluff you already know.

You need a course that:

• Solves a real gap in your current knowledge

• Helps you perform better in client work (right now)

• Adds skills that align with what you actually do as an OBM

💡 Example: If your role involves leading operations, a course on project workflows in Airtable makes sense. A mindset journaling course? Probably not.

Ask yourself:

• Will this course help me work smarter with my current clients?

• Is this for my skill level, or am I buying beginner basics?

• Does it align with where I want to grow — systems, team management, data, etc.?

If it’s a yes, you’re looking at a good investment.

Consider these factors before buying:

Does this course focus on a specific area that will improve my client services or business operations?

• Is it designed for my skill level (intermediate/advanced) rather than teaching what I already know?

• Does it align with the areas of my business where I want to grow, such as systems implementation, team leadership, or data analysis?

• If the answer is yes, then the course is likely to provide tangible value for your role as an OBM.

2. What’s the Return on Investment (ROI) for my business?

Online courses often come with a price tag, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the potential benefits. Think about the ROI in terms of both time and money. Ask yourself: Will this course provide a return on investment that makes it worth the cost?

For example, if you’re investing $2100 in a course, ask how much time it will save you or how much more efficient you’ll become at your job. Will the course help you take on more clients, increase your rates, or deliver more value to your existing clients? The clearer you are about the tangible benefits of the course, the easier it is to justify the investment.

Here are a few things to consider when evaluating the ROI:

• Client retention or acquisition: Will this course teach you new strategies that can help you bring in more clients or keep existing clients happy?

• Efficiency: Does this course offer tools or techniques that will save you time on repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on higher-value work?

• Pricing: Will you be able to raise your rates after mastering the skills taught in the course?

In many cases, the right course can pay for itself in no time by helping you streamline your services or offering more value to your clients. Be sure to map out the potential returns before making a purchase.

3. Is the Instructor credible and experienced?

There’s nothing worse than buying a course, only to discover that the instructor lacks the expertise or practical experience to deliver on their promises. Sometimes the instructors in the course are so far removed - and you'll notice it's their teams teaching on the skills you need to know - not them. Often time - they are just the face.

Do a little digging into the instructor’s background:

• Have they worked as an OBM or in a related field? Instructors with real-world experience in your industry are more likely to understand the challenges you face and offer actionable solutions.

• Do they have case studies or testimonials from people in similar roles to yours? Check for reviews or case studies that show how their course has helped others improve their business management skills.

• Have they built a reputation for delivering high-quality content? Look at the instructor’s track record, social proof, and reviews to see if their past students have found value in their courses.

By ensuring the instructor has the right credentials, you can avoid wasting time on courses that are all theory and no substance.

Wrapping it Up

Investing in online courses can be a great way to stay ahead of the curve as an Online Business Manager, but it’s crucial to be selective. By asking yourself these three questions—Will this course improve my OBM skills? What’s the ROI for my business? Is the instructor credible and experienced?—you can confidently choose courses that will help you grow your skills and take your business to the next level.

Ready to make the most of your professional development? Be sure to check out my Education for OBM Suite where you can up level your skills, gain ROI in your business, and gain skills from an active online business manager who still serves clients to this day.