How a virtual business manager can help to grow your business

Both virtual assistants and business managers can be a valuable asset to growing your company. But did you know that a virtual business manager (VBM) differs from a virtual assistant (VA)?

In this article, I want to focus on freelance business managers and the added level of service they offer.

Do you need a virtual business manager instead of a virtual assistant?

Although they may seem similar on the surface, a business manager is much more than just a great virtual assistant.

A VBM offers a different set of services and skills.

Your company needs and goals will depend on whether a virtual assistant is right for you or if you need the next level of support a virtual business manager can bring.

The best way to see if you need the help of a business manager is to ask yourself some questions…

1. Do you have a vision for your business growth and development, but managing the day-to-day running means you find it incredibly difficult to find the time to get round to realising your plans?

2. Do you have a large project you need to give your full attention to, and need to leave the general running of your business to someone else?

If you answered yes to either of these statements, then a virtual business manager is the answer.

How a virtual business manager can help your business

We all know that as your business grows, so does the amount of time it takes to manage it. You know you can take your business to the next level, but you never have time away from daily operations to make it happen…

It’s a familiar story for business owners when they’re looking to expand.

So how do you grow your business and make your new ideas a reality when you’re stuck with the day-to-day?

You could go down the traditional route of hiring a salaried manager. But bringing in a permanent manager can be a huge commitment for your business. Let alone finding the right person – that task can be a nightmare.

A better solution could be hiring a trusted freelance business manager. It could help you to avoid these common pitfalls when you are looking to grow your business. Hiring a virtual business manager gives you the flexibility to work together for as long as you need, without any long-term commitments.

What can a freelance business manager actually do?

The main defining factor between a VBM and a VA is the term ‘manager’. A freelance business manager should have leadership or project management background, meaning they are capable to step in and take up the day-to-day management of your business.

They work to your vision for the company and really are invested in your success and growth. As well as having a strategic overview, keeping an eye on the bigger picture with you. They can look after and oversee ALL aspects of your business’ daily operations.

With a focus on strategy, your VBM should be able to take your daily workload off your hands. Pass over tasks such as –

·  Managing your teams

·  Managing your projects

·  Doing analysis

·  Producing reports

·  Tracking performance and KPI’s

·  Tighten up systems and processes

·  Improving communication

But most importantly, they can use their initiative to drive the business forward, taking action when needed.

VBM’s are committed to seeing your business grow, but because they can maintain a level of distance, they can operate with a level of clarity in their support.

As a virtual business manager can operate at this senior level, they can often be a great sounding-board for business owners who need help organising their thoughts. Perfect for making some bigger picture decisions or tackling a difficult project.

Overall, you want your freelance business manager to be someone who you can trust to become your right-hand man or woman. They can ensure your business is functioning to its maximum, without asking you about every decision.

What attributes should you look out for when hiring a VBM?

There are a few important qualities you should look for… such as, someone who’s not afraid to work independently, who’s a self-starter, and able to use their own imitative. When hiring a freelance business manager, you need to know they can make difficult decisions and follow through to make things happen.

But the number one most important skill for a virtual business manager – someone who’s a good communicator.

You need someone who writes, talks, and listens well. Your manager should not be afraid to present themselves and they also need to be at ease talking to lots of different people at different levels.

As you’re looking to take a step back from your daily operations to move your business plans and expansion forward, you need to trust your virtual business manager and let them do their best work.

Finding the right person will depend on your business goals and needs. It will also depend on your personality, as you need to be able to trust someone and hand over the reins, so connecting on a personal level could be important to allow yourself to do that.

In summary, if you are looking to take yourself out of the business for a period of time to focus on growth, you’d benefit much more from a virtual business manager over a virtual assistant. Of course, a virtual assistant could still be used, too, if you still need an extra pair of hands for running other aspects of the daily tasks.

Hopefully, this gives you a good understanding of what a VBM can do for your business and how this service differs from a VA.

If you have a specific project that needs your focus or an ambitious business growth plan, get in touch to talk about me being your virtual business manager. We will be happy to chat and work out how’s best to help you.   To find out more about the key differences, here’s a link to my previous blog post ‘virtual assistant vs virtual business manager’.