Scaling a service based business … It’s a fact that collaborative problem solving leads to better outcomes, there’s plenty of research around it.
Yet I see so many business women trying to go it alone.
Did you know that people are more likely to take calculated risks that lead to innovation if they have the support of a team behind them, and that working in a team encourages personal growth, increases job satisfaction, and reduces stress.
That’s the word from Atlassian.
Healthy teams enjoy benefits that go far beyond the company’s bottom line, and go a long way to help when scaling a service based business.
After all, team work makes the dream work!
I’m sure you’ve heard that one before. So in this blog, you’ll learn how a team can help when scaling a service based business and the steps you need to take.
Why hiring staff is a long-term commitment
Hiring staff, whether they are contracted, casual, part time or full time is a commitment, however, it should be looked on as a long-term commitment to future growth rather than a short-term gain.
Of course, you will need people to help in the short term and those people may only be with you for a short period.
Once you understand why you need to hire and whether it will be a short-term or long-term commitment, you’ll understand how to grow when it comes to scaling a service based business.
You know you need to hire help when…
- You can’t manage your business by yourself any more, you’re stretching yourself too thin and you’ve reached your capacity.
- You’re not familiar with tech and automation, but you know you need them.
- You have multiple projects running in your business and you’re feeling out of control (nothing is really getting done).
- You’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and break through to the next level of business.
- You’re tired and overwhelmed, and ready to make necessary changes.
- You don’t have time to do your tasks and manage a team at the same time.
- You have reached your maximum capacity (in both business and personal life).
- You don’t have the skill you need to get the job done.
- You’re spending more time working in your business, not on your business.
Look at the task and decide how you need to hire, and whether it will be just for a short time to get you through a busy patch or a long time to help you strategically grow the business.
Next you will look at who can help you.
Scaling a service based business with a VA or OBM
One of the most common questions I get asked is: Do I need a virtual assistant (VA) or an online business manager (OBM)?
Here’s to answer that question when you come up on it again.
Online Business Manager: An OBM also implements and manages. They work with their clients on a business partner level to create specific strategies to help their business grow. Then they manage the project, strategy, event or team from start to finish. They are in essence the planners of the VA-OBM combination.
Virtual Assistant: A VA is more task-driven rather than project driven. They are the doers in the equation. With a VA, you give them the task and they do it so you don’t have to!
For example, a virtual assistant might take on a specific task within a project, such as creating the graphic for your vacant position and posting it on social media.
Whereas an OBM would oversee the whole process from working with you to get the ad copy written, to working with your VA to create and post the ad, to managing the resumes for the position to get your a short list, and even interviewing people for the job.
An OBM would make sure all tasks were completed on time and milestones met, advising on the hiring strategy to make sure you get the right person for the job.
Read more about VAs and OBMs here.
What tasks a VA and OBM can help you with
Some examples of tasks that VAs and OBMs can handle include:
VA (the doer of work in your business):
- Scheduling
- Answering emails
- Data entry
- Documentation
- Social media posting
- Research
- Organising events
OBM (the strategic partner/integrator in your business to elevate you):
- Managing team members
- Tracking key metrics
- Building marketing campaigns
- Overseeing projects
- Outreach and partnerships
- Systems improvements
- Technical work
Which one do I need right now?
When scaling a service based business, an easy way of remembering how an OBM or a VA can help you is this:
- Online Business Manager (OBM) is goal-driven (focus on growth and work with you).
- Virtual Assistant (VA) is task-driven (focus on execution and work that is done for you).
If you’re not sure if you need virtual assistant services or the help of an online business manager, take my interactive quiz and find out now.
