Let me tell you a story about one of my clients:
Kate is a brilliant coach was working on writing her first book and launching a membership site to compliment it. When we hopped on our discovery call, she was spinning her wheels. After all, she was trying to work with her clients, get her book to the editor, set up a membership site, figure out what to post on social media, and to create a new opt-in to build her mailing list.
But Kate was doing none of this well because she knew enough to be dangerous but not enough to get results.
(Sound familiar?)
There’s a big difference between planning to do something and actually doing it. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, right? But you would be amazed at how many business owners get stuck at the planning stage and never get to the implementation.
It’s not for lack of trying either. Kate watched the webinars and started (but not finished) a few online courses on starting an online business.
But the second Kate realized she needed help, she saw titles like “virtual assistant” and “online business manager” and “social media manager”. She found marketing agencies and freelance graphic designers. And she was left trying to figure out the terminology so she could decide what done-for-you service provider would best fit her business’s needs.
When I hopped on that call with Kate, she asked me, “What is the difference between a virtual assistant, online business manager, and social media manager? I’m just really confused.”
Since I get asked this a lot, here’s your quick introduction to the world of done-for-you service providers:
Virtual Assistants:
Virtual Assistants (often called VAs) are the backbone of many online businesses. It’s their role to support entrepreneurs in the day-to-day tasks that keep their businesses running. Virtual assistants often specialize in certain tasks but generally can handle inbox and calendar management, social media posting, customer support…and so much more. While there are some VAs that will write blog posts or handle graphic design, this is a specialized skill set.
Online Business Managers:
These professionals are the strategic heart of an online business. It’s their job to streamline established businesses and to manage the day-to-day tasks so the business owner can focus on higher level tasks. Often, this includes creating launch plans, marketing campaigns, and implementing new systems or processes in a business. Online Business Managers take on a high level of responsibility in a business and often oversee a team of virtual assistants and other done-for-you service providers who are in charge of implementing the plans.
Social Media Managers:
If you need someone to manage your Facebook page or Instagram account, a social media manager is going to help you strategize and streamline your social media posting. Many social media managers can also help you with Facebook group moderation, Instagram account growth or social media graphics. Make sure that your social media strategy includes some performance metrics around how engaged your followers are so you can monitor your progress.
Other freelancers:
Graphic designers, copywriters, and Facebook ads specialists are great additions to your team. While some virtual assistants can handle these task for you, it’s also great to pull in a specialist for certain projects. (HINT: If you have an online business manager, they can oversee these freelancers so you’re not juggling as much.) Often, if you’re already working with done-for-you service providers they can also refer you to amazing professionals they’ve worked with before.
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In case you’re wondering, Kate just launched her book and membership site. As her Online Business Manager, I oversee a team of done-for-you service providers who manage her customer service needs, social media content, and are helping her produce her new podcast. She’s officially free to do what she does best–helping her clients live a life of their own design!