FAQ

🍎 What is an OBM?

An OBM (Online Business Manager) is your strategic right hand—focused on managing operations, streamlining systems, and ensuring your team and tasks are aligned with your goals. Think of an OBM as the person who helps your business run smoothly behind the scenes, so you can stay in your zone of genius.

🔧 Why do I need an OBM?

If you're spending more time in the weeds than on growth, it might be time to bring in an OBM. We help small business owners step out of the day-to-day by creating efficient systems, managing team workflows, and keeping operations aligned with your vision—so you can scale sustainably and with less stress.

🌍 What if I’m not a fully remote company?

That’s totally fine. Small Biz OBM is fully remote to provide responsive, consistent support—wherever you’re located. Our systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with your team, no matter your timezone or office setup.

On-site engagements are available on a limited basis in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

🏪 Why do you only work with small businesses? Do I qualify?

We partner exclusively with independently owned small businesses—typically with fewer than 100 employees, under $10M in revenue, and a strong connection to their community.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, creating meaningful jobs, reinvesting locally, and bringing heart to the industries they serve. We choose to work with these businesses because they reflect values of creativity, resilience, and real impact—not just profit.

If that sounds like your business, you probably qualify.

🛠️ What type of businesses do you work with?

We specialize in partnering with passionate founders across a variety of industries, including:

🛍️ Ecommerce & DTC Brands
💻 Tech Startups
🏭 Manufacturing & Logistics
🛎️ Hospitality
🛒 Retail
👗 Fashion & Apparel
🧴 Skincare & Wellness
🥫 Packaged Foods & Beverages
🍷 Boutique Wineries

📅 How soon can we start working together?

Start dates depend on current availability and the scope of work. We typically recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for retainers or project-based work. Shorter consults may be available sooner.

🧾 Do you offer contracts and invoices?

Absolutely. Every engagement includes a clear service agreement and transparent invoicing. We believe clarity is key to a successful working relationship.

🕰️ How do you track hours?

For hourly and retainer work, we use a time-tracking system that ensures accountability and gives you visibility into how time is being spent. You’ll always know what’s getting done and when.

💬 How do we communicate during a project or retainer?

We adapt to your preferred tools—Slack, email, Asana, ClickUp, or others—but we always make sure communication is prompt, clear, and consistent. We also recommend weekly check-ins for ongoing work.

🧠 Do you help with strategy, or just execution?

We do both. Whether you need high-level business strategy, team structure support, or help implementing systems and SOPs, our team brings both strategic insight and hands-on execution.

🧍‍♀️ Will I work with one person or multiple team members?

That depends on your needs. For consultations and smaller retainers, you’ll work with one dedicated OBM. For larger projects, we may assign multiple team members to best support your goals.

💡 What’s the difference between an OBM and a VA (Virtual Assistant)?

An OBM focuses on strategy, systems, and team management, while a VA is usually responsible for task execution. We work alongside VAs and other team members to keep everything running smoothly and aligned with your business goals.

🥤 Why is there a to-go cup in your logo?

Honestly? Because I’m rarely more than 3 feet away from one. If you’ve ever seen my desk, there’s usually a coffee, an iced tea, and something sparkling—because hydration (and caffeine) is a lifestyle. The to-go cup felt like the unofficial mascot of my workday, so I made it official.

Also, who doesn’t love a good to-go bevvy? It's the universal small biz fuel. Whether you're building an empire or just trying to answer emails before the caffeine wears off, that cup is there for you. Loyal. Iconic. Slightly jittery.