Are you FINALLY ready to ESCAPE the CORPORATE GRIND and TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE?
Transform Your Career and Your Life By Becoming A Certified OBM®
Finally Get Paid What You Are Worth With All of Your Operations, Project Management, and Administrative Expertise.
Finally Get Paid What You Are Worth With All of Your Operations, Project Management, and Administrative Expertise.
An OBM is a virtual based senior-level professional who manages the day-to-day activities of online-based businesses, including the management of team members, operations, and projects.
You may have heard the terms, Digital COOs, Integrators, Virtual Partners, or Operations Managers. An Online Business Manager does these roles and sometimes more.
In fact, the Certified OBM® training program was the first of its kind when it launched in 2009 and set the standard for which all others try to emulate. Certified OBM® graduates have been stepping up and serving online entrepreneurs in this capacity for more than a decade.
Online business owners are ready to hire NOW
and are looking for a trusted professional who is ready to step in and OWN this role! They don't have the time (or the patience) for someone who isn't 100% ready to serve at the highest level.
Attention Aspiring Online Business Manager
Maybe your life is like mine before I started. I wanted to work from home and be more present with my family. I knew I had the skills, abilities and training to run and grow a business. I wanted to work online to make that happen.
Unfortunately, when I looked around it seemed like the only opportunities were to become a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper. That wasn’t really what I wanted. I started as a project manager and bookkeeper but found I wanted more.
I wanted to run other people's businesses and help them grow. I wanted to help online entrepreneurs, specifically women who were changing the world with their message and business, but I didn't know how to get them as clients or how to convince them I knew how to help.
That’s when I heard about Tina Forsyth's book Becoming An Online Business Manager. The light bulb went off. "YES! This is who I am. This is how I want to serve my clients." I found my calling. I was over the moon delighted!
These days more and more people just like you are interested in becoming an Online Business Manager. They want to do it but they feel they don't yet have the expertise and confidence to officially step into the role.
But if you KNOW you are meant to work at this level, with some training and support, you can be confident and ready to work with these business owners that are ready to hire you. They aren’t just ready to hire you, they are desperate to hire you.
That is exactly why I became a Certified OBM Trainer. So I can teach you and everyone else who has that desire in their hearts the tools, tips, resources, systems, mindset, and best practices that I've used in my business for almost a decade.
I want to help people step into the roles they were meant to fill, to have more time with their families, more flexibility and to leave the corporate world behind once and for all. I want to liberate people from cubicles and help them live and travel as they please or just stop missing all the important moments in their families’ life because they are stuck at work.
Maybe you’re already working in the digital space and you’ve heard clients talking about how they need an Integrator or a Digital Ops Manager. That’s basically what a Certified OBM® is. An Online Business Manager is the hub of an organization, making sure everything happens as it should. If you’re thinking you might want to step into that role, this is exactly the training you need.
It’s a pretty amazing career, but being a Certified OBM® is not for everyone. You need to understand going into this that The International Association of Online Business Managers does not certify everyone who takes the training. You need to work to pass the certification.
This is not an automatic certification. You have to be able to show you understand the principles and concepts taught and that you can implement them for your clients. You will need to put your training into action by digging deeper into concepts and resources we share with you. This is not a multiple choice quiz, it is a hands-on demonstration that you know your stuff.
That being said...if you're accepted into the training program you'll know we believe you can do this. We don’t just take anyone who applies. We let people know if we think they aren't ready yet. But if we think NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU, we will definitely encourage you to join our Certified OBM® training and community.
Are you ready to become a Certified OBM®?
We find that people have a fairly strong reaction once they understand what the role of the Online Business Manager is. In fact, this is the goal of reading the book Becoming an Online Business Manager. We want people to have a strong feeling of either:
"Yes! I would love to become a Certified OBM®, bring it on!"
OR
"No Thanks, this isn't for me so I'll pass."
You are ready to join the Certified OBM® Training if you:
have 3 - 5 years of relatable 'offline' experience (as an Ops Manager, EA, or otherwise), OR have one year experience as a virtual assistant or other online support professional.
have read or will commit to reading the book Becoming an Online Business Manager - so you can get the inside scoop and know if this is for you!
understand the foundational online business systems that clients use, including the shopping cart, autoresponder systems, etc (or are willing to take additional training to learn these systems.)
have a home-based office and are committed to the long-term success of your career of an Online Business Manager.
are able to dedicate the time necessary to do the entire training as outlined below
have a burning desire to perform at a higher level, are willing to do what it takes to upskill and upgrade your life and come with a heart for service.
The Online Business Manager Training &
Certification Program
An Online Training Intensive for Get-It-Done Professionals Who Want to Play at a Higher
Level With Their Clients (and Be Paid Well for Doing So)
When you get certified with me you'll
Stay Current
Stay on top of leading industry trends, resources, topics, and strategies with monthly community calls, access to IAOBM member exclusive additional trainings, workshops, events, and resources, and be part of an international community of like-minded and supportive members.
Establish Yourself as an Expert
When you help your clients create success, you will also be considered an expert in online business systems and your client's niche market... leading to new opportunities such as consulting, mentoring or training.
Work with a Select Few Clients
You get to choose to work with a small group of your ideal clients (usually no more than 3) vs. having to juggle the many-client-model that can be so exhausting.
Increase Your Earning Potential
By setting up a retainer, package, or incentive based payment structure you will stop the traditional and limiting 'time for money' model that most VAs and other online support professionals follow.
Find New Clients by Word of Mouth
Likewise, when you help your client's create success word gets around very quickly to the point where you will find yourself having to say 'sorry, my business is full' to the many business owners who will pop up asking for your help.
Enjoy Longer Term Client Relationships
The Online Business Manager role is integral to your client's business, and as such it has a very low turnover... which means you will rarely have to look for new clients.
Co-create with your Clients
As you get more experience in online strategies you will start creating new programs or products with your clients, and ultimately may have the opportunity to become a partner in the business itself.
Continuous Learning & Growth
The world of online business is constantly evolving, with new tools, strategies and ideas that seem to pop up every month. You’ll enjoy monthly coffee chats which are either a discussion on an industry topic or a mini-training to address current trends in the online business industry (like clients, tech, strategies, mindset, etc). You will also find some extra bonus training opportunities that will help set you up for success.
What Exactly Will I Learn?
Since 2009, the Certified OBM® program - accredited by the International Association of Online Business Managers - has been widely recognized as the leading authority for training leaders in Online Business Management.
With our newly updated curriculum designed by a team of online business owners, Certified OBM® professionals and Adult Learning and Instructional Design experts, this program equips our students with everything they need to succeed in today's digital economy, regardless of their background.
Here's a quick overview of each module (click here to download a detailed training syllabus.)
MODULE 1: Online Business Trends
Why the Business World Needs OBMs
Despite the many challenges that our world has faced since early 2020, online businesses have been flourishing and are requiring a higher level of support. Module 1 is a deep look at the world today and why Online Business Managers are in more demand than ever - including the top 5 online business trends, 7 business models and the OBM 'sweet spot' for finding ideal clients.
MODULE 2: OBM Leadership Competencies
Being a Leader is What Makes You an OBM
The #1 thing that a business is looking for when they hire an OBM is leadership. They want someone to take charge. To plug into the bigger picture of the business and turn goals into plans. To lead the team on execution of the plan so that goals become reality. Developing your leadership skills and really owning your role is the key to becoming the rockstar OBM that business owners want to hire (and will never want to let go!)
MODULE 3: Planning
Success starts with a good plan
Planning answers 2 simple questions: Where are we going? And how are we going to get there? As the OBM you are keeper of the plan - taking your client's bigger picture goals and helping to lay out actionable launch and 90-Day Plans as a roadmap for success. Many businesses are 'flying by the seat of their pants' before they bring an OBM on board, and are hungry for the focus of a solid plan.
MODULE 4: People
With the Right Team all Things are Possible
As the OBM you are in charge of the team - from finding and hiring the right people through to daily management and support of the team. The lessons in this module will teach you how to structure an online team, where to find the best people, how to hire and effectively lead to get the most from your team members.
MODULE 5: Process
The Backbone of Sustainable Success
Today's growing businesses know that processes are necessary for sustainable success - and they know they need help to create them! The lessons in this module will teach you how to centralize, effectively create systems, how to document processes and how to create an SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) guide for online businesses.
MODULE 6: Progress
Keeping Everyone on Track to Reach Goals
It's one thing to create a plan - it's another thing to execute on that plan! As the OBM you are working with your client and the team to ensure that 'stuff is getting done' and progress is being made towards established goals. You are also keeping an eye on metrics and the key numbers that reflect where things are on track (and where they might be off track.)
MODULE 7: The First 90 Days
Setting the Stage for Long Term Success
As we lovingly like to say, the first 90-days with a new client will make or break you. When you come with a solid plan for the first 90-days and are ready to lead, you will hit the ground running and have a client who never wants to let you go. (Likewise, if you flounder during the first 90-days you may find yourself run ragged and risk losing the client you worked so hard to get.)
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Certification Week
Upon completion of the training outlined above, you will have the opportunity to participate in Certification Week and apply to become a Certified OBM® with the International Association of Online Business Managers.
Certification Week is a process of being able to demonstrate, in real-life situations, that you have the knowledge, expertise and fortitude required to excel as an Online Business Manager.
With successful completion of the Certification process (as evaluated by our Certification Committee) you will be awarded the credential of Certified OBM® and become a member of the International Association of Online Business Managers.
Are Your Ready to Apply?
Yes, I'm Ready to Apply
Let's Do This!!
Book a call with a trainer to find out more about...
the next training session date
pricing (and payment plans)
the benefits of being a member of the International Assoc. of OBMs
and get all of your burning questions answered right away.
Online Business Manager Certification Training Virtual Intensive
The program is delivered virtually (via online video training plus weekly deep dive training calls), in an intimate and intensive 26-week format, led by Keldie Jamieson, Certified OBM Trainer® and Founder of the OBM Leadership Academy™.
This includes:
8 Content Modules
Breaking down the Online Business Manager Certification. Plus LIVE support while attending Certification Week with the International Association of Online Business Managers™. (I'll be with you during Prep Week!)
OBM Membership Area
Which includes the video lessons, transcripts, worksheets, flowcharts, and supplemental materials for all modules.
Weekly LIVE Training Sessions
Weekly LIVE training and support sessions during Phase 1 & Phase 2 of the full core curriculum plus bonus trainings (approximately 180 days)…. loaded with insights, where Keldie will be available to dig deep into online business best practices, strategy, answer your questions and support you on your OBM journey.
Access to the Private Facebook Training Group
Where you can connect with awesome VAs & OBMs ramping up their business to the next level like you. This virtual group will give you answers, suggestions, and a round of applause when you need it.
Plus These Bonuses
The Compensation Conversation
Breaking Free From The Time For Money Trap mini-course.
This includes a 170 page Workbook containing step-by-step Conversation Templates, 3 training recordings to help you create incentive-based compensation agreements with your clients, and 8 interviews with real-life business owners sharing their perspective on incentive-based-compensation - essential for any Online Business Manager! (value $297)
Teamwork Project Management Templates
At the end of the training you will receive access to the Certified OBM® Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Teamwork PM Task List and Task templates. There are over 150 tasks already set up for you to use with your clients as a startup template. Note: you may not give this away or sell it as a separate product - it is for your use WITH your OBM clients only. (value $497 - I think priceless really)
Access to the Get Productive OBM Bundle
Where you'll turbocharge your skills & efficiency in the following areas that are essential for OBMs in today's online market: Google Drive/Workspace, Gmail, Google Contacts, Google Docs, Google Chrome, Google Calendar, Google Keep, Google Forms, Google Sheets, PLUS...LastPass Password Management,
PLUS...the Workshop "Goodbye Digi-Clutter"
PLUS...Open Office Hours with Dara Sklar (the creative partner and teacher of this remarkable course) - these office hour calls are great when you need some expert advice. (Value $1300)
Boundaries & Preventing Burnout Training
guest expert Jennifer Bassman walks us through the ways to avoid burnout as an OBM. It is so easy to keep pulling things off of our clients' plates and putting them on ours, but we need to do this with extreme intention and within the boundaries, we set for ourselves. (value $297)
International Association of Online Business Managers Certification Fee
We've covered the certification week fees for you which also includes your first year's annual fee to the International Association of OBMs. This community is one of the best reasons to become a Certified OBM®. You will find support, resources, monthly "coffee chats" which are like group mini-training sessions. Plus the members in our community just plain ROCK! (value $297)
**NEW** 101 Social Media Brandable Post Graphics - Canva Template
At the end of the training you will receive our popular 101 Ways an OBM Can Help Grow a Business report already crafted into social media posts ready for you to brand for your own business.
Plus these additional types of OBM specific marketing materials
52 weekly leadership & business building quote posts
52 weekly topic ideas for short form Live Video
12 monthly Get To Know Me post ideas
Google Sheet for tracking where and when these posts were done
So you can start promoting your services right away. (value $397)
Total BONUSES Valued at Over $3000.00
When you've completed the OBM Training Program you'll be able to:
Handle the day-to-day management of the business - freeing your clients from the burden of all the details (they are going to be so relieved!)
Manage projects from start to finish (even those dusty old projects that may have been sitting on the shelf for months or even years!)
Build and manage virtual teams that work in all areas of the business, taking away one of the biggest challenges business owners have.
Create and streamline systems, processes and recommend which tools make the most sense for your client based on their individual needs.
Keep your clients up to date on all the numbers in their business so they know what results they are achieving, and what’s really going on. Armed with the right information, they can make better choices. You'd be surprised how many business owners have no idea about their own numbers!
Manage and implement new revenue streams, taking the business owners ideas and expertise and packaging them to be ready for sale (which is the CORE of any online business!)
Make decisions on the clients behalf, taking care of the things they shouldn’t have to worry about anymore (and get them to stop sweating the small stuff and focus on the big picture.)
Handle issues when they arise, everything from struggles within the team to technology challenges (keeping interruption to the business activities to a minimum.)
Be the calm in the eye of the storm, when things are super busy and it seems like everything is up in the air, you are the one that keeps it all together (you’re the 'glue' that holds everyone together!)
Drive income, create value, and help build a thriving business that can reach its full potential
So many businesses are moving online and going digital. The online businesses space is expanding rapidly. Many online based business owners find themselves “exhausted and overwhelmed.” They just can’t do it all themselves anymore. They desperately need someone to help them grow and manage their business.
Are Your Ready to Apply?
Yes, I'm Ready to Apply
Let's Do This!!
Get all of your burning questions answered right away.
Book a call with a trainer today.
Are you ready to dive head first into the Certified OBM® training?
Fill out our application today and book a call to discuss the in’s and out’s of the training & certification process in more detail, whether the training is truly the right fit for you and your goals, more about the International Association of OBMs and the benefits you get from joining our community, and how you can design a business & lifestyle you love, have more impact on your clients’ success, and bring in a steady and lucrative revenue.
Do you still have questions?
Fill out our applicationFill out our application anyway, and come to the information call with all of your outstanding questions.
We are here to ensure that you get as much information as you need to make a decision. These information calls are zero-pressure, and no-obligation. So rest assured that you will walk away feeling good about any decision you make.
-Aimee Accinno
Founder & Certified OBM®, A Better World OBM
"In 2019, I made the decision to transition from my 20+ year career in corporate to an entrepreneurial role. I wanted to leverage the skills I honed over the years to start my own business supporting online entrepreneurs. After searching the web to see how this would be possible, I was fortunate to find the OBM Leadership Academy, founded by Keldie Jamieson.
After a brief Zoom chat with Keldie, I was convinced that being an Online Business Manager was the right move for me. I immediately signed up for the training and subsequently passed my certification with flying colors. In fact, I was able to secure a full-time client before I even graduated!
Keldie's training provided a very comprehensive overview of how an online business operates and how OBMs can best serve our clients. Keldie also used many real world examples during the training to help illustrate various scenarios we could potentially encounter in the future as an OBM.
In addition to the thorough training, I really appreciated all the extra support Keldie willingly offered to her students. Aside from being a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, Keldie demonstrated her commitment to our success by hosting several live Q&A calls and made herself available for questions and support, well after graduation.
If you are considering a career shift or are ready to make the plunge, I highly recommend training with Keldie through her OBM Leadership Academy. This experience opened up unlimited possibilities for me to create a career where I can work remotely, make my own hours, choose my clients and set my own rates. I very grateful to Keldie for this life changing opportunity!