Career Progression: How to transition from Virtual Assistant to Online Business Manager

If you're a Virtual Assistant ready for career progression and craving more responsibility, becoming an Online Business Manager (OBM) could be your next step.

As an OBM, you go beyond task execution and step into a strategic role where you manage projects, teams, and business operations. You go from "doing the work" to "leading the work." This guide will show you exactly how to make the VA to OBM transition.

Virtual Assistant to Online Business Manager: Key Signs You’re Ready

Each month, as part of The ROCKET VA™ Academy, we host a masterclass to support our alumni at all stages of their Virtual Assistant journeys. Most recently, we welcomed Amanda Hyde-Pierce from Thrive OBM Academy—the UK’s first Certified Online Business Management© trainer. Amanda started as a VA and now trains aspiring OBMs across the UK and EU.

Here are a few signs Amanda shared that may indicate you're ready to transition from VA to OBM:

• You crave more responsibility and enjoy strategy and decision-making.

• You naturally take the lead on projects and oversee tasks.

• Clients already look to you for advice and business insight.

• You prefer working with a few high-level clients over juggling multiple small ones.

• You're confident in managing a team and ensuring smooth backend operations.

• Your vision and skills have evolved beyond traditional VA tasks.

Not every VA wants to become an OBM—and that’s perfectly okay! But if you find yourself nodding along, this might be your next move.

Why Being a VA Is the Perfect Stepping Stone to Becoming an OBM

Virtual Assistants are uniquely positioned to become successful Online Business Managers. Why?

• You've worked closely with business owners and understand their pain points.

• You have hands-on experience with systems, tools, and workflow processes.

• Your communication and organisational skills are already strong.

• You know how a business runs behind the scenes—an invaluable asset!

This deep operational knowledge makes the transition from VA to OBM a natural and achievable career progression.

What Does an Online Business Manager (OBM) Do?

While Virtual Assistants focus on executing tasks, OBMs operate at a higher level, often acting as the business owner's right-hand support. Online Business Managers responsibilities typically include:

• Project & Launch Management: Leading launches, campaigns, and special projects.

• Team Leadership & Delegation: Managing teams, assigning tasks, and ensuring accountability.

• Systems & Operations Management: Streamlining workflows, building SOPs, and improving efficiency.

• Metrics & Strategy: Tracking KPIs, analysing data, and supporting growth strategies.

Because of these high-level responsibilities, OBMs command significantly higher rates than traditional VAs.

How to Become an Online Business Manager

If you’re feeling drawn to Online Business Management, consider booking a Discovery Call with Amanda from Thrive OBM. She’ll help you understand if becoming an OBM aligns with your goals and strengths.

Should you decide to pursue it, Thrive OBM Academy will guide you through everything you need to become certified and launch yourself as a confident OBM.

Want to strengthen your VA skills first? The ROCKET VA™ Academy walks you through every step to build a sustainable VA business. Many of our alumni later transition into OBM roles with ease.

FAQ: VA to OBM Career Path

What is the difference between a Virtual Assistant and an Online Business Manager? A VA handles specific tasks; an OBM oversees strategy, operations, and team management.

Can I become an OBM without being a VA first? It's possible, but having a VA background gives you practical experience that fast-tracks your success.

How much do OBMs earn? Rates vary but many OBMs charge from £45 to £100+ per hour, depending on experience and industry.

Do I need certification to be an OBM? Not strictly, but certification through a recognised program like Thrive OBM can build credibility and confidence.

Take the Next Step in Your Virtual Assistant Career

Transitioning from VA to OBM is a game-changer. If you're ready to move into a high-level, leadership role with better pay and more impact, now is the time.

Ready to explore the Online Business Manager path? Book a Discovery Call with Amanda from Thrive OBM and see if OBM training is your next big move.

And if you're still honing your skills, check out this guide on How to Niche as a Virtual Assistant to carve out your unique space in the VA world!