Help! Who do I hire to support my online business?
“So, do I need a Virtual Assistant or an Integrator? Wait, what is an Integrator anyways?” ~ a gazillion online business owners
When it’s time to hire support for your business, you’ll likely find yourself wondering exactly what type of role you’re looking for.
The abundance of support roles, and the lack of clarity on what each role does, only adds to the overwhelm of taking the next step in building your team.
If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone.
Let’s see if we can clear up some of the confusion.
There are numerous support roles for your online business, each specializing in a range of functions; all ensuring that your business operates smoothly and efficiently.
Below are just a few titles you might encounter when you begin looking for your next support person.
Support Roles for Online Businesses
Virtual Assistant (VA)
The VA is often an online business’ first hire. VAs are skilled in handling administrative tasks, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and providing general support to keep your business organized and running smoothly. They excel at multitasking and can adapt to various roles based on your needs, from managing emails and customer inquiries to assisting with research and social media management.
Operations Assistant
Supporting Operations Coordinators and other team members, Operations Assistants handle administrative tasks, assist with project coordination, maintain documentation, and provide general support to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistants provide high-level support to business leaders, managing calendars, travel arrangements, meeting coordination, and stakeholder communication. They enable you to focus on strategic decision-making by efficiently handling administrative responsibilities and ensuring smooth operations.
Personal Assistant
Personal Assistants cater to individual needs, managing personal schedules, handling errands, and providing general assistance to maintain work-life balance. They support business owners by managing personal tasks, allowing them to stay organized and focused on professional responsibilities.
Tech Assistant
With technology playing a crucial role, Tech Assistants provide technical support, manage software/hardware systems, troubleshoot IT issues, and ensure data security. They streamline technology-related processes, enhance productivity, and maintain a reliable digital infrastructure.
Integrator
Integrators are instrumental in aligning people, processes, and technology. They bridge the gap between strategic vision and execution, ensuring that projects are completed on time, resources are optimized, and teams work cohesively towards common objectives. Integrators excel in project management, process improvement, and team coordination.
Operations Coordinator
Operations Coordinators play a vital role in managing day-to-day operational tasks, coordinating schedules, overseeing projects, and liaising with various teams to ensure smooth execution of business activities. They contribute to efficiency and effectiveness by optimizing processes and facilitating communication within the organization.
Online Business Manager (OBM)
As the quarterback of your business operations, an Online Business Manager oversees day-to-day activities, coordinates projects, manages teams, and ensures that everything runs smoothly. OBMs specialize in creating systems, optimizing workflows, and driving performance to help your business achieve its goals efficiently and effectively.
Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO)
For strategic guidance and operational expertise, a Fractional COO brings a wealth of experience in optimizing business processes, managing teams, and driving growth initiatives. They play a pivotal role in aligning your business strategy with actionable plans, improving operational efficiency, and scaling your operations effectively.
Director of Operations
Providing strategic leadership and oversight, a Director of Operations is essential for larger businesses or those experiencing rapid growth. They optimize internal processes, manage resources, drive performance metrics, and foster a culture of operational excellence to support sustainable scaling while maintaining high standards of efficiency.
If reading those descriptions didn’t clear things up for you, that’s okay.
When it comes to online business support, there’s a great deal of overlap in the responsibilities of each of these roles.
Business owners like myself (and like you) choose the title that feels the most aligned, but in reality, two or more titles may describe what it is we do in supporting our clients.
Hire for results, not a title
Because of this overlap, the title of your support person isn’t as important as what they help you accomplish.
Before you begin searching for a team member to support your business, be clear about what results you want to achieve.
Do you want better team management? Or support integrating new tech? Or someone to manage your personal appointments.
Once you know what results you’re looking for, you can create a scope of work and role description to advertise your support needs and ask for referrals.
This will attract the right fit people, regardless of what they call themselves.
