Web URLs:
http://www.onlinebusinessmanager.com
http://www.tinaforsyth.com
In Business Since: 1999
Type of Business: Business Management Expert, Coach, Trainer
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Tina. Tell us what you and your businesses are all about.
Tina: I own several training companies. Online Business Manager.com trains and certifies prospective Online Business Managers. Automate Your Growth.com trains and coaches online entrepreneurs in how to Set Up a Business to Run Without Them. I have authored two books: Becoming an Online Business Manager and The Entrepreneur’s Trap. The overall premise of my companies involves teaching how to take the online business model to the highest level of productivity and operations through systems, processes and automation.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Tina: I began my online journey kind of by accident. Initially I certified as a coach, and after working with a select few clients I very soon realized both my interest and gift was in ensuring everything got done. As much as I loved encouraging my clients in what needed to happen in their business I would often become frustrated with the fact that from week to week, month to month…they were not actually accomplishing what needed to be done to grow. So with that in mind I recognized that being a coach wasn’t necessarily my best fit.
Shortly after I began to work for CoachVille and Thomas Leonard, I was the event manager and right-hand gal to the General Manager. It was in this get-it-done role and environment that I thrived. Through CoachVille I met Andrea Lee who was at the time the GM for CoachVille, later (after Thomas died), we began to work together at which time I took on the role as Online Business Manager for Andrea and a handful of other 6- and 7-figure coaching businesses.
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Tina: I believe there is something to learn from every person you come in contact with. In the early years and without a doubt Thomas Leonard played a major part in my development as an online entrepreneur. Anyone that knew Thomas understands that there was an air of expertise and excellence that one could not help but to glean from. Another mentor of mine would be Andrea Lee. Although I started out working for her it wasn’t long before we begin to collaborate together on projects and to this day I consider her one of my closest friends and mentors. There are many, many others throughout this journey that come to mind as well but I will leave it with everyone has something to gain from the experience of another. You just have to be open to give and receive.
Ruth: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Tina: The first thing I would advise is that they become certified through my Online Business Manager Certification Training Program. It is the ONLY one of its kind and basically an all-you-need-to-know about online business in one complete program. As I state often working as an Online Business Manager is not for the faint of heart! It is vital that you both understand the expectations and the skill set of working at this level with high-end clients.
The second thing I would say is being an OBM is not an ‘additional income’ opportunity. Those who work in this industry are committed to building reputable businesses with successful entrepreneurs. OBMs partner with their clients to ensure that every aspect of the business is managed and maintained at the highest level of proficiency.
Ruth: What types of business owners are ideal to work with an online business manager?
Tina: If you are a business owner who is overwhelmed with the day in and day out management of your business… you have a solid business model and a proven revenue generating process, but find yourself constantly being over committed you are likely ready to hire an Online Business Manager. OBMs will oversee the day-in and day-out tasks of managing your business as well as manage your team and assist in creating overall business strategy and processes for growth. I would encourage you to keep in mind when it comes to hiring a team you want to hire for where you are going, not where you are currently. So if you are on the cusp of big success in your business you want to get the correct support in place now
Ruth: Excellent points, Tina. Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Tina: If you know that your heart is to support business owners at the highest level of business proficiency you should consider becoming an Online Business Manager. You can work with fewer clients and make more money! Becoming an OBM is as easy as having a simple conversation with my training manager…so my last advice would be take the step and create the business you really want doing the work you love!
Ruth: Thank you, Tina.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for Tina’s free OBM Starter Kit by clicking here.