The Online Business Manager Show with Sarah Noked
The Online Business Manager Show with Sarah Noked is a podcast and YouTube channel for Online Business Managers (OBMs), service providers, and entrepreneurs. It covers topics like team leadership, client management, systems, SOPs, tech, and scalable operations. The show aims to help listeners build sustainable OBM businesses, elevate their roles from doers to strategic partners, and lead remote teams with confidence. Each episode provides real-talk insights and actionable takeaways.
Episodes
Signs You're Already Operating Like an OBM (And Don't Even Know It)
In this episode of The OBM Show, we're exploring a question that many Virtual Assistants, online service providers, project managers, and corporate professionals eventually ask themselves:"Wait a minute... am I basically running this business?"You’re not trying to take things over. You’re simply noticing that somewhere along the way, you became the person keeping projects moving, ti
The Difference Between Hiring Help and Hiring Leadership (With Gillian Perkins)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by longtime entrepreneur and educator Gillian Perkins for a conversation about what operational leadership actually looks like inside a scaling business.Because at a certain point in growth, business owners stop needing more help…and start needing someone who can help hold the business together operationally.Gillian has worked alongside the same OBM for
A Day in the Life of an OBM with Jessica Bonilla (From Homemaker to Accredited Online Business Manager)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Jessica Bonilla for a conversation that completely challenges what people think qualifies someone to become an Online Business Manager.Before Jessica ever called herself an OBM, she was an executive assistant inside a corporate IT department managing moving parts across teams and executives. At one point, she was the breadwinner in her family.Then lif
Interview with Emily Reagan (How true operational leadership can help you scale)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Emily Reagan for a conversation about something more business owners (and OBMs) need to understand as they grow.At a certain point, scaling is no longer about getting more clients or doing more marketing.It becomes about what is happening behind the scenes.So many founders assume that if they just keep pushing, keep hiring, or keep optimizing their ma
A Day in the Life of an OBM with Beth Johnson (Repositioning Corporate Experience to Online Business Management)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Beth Johnson for a conversation about something I think more aspiring Online Business Managers need to hear. You do not have to start from scratch to build a successful OBM business.So many individuals assume that stepping into the OBM role means reinventing everything. A new niche, a new business model, a new version of themselves.But often, the stro
The Real Reason Clients Get Confused About Your OBM Services
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m talking about one of the most common reasons discovery calls start to feel messy for OBMs and why it usually has far less to do with confidence than people think.It often starts with a simple question: “What does working with you actually look like?”And for a lot of Online Business Managers, that is the exact moment the call starts to unravel.Not because they a
A Day in the Life of an OBM with Rae Raczka (60 hour work weeks to balanced operations manager)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m sitting down with Rae Raczka, founder of The Ops Collective and Accredited Online Business Manager, to talk about the moment she realized the way she was working simply wasn’t sustainable.At 25, Rae was running operations, payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting across five entities in three countries. She was working 60–65 hour weeks, carrying enormous responsibi
Set Clear Boundaries as an Online Business Manager
In this episode of The OBM Show, we’re talking about a boundaries problem most Online Business Managers think they have… but actually don’t.What happens when you’ve communicated your hours, set expectations, and genuinely want better work-life balance but still find yourself answering Slack messages at 8pm?When you know the boundary… and break it anyway?This conversation is for the OBM who feels s
The Visibility Problem OBMs Don’t Want to Admit
In this episode of The OBM Show, we’re talking about a visibility problem most Online Business Managers feel, but rarely say out loud.What happens when you’re great at your work, trusted by your clients, and still feel invisible online? When every time someone asks what you do, your answer spirals into tools, tasks, or vague “backend support”… even though that’s not why clients actually hire you?T
A Day in the Life of OBM Adriana Strama (From Overdelivering to Leading with Boundaries)
In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Adriana Strama, Accredited OBM and founder of her own growing OBM business. We’re diving into what it takes to stop overdelivering, set boundaries that stick, and build a business rooted in intention—not just hustle.Whether you’re feeling like you’re carrying too much or trying to figure out how to step into more leadership, this episode will meet you
How to Breathe New Life Into Your OBM Business
There is a version of burnout that many OBMs experience but rarely talk about.Your business technically works.You have clients.You know what you are doing.And yet logging in every day feels heavier than it should.In this episode of The OBM Show, Sarah Noked talks directly to the OBM who feels tired, uninspired, or quietly questioning whether this business still fits their life.This is a real conve
A Day in the Life of OBM Jackie Appleby (8+ Years in the Game, Still Evolving + Leading with Intention)
There’s a moment in every OBM’s journey when what got you here won’t get you there. You’ve built strong systems, landed solid clients, and grown your team… but you’re craving more sustainability, stronger leadership, and space to evolve.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m sitting down with Accredited OBM Jackie Appleby, founder of Diligent Assist, who’s been working in the OBM space for over eigh
How to Build a Game-Changing OBM Business in 2026 (Without Burning Out)
There’s a moment in every OBM’s journey when you look at your calendar, your inbox, your Slack notifications… and realize the business you built is running your life instead of supporting it.That was exactly where I found myself one Friday night in the early days of my agency. Slack pinging nonstop. A 3-hour client debrief still looping in my mind. My shoulders tight, my wine untouched. And the qu
What I'd Do Differently If I Were Starting My OBM Business in 2026
There’s a moment in every service provider’s journey when you realize you’re doing everything you can… and still not getting the momentum you expected. You’re learning. You’re trying. You’re showing up. But nothing is quite landing.You’re supposed to be building a business that gives you freedom, but instead you’re juggling every detail, working late nights, saying yes to everything, and quietly w
A Day in the Life of OBM Adayah Balog (From Corporate → Overwhelmed VA → Intentional OBM Agency)
There’s a moment in every service provider’s journey when the business starts growing faster than you can keep up with… and the weight of it becomes impossible to ignore.You started out supporting clients.Then suddenly, you’re managing launches.You’re coordinating contractors.You’re solving operational problems before anyone else notices them.You’re carrying the entire backend of the business on y
A Day in the Life of OBM Milani Lau (Underpaid VA to Confident, Strategic OBM)
There’s a moment in every service provider’s journey when the work you’re doing no longer matches the title you’ve been using.You’re being hired as a VA… but you’re planning launches.You’re coordinating teams.You’re spotting system gaps before anyone else sees them.You’re leading… quietly, strategically, instinctively.But you’re still being paid like a task-doer.In this episode of “The OBM Show,”
A Day in the Life of OBM Amy Crowe (How she built a profitable and flexible business as a mom)
You started your business for freedom.Freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, and your lifestyle.But somewhere along the way, that freedom started to feel more like a full calendar than a full life.In this episode of “The OBM Show”, I’m sitting down with Accredited OBM Amy Crowe, who shares how she rebuilt her business to finally work for her, not against her. Amy started out as a successfu
That Imposter Feeling: How to Own Your OBM Expertise (Even When You Feel Like a Fraud)
You’re managing launches.You’re leading teams.You’re building the systems that make your clients’ businesses run like clockwork.And yet… you still catch yourself thinking, “Who am I to be doing this?”That’s not proof you’re a fraud… it’s proof you’re growing.In this episode of “The OBM Show”, I’m breaking down how to overcome imposter syndrome and finally own your OBM expertise with confidence and
The Value-Based OBM: How to Price Your Services on Outcomes, Not Hours
You’ve just had an incredible discovery call with a potential client.You see their vision, you know exactly how you can help them, and your proposal is practically writing itself until you reach that one section that makes your stomach drop: The Investment.Suddenly, your excitement turns into second-guessing.What’s my hourly rate again?How many hours will this take?What if they think it’s too much
How to be the Online Business Manager in Your Own Business
You started your business for freedom.To work on your own terms, serve clients you love, and build something that actually lights you up.But somewhere along the way, that freedom started to feel a lot like… busyness.Every client question still lands on your plate.Every decision still needs your approval.And if you stop working, even for a few days, everything stalls.Here’s the truth: if your busin
When to Walk Away from a Client (And How to Do It Gracefully)
You’ve put in the hours.You’ve delivered the work.But every interaction with that client leaves you drained.Here’s the truth: keeping every client is self-sabotage. Real leadership is knowing when it’s time to say “no.”In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down the five undeniable signs it’s time to walk away from a client, and giving you the exact step-by-step process to offboard with cla
Stop Playing the VA Game: How to Step Into True OBM Leadership
You’re answering emails.You’re checking tasks off the list.You’re keeping the wheels turning.But here’s the truth: if you’re still stuck in “helper mode,” you’re holding yourself back.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down how to stop playing the VA game and step fully into your OBM leadership. Because leadership isn’t about having a big team or a fancy title, it’s about how you show u
The Confident Close: How to Turn Discovery Calls into Signed High-Ticket Clients
You’ve landed a discovery call with your dream client.You’re prepared, excited, and ready to show them the value you bring.But then… the call takes a turn.Instead of a collaborative conversation, you’re hit with rapid-fire questions: "How many launches have you managed? What tools do you know? What are your rates?”Suddenly, it feels less like a partnership in the making, and more like an inte
What to Do When Your Client Becomes a Bottleneck
Your systems are solid. Your team is prepped. The project plan is ready to roll.But then your client goes quiet. Approvals stall, decisions get delayed, and suddenly they become the bottleneck.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m diving into what to do when clients stall and how you, as the OBM, can lead with clarity, and confidence. Because here’s the truth: bottlenecks are just opportunities for
I Need an OBM for My Business: How to Stop Drowning and Start Scaling
Your business is growing, but so is the chaos behind the scenes.You’re juggling projects, contractors, and clients, while trying to keep everything running smoothly… and it feels like if you step away, the whole thing might fall apart.Sound familiar? These are the warning signs you’re about to max out. And they’re also the signs it’s time to bring in an Online Business Manager (OBM) to help you sc
What High-Level Clients Actually Want from Their OBM
You’ve been tweaking your offers, polishing your ClickUp boards, and obsessing over SOPs, convinced that this is what high-level clients want.But what if I told you… that might be the very thing holding you back?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain on what premium clients actually care about when hiring an Online Business Manager. Spoiler: it’s not perfection it’s partners
What's Your OBM Archetype?: How to Leverage Your Natural Strengths for a Thriving OBM Business
Do you ever feel pressure to be the “unicorn” OBM, equally brilliant at tech integration, launch strategy, client care, financial forecasting, and everything in between?That impossible standard is the fastest road to burnout and imposter syndrome.In this episode of The OBM Show, Sarah Noked introduces a brand-new framework designed to help you stop chasing perfection and start leaning into your na
The Real Reason You’re Capped at $5K Months as an Online Business Manager (And How to Break Through)
You’re booked out, delivering results, and working harder than ever… so why does your income keep stalling at $5K months?In this episode of “The OBM Show”, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most common plateaus OBMs face: the dreaded $5K ceiling. If you’ve hit that wall where every month feels maxed out, but your bank account doesn’t reflect your effort, you’re not alone and you’re not do
From Task-Taker to Strategic Partner: How to Lead Proactive Client Meetings
Your client meetings should showcase your leadership—not just your note-taking skills.Join Sarah Noked in this episode of The OBM Show as she reveals a simple, repeatable framework to turn every meeting into a strategic, value-packed session that builds trust, strengthens your authority as an operational professional and leader, and supports premium pricing.Here’s what we cover:The pre-meeting pow
A Day in the Life of OBM Andrea Ventim (From Burnout to Booked Out)
What does it really look like to go from overworked and underfulfilled to confidently running a fully booked OBM business on your own terms?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Andrea Ventim, an Accredited OBM and OBM School alumni who shares her inspiring (and refreshingly honest) journey from burnout to building a thriving business supporting top coaches as their business partner.Befor
The Overlooked Superpower: How to Set and Enforce Boundaries to Scale Your OBM Business
Do you find yourself answering client emails at 10 PM or easily saying "yes" to out-of-scope requests just to be helpful, only to feel drained and resentful later on?"Boundary Burnout" is all too common among online service professionals and it only holds your businesses back (and makes you feel a bit crazy!). In this episode of The OBM Show, Sarah Noked dismantles the myth tha
A Day in the Life of OBM Desiree Silveira – Building a Business Around Her Values and Family
What does it really look like to build a successful OBM business around your values, lifestyle, and family?In this behind-the-scenes episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Desiree Silveira—OBM School grad, Accredited OBM, and a vital strategic partner inside our internal team. From juggling launches to managing client strategy and raising her daughter, Dez has intentionally designed a business tha
How to Shift the Power Dynamic in Client Relationships as an OBM
You were hired to lead—but suddenly, you’re stuck waiting for approvals, tiptoeing around recommendations, and wondering why the “strategic partner” role feels more like support staff.If that sounds familiar, this episode is your reset button.On this week’s episode of The OBM Show, we’re unpacking the unspoken issue that holds so many OBMs back: unhealthy power dynamics. I’m breaking down how even
A Day in the Life of OBM Ada Wogu – From Copywriting VA to Fully Booked OBM
What does it look like to go from copywriting VA to confident OBM—tripling your revenue and landing your dream clients along the way?In this episode of The OBM Show, I sit down with Ada Wogu, Accredited OBM and founder of Advance with Ada. With no corporate background and zero “traditional” business experience, Ada’s journey is proof that what you do need to succeed as an OBM is drive, integrity,
Building an OBM Business that Doesn’t Burn You Out
What if having a full client roster isn’t the dream? In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m unpacking the dark side of being booked up as an Online Support Professional - and what it really takes to grow your virtual business without recreating the burnout you left behind in your 9–5.Whether you’re drowning in Slack pings and client requests, or you’re starting to feel the weight of overcommitment c
A Day in the Life of OBM Manu Loths: From Burnout to Building a Purpose-Led Agency
What happens when you hit burnout after 30+ years in corporate leadership—and decide it’s time to build something of your own?In this episode of The OBM Show (also available as a video), I’m joined by Manu Loths, an Accredited OBM and founder of Breitinger Consulting. After decades of working in senior roles across Germany and New Zealand—including CFO, GM, and Head of Operations—Manu knew she wan
You’re More Than Just Organized: The Real Value of Being an Online Business Manager
What if being “organized” was actually the least valuable part of your skill set?In this episode of The OBM Show, we’re digging into a major mindset shift that every Online Business Manager needs to make if they want to grow, lead, and land premium clients. Because here’s the truth: clients often say they’re looking for someone who’s organized—but what they need is a strategic partner.I’ve had cli
A Day in the Life of OBM Tovi Vider – The Right Hand Behind OBM School’s Growth
What does it really look like to be the right-hand woman inside a growing, impact-driven online business?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Tovi Vider—Accredited OBM, single mom, and the behind-the-scenes rock of OBM School. Tovi has been our in-house OBM for over four years, and in that time, she’s been at the center of some of the most transformational pivots in our business—from lau
How I'm Preparing My OBM Business for Summer (Without Burning It All Down)
What does it really take to run a virtual business through the summer—without overcommitting, underdelivering, or burning out completely?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m walking you through how I’m preparing my business for summer in a way that honors both my goals and my life. Because summer isn’t business as usual. Timelines shift. Clients go quiet. Life ramps up. And unless you plan for it,
A Day in the Life of OBM Muneeba Brooks - From Survival to Strategy
What does it really look like to build an OBM business in the middle of a life-changing moment—with no safety net and everything on the line?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Muneeba Brooks, an Accredited OBM and founder of NeuroNest Consulting, who shares her story of rebuilding from the ground up after becoming a single parent overnight. With 20+ years of operations experience and a
A Day in the Life of OBM Sam Roblett - From Education to Purpose-Driven Success
What does it really take to build a purpose-driven OBM business—from a pandemic pivot, with no roadmap, and a whole lot of courage?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Sam Roblett, an Accredited OBM and digital learning designer based in the UK. After 15 years in education and school leadership, Sam made a bold shift during the pandemic—rebuilding her career, business, and life from scra
From Corporate to Freelance – How to Transition Smoothly (Step-by-Step Guide)
What does it really take to leave your 9–5 and build a freedom-based freelance business—without panicking, stalling, or burning bridges?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m sharing how I transitioned out of my corporate role and into full-time OBM business ownership—while still working. I didn’t quit on a whim. I built my business behind the scenes, one project, one client, and one system at a tim
A Day in the Life of OBM Gillian Edwards: From Layoff to Accredited Online Business Manager
What does it really take to go from corporate employment to OBM business ownership—and actually own your time, income, and expertise?In this episode of The OBM Show (also available as a video), I’m joined by Gillian Edwards, an Accredited OBM and marketing strategist who took a leap during the pandemic and never looked back. After being laid off, Gillian joined OBM School (shoutout to OBM Week + w
The Exact Tech I’m Using Right Now as a Service-Based Professional
What’s in my OBM tech stack right now?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain and walking you through the exact tools I use behind the scenes to run a streamlined, scalable service-based business.We’re not just talking about any tools—we’re talking about the non-negotiables that every Online Business Manager and support pro needs to create structure, support growth, and deliv
A Day in the Life of OBM LeAngela Aitken: From Corporate to Accredited
What does it really take to transition straight from a 15-year corporate career into building a purpose-driven OBM business—without any stops in between? In this inspiring episode of The OBM Show (also available to watch on YouTube), I sit down with Accredited OBM LeAngela Aitken to share her powerful journey from burnout to business ownership.LeAngela didn’t start as a VA or freelancer. She made
A Day in the Life of Lindsay Connolly: From NYC Fashion Exec to $100/hr Remote OBM in Belgium
In this episode of The OBM Show (also available to watch on YouTube), I sit down with Accredited OBM Lindsay Connolly, a former NYC fashion executive turned remote OBM working from Belgium, to unpack her incredible journey from corporate leadership to building a purpose-driven, high-value business.Lindsay didn’t start as a VA or test the waters with small freelance gigs. She made a clear, intentio
A Day in the Life of OBM Julie Calcote: From Corporate Chaos to Calm Behind the CEO
What does it really take to transition from a decade in the legal world to running a successful OBM agency—while raising a family and prioritizing your values?In this episode of The OBM Show (also available on YouTube), I sit down with Julie Calcote, Accredited OBM, founder of Julie Calcote OBM Services, and a beloved mentor inside OBM School. Julie shares her journey from working behind the scene
A Day in the Life of OBM Lenica Stephen: Project Manager Turned Accredited Pro
What does it really take to leave behind a 15-year corporate career and step into the freedom of online business? In this episode of The OBM Show (also available on YouTube), I sit down with OBM School Mentor and founder of IBOSS Inc., Lenica Stephen, to unpack her bold leap from burnout to business ownership—and what a day in her life looks like now as a thriving Online Business Manager.For year
A Day in the Life of OBM Ramona Hooper: From Freelance Hustle to Accredited Leadership
What does it really take to build a business—and a life—that puts your family first? Meet Ramona Hooper, an Accredited Online Business Manager from Vancouver who transformed crisis into opportunity and turned a global pandemic into the catalyst for an entirely new career path.In this episode of The OBM Show, (also available as a video on Youtube), Ramona shares how she went from corporate burnout
The One Thing That Drives My OBM Journey (And Why It Matters for You)
What if I told you that the secret to building a thriving OBM business isn’t about systems, sales, or strategy? That the one thing that truly determines your success has nothing to do with client management and everything to do with how you design your life?In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain on the one thing that has guided me through every stage of my OBM journey: freed
How to Market Yourself as an OBM Without Feeling Salesy
Marketing yourself as an Online Business Manager (OBM) can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about coming across as pushy or salesy. But here’s the truth: the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all—it feels like leadership.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down exactly how to position yourself as an in-demand OBM without constantly promoting yourself. From using
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Stepping Into Leadership as an OBM
Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest challenges Online Business Managers face when stepping into leadership. That nagging voice telling you, “You’re not ready,” or “Who do you think you are?” - it’s keeping you from owning your expertise, raising your rates, and leading with confidence.The truth? Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable - it means you’re growing. And today, I’m breakin
How to Confidently Price Your OBM Services (Without Second-Guessing Yourself)
Struggling to set your Online Business Management (OBM) rates with confidence? You’re not alone. Pricing can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the biggest factors that determines the quality of clients you attract, the income you generate, and the way your expertise is valued.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down exactly how to price your Online Business Management services without s
How to Transition from Virtual Assistant to Online Business Manager
The transition from Virtual Assistant to Online Business Manager is more than just a job title change; it’s about shifting your mindset, leveling up your leadership skills, and positioning yourself as a key player in your clients’ businesses.In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down the exact steps you need to take to make the leap from task execution to strategic management. Whether you’
A Day in the Life of OBM Nina Reich: From Team Player to Team Leader
In this episode of The OBM Show (also available as a video), I take you through a day with Nina Reich, where she shares her routines, strategies, and the insider secrets that have made her a standout OBM. Tune in to learn how Nina manages her day, tackles challenges, and builds the kind of operational excellence that drives business growth and client success.We walk through a full day in Nina’s li
Why Some Virtual Assistants Break Through—And Others Stay Stuck
If you’re a VA wondering how to stand out, attract premium clients, and finally charge what you’re worth, the key isn’t working more hours or learning endless new tools. It’s about stepping into a more strategic role—one that helps your clients grow while giving them back their most valuable asset: time.This is where strategic planning comes in. It’s the one skill that top VAs use to break free fr
A Day in the Life of OBM Sandy Lewis: From Corporate Admin to Contractor Team Leader
What’s it really like to be an Online Business Manager? In this episode of The OBM Show (also available to watch on YouTube), I sit down with the amazing Sandy Lewis—an Accredited OBM whose journey from corporate confusion to career clarity is nothing short of inspiring.After years of feeling stuck in a role that no longer fulfilled her, Sandy found herself at a professional crossroads. Like many
Confident OBM® Roundtable: Insider Tips and Strategies for Building a Thriving Business
What does it really take to build a thriving business as an Online Business Manager? In this special roundtable episode of The OBM Show, recorded live at an OBM School event in Toronto, I sat down with a panel of powerhouse OBMs to talk about the real, raw, and rewarding parts of their journeys.From navigating the early days of uncertainty to building sustainable businesses that support both their
Starting Fresh in 2025: How I'd Launch an Online Business Manager Career Today
So—you’re thinking about stepping into the world of Online Business Management? Whether you're ready to leave your 9-to-5, pivot from another role in the online space, or simply want to build a business with more freedom and flexibility, you're in the right place.Online Business Managers are the behind-the-scenes powerhouses that keep growing businesses on track. From systems and operati
Behind the Scenes of My OBM Journey: Lessons Learned and What I'd Do Differently
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become an Online Business Manager—and build a business that supports the life you want to live? In the very first episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey, from burnout and uncertainty to building a fulfilling, freedom-filled OBM career.Long before OBM School existed, I was searching for more. More flexibility. More purp
The Online Business Manager Show with Sarah Noked
Welcome to The Online Business Manager Show, hosted by Sarah Noked—agency owner, OBM mentor, and founder of OBM School. This is the podcast where Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs alike come to learn the systems, strategies, and team dynamics that power sustainable business growth.Each episode takes you behind the scenes of what it really takes to scale an online business—with insights dr
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