Company: ProBiz Partners, Inc. Website: www.probizpartners.com Phone #: 720-204-2049 Location: Longmont, Colorado and Denia, Spain Time Zone: Mountain Time & Spain

My Experience, I am a: Certified Online Business Manager

My Client Intake status is: Open - I am looking to work with new clients

Ive been working online since: I’ve worked with web technology for over 15 years and started my own online business nearly 4 years ago. I began my corporate career as an office manager, then became a paralegal. The more technical work always attracted me, so I returned to college to complete my Computer Information Systems degree which led to becoming a Senior Project Manager on multi-million dollar web development projects. When the .com bubble burst I made a shift to marketing and operations, where I worked with several start-ups to create policies and procedures and establish marketing programs. I then decided to work virtually so that I could work from anywhere in the world, while bringing the benefit of my broad background to help other online business owners.

Why I love working as an OBM: As an OBM I love surprising my clients with my broad understanding in a wide variety of areas. That is to say that I am a “Jill of all trades” which translates particularly well for an OBM. Because I have at least a working knowledge of virtually all areas of online business, I can advise/protect the business owner. I enjoy advising my clients (when they want me to) and helping them find the right solutions to build their businesses.

My Strengths and Areas of Specialty: I am a big-picture business manager who understands the long-term benefits of solid systems — both technical and procedural. When the foundation is solid, it frees up the business owner to focus on what they do best. I love being closely involved with the business owner and working with them to envision and create new products and new ways of marketing. My clients tell me that they hire me because of my high level vision combined with my technical expertise.

My favorite kind of client to work with is…: My favorite clients are those that are a little bit renegade and are looking for an OBM who will partner with them to grow their business. They are people who are creative and willing to try new things, but also understand that some tried and true methods are valuable. They expect me to hold their feet to the fire and give an honest opinion, even though they may not always agree. They handle stress well and can stay reasonably calm under fire. Online business should be fun and exciting, and my favorite clients have businesses that they love and a that support the lifestyle that they have chosen.

My Business Goals for this year are: 1. Fully make the shift from doing detailed work to doing OBM work. 2. Study at least 1 online business topic each quarter, to keep my skills current.