I tell ya, nothing makes me happier than hearing how OBMs are out there making a difference for their clients AND loving what they do. Here are just a few cool wins from some of our members of the International Association of Online Business Managers  – join me in giving them a virtual toast!

“Hi Tina, I’m the new OBM for Stacey Hylen and Lou Bortone. I’ve also joined Leesa Barnes’ Virtual Event Team. Companies and entrepreneurs hire Leesa to create and coordinate virtual events for them and she’s growing by leaps and bounds. I’ve also been doing a lot of training in the area of Memberships and building Membership Communities. Having a blast!”
- Cindy Morus, CindyMorus.com @cindymorus

“I’m celebrating my first client who has hired me as her OBM from day one vs. working into that role. WOOT! WOOT! ”
- Raven Howard, VirtualRavenMarketing.com, @virtualraven

“I am celebrating a client’s business launch this week. Back in August I helped her design and launch a radio show including all the business communications and online presence like Facebook, Twitter, web site, etc. This week we expanded from a 1 day per week show to a 5 day per week radio network adding network hosts and subject matter experts. We still have “pieces in a process” like the new web site to support the network and such, but I am really excited to have been a part of such a fast-moving and fun project.”
- Donna Frindt, @donnafrindt

“My celebration is the successful launch of a client’s new program. Client thrilled.  Meeting tomorrow to discuss product funnel and what’s next.”
- Brenda Violette, VBSVirtualAssist.com @vbsvirtual

by IAOBM Member & Certified OBM Lynn Pearce
(a nod to the NPR and CBC radio series)

I believe that OBMs are key to the future success of small business.

When my job disappeared two and a half years ago, my natural inclination was to jump right back in the same pond - but I didn’t. In my heart I knew that pond had grown stale for me and I needed a fresh place to get my working mojo back again.

I looked at other ponds - started to dip my toes in their waters and was intrigued by what I found. I learned a lot, but something still didn’t feel quite right.

Then a couple of months ago I read about another pond and without thinking too hard and just listening to my heart, I jumped in. I enrolled in OBM certification training less than a week before it started.

I kept my intention clear - be open to whatever comes up during the training.

Suddenly training was over and then prep for certification was over and I was in the midst of the crazy world of client projects. And that was when I got it.

I love technology. It has been a part of my life for longer than I care to remember. I love how it helps me do things that before were just a dream. I love that it connects me for a virtual coffee break with my friends and family 5000 miles away. I especially love that I understand it and that I can figure out ways to have it help other people, too.

I realized that my understanding of the online world can help people who are not there yet make the transition to being there because it is only going to get bigger.

It might be my local insurance agent who wants to understand how people view insurance so that she can help them see its value, or a friend who is starting a new career as a wellness coach and needs to have people know that she is open for business. It might be someone who found my website and needs some advice on how to make their online business work better - it might even be a group in my community who want to reach out to more folks in the area.

So when people ask what I do and I tell them - the connection is almost instant. Either they, or somebody they know, needs that kind of help right now and when can I meet. The internet still seems like a big and scary place to people - especially when it comes to taking their business there - so they need us to help out and to do what we as OBMs do best - help them figure out the way.

That’s when I also realized that this OBM pond of ours is way bigger than we might think!

Comments, thoughts?

Date: Tuesday, May 25th at 9:00am pacific / 12:00pm eastern

Even though we work in a virtual world, as Online Business Managers it is essential that we build a strong business network both for ourselves and our clients. And yes, this does mean getting out from behind the computer every once in a while and meeting people face to face (gasp! ;))

In fact, we are firm believers that your success depends on your getting out and connecting with people live and in person. The business world is changing and you need to be willing and comfortable in doing so - or opportunities may pass you by.

What You’ll Learn:

• Tips to relieve the anxiety of networking
• Ways to identify “your people” in a room
• What to say and what NOT to say
• How to have fun and throw your own party!

Bryn spent 20 years in Corporate America as a passionate leader of high-performing teams and endless multi-million dollar projects. One of her secrets to success?  Her ability to connect and collaborate.  She is now bringing that same passion along with her laser-focused connection strategies to her clients and broader on-line community. Her Goal:  To make connecting FUN and PROFITABLE for everyone! To learn more about Bryn, visit www.brynjohnson.com

IAOBM Members: You can access the recording for this call in the Member Area. If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits

Curious about Infusionsoft? I was too… as I’ve seen it popping up all over the place the past year or so. And so I decided to dive in and get to know a bit more about this tool and see what all the buzz is about.

Let’s just say I’m very impressed to say the least. I’ve recorded a video for you with my thoughts PLUS have a very special invite for you to join me next week.

>> Click here to watch the video and sign up for our no-cost call on May 11th re: “Infusionsoft: What Is It and Why Should I Care?”

PS – Everyone is welcome to join me for this call, whether you are an Online Business Manager or Virtual Assistant who wants to learn a new way to support your clients, OR if you are a business owner looking for a way to *finally* automate your marketing process.

Date: Wednesday, April 21st at 8am pacific / 11am eastern

Late in 2009, the FTC revised their guidelines which greatly affected those who run online businesses and early 2010 Mastercard and Visa, as well as other merchant processors, have conveyed some new regulations in response to longtime complaints from customers that are being billed for products they didn’t want or felt they were being misled into buying.

As Online Business Managers it is essential that we understand these rules on behalf of our clients, so that we can ensure that they aren’t crossing any lines that could potentially cause issues (such as getting their merchant account shut down, eek!).

And yet, trying to sort through these FTC changes can be daunting to say the least – so we’ve invited Lisa Wells to do a very special call for us and explain the new FTC guidelines in plain English.

On this call, you’ll learn:

• What the FTC Guidelines are about and why you should care
• Who these guidelines are for
• How these guidelines affect use of testimonials
• New rules around continuity programs

Lisa will lead you through practical steps you can take now to ensure that your clients stay compliant with these new rules.

Lisa founded Coast2Coast Business Support Solutions in July 2005 after more than 15 years of experience working in the real estate and information technology industries. She found her passion working with computers and helping others be more productive in their day to day jobs.  After Lisa’s husband received orders to relocate from Southern California to North Carolina in June 2005, Lisa found herself joining other like-minded virtual entrepreneurs and opened an online business. In the spring of 2010, she transitioned from a virtual assistant to an online business manager and now works with 7-figure entrepreneurs in managing their online businesses. You can visit her on the web at lisarwells.com or read her blog at marketingmindsetblog.com

IAOBM Members: You can access the recording for this call in the Member Area. If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits

Date: Tuesday, April 6th at 9:00am pacific / noon eastern

You look at your desk, your inbox, your calendar and you’re overwhelmed.  You’ve promised yourself that you’ll take care of it…you’ll finally get organized and get a handle on everything but you’re too busy today… “Okay” you say to yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow!”  The clutter that surrounds you impacts both you and your business.  Your clutter is costing you time and money.

Join us on this discussion to learn:

• The 3-biggest organizing mistakes I see people making every day and how you can avoid ethem.
• That Staples® is WRONG!  Why buying the newest cool gadget or system is a waste of your money and will never work.
• How to organize your time, your to-dos and your things so that you can take control and make tomorrow into today!

Our guest expert for this Member-Only call is Carrie Greene of CarrieThru Coaching & Organizing Services. Carrie Greene is a coach and decluttering expert.  Carrie gets that clutter is not just about your stuff but about the type of life you want to lead.  Her powerful techniques have helped thousands of people calm the overwhelm so that they can escape their clutter and gain control over their time, space and things.  Carrie is passionate about helping individuals see beyond their clutter and discover what is truly important to them. Visit Carrie’s website www.CarrieThru.com to sign up for the FREE ecourse 4-Steps to Get Organized: Calm the Overwhelm, Create Space and Reclaim Your Freedom.

Call-in information for live call is on your member login page. Missed the live call? Get the audio download on your member login page within 48 hours. If you do not have your password, e-mail us at support@obmconnect.com

If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits

Date: Monday, March 29th at at noon pacific / 3:00pm eastern

As an Online Business Manager you need to have solid email list-building skills - not only to grow your own business but also to lock yourself in as an invaluable resource to your clients.  Once the word gets out that you know how to bring leads streaming in, your client base is that much easier to grow.

Join product launch manager Dave Navarro (”The Launch Coach”) as he steps you through critical list-building strategies that will help you learn:

• How to create a compelling offer thats draws people onto your list daily
• Balancing content and promotion to make subscribers buy without making them feel sold to
• Social media tactics that build your list without sucking away your time
• Tips for writing headlines that get readers to open your emails
• Three key ingredients of email copy that get people to click your links

… and more.

Dave Navarro is a product launch manager who has helped run successful five- and six-figure launches for online entrepreneurs like Andrea J. Lee, Jennifer Louden, and Naomi Dunford.  You can learn more about Dave and download 3 of his popular workbooks at The Launch Coach Library (no opt-in required).

IAOBM Members: You can access the recording for this call in the Member Area. If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits

Date: Tuesday, February 23rd at at 1:00 pacific / 4:00pm eastern

As an Online Business Manager your skills and abilities are especially suited to working with high-end business owners. And those business owners are clamoring to hire a high-end support professional such as yourself.  Sounds like a match made in heaven right?

More than anything I’m asked “where do I find the high-end clients who want to hire an OBM?” If you are looking to work with high-end business owners, join us on this discussion to learn:

• What makes someone a high-end client (or not)
• The 5 best places to find high-end clients
• How to connect and establish a relationship that leads to getting hired
• How to prepare yourself for working with these clients

This class is hosted by Tina Forsyth, Founder of the International Association of Online Business Managers.

IAOBM Members: You can access the recording for this call in the Member Area. If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits

For aspiring Online Business Managers… wondering if you need to be a virtual assistant first before you step into the role of Online Business Manager?

Date: Thursday, January 21st at at 1:00 pacific / 4:00pm eastern

As companies cut back on travel, many are hosting virtual events so that employees and business owners can upgrade their skills from the comforts of home or office. Yet many of these companies have no clue how to plan, organize and launch a virtual event, let alone one that features a multitude of speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. They end up making many mistakes that cost them time, money and their reputation.

As an Online Business Manager, you can manage your client’s online business needs with ease, but what will you do if your client asks you to plan a multi-speaker virtual event? Can your skills as an Online Business Manager transition to planning a multi-speaker virtual event? Join Leesa Barnes, a leading authority on virtual events, as she shares with you how you can help your client plan, promote and make money from multi-speaker virtual events in an exciting new role as a Virtual Event Manager.

What You’ll Learn:

• The similarities between Online Business Managers & Virtual Event Managers
• The #1 mindset you already have that will be of benefit to virtual events
• Why planning a multi-speaker virtual event is much more than booking a conference bridge line
• How to start offering virtual event management to your clients

Leesa Barnes is President of the Association of Virtual Events Managers, Organizers & Hosts and is a leading authority on using virtual events to become the #1 expert in your niche market. Nominated as one of the Top 50 Most Influential & Powerful Women in Social Media, Leesa helps independent consultants, entrepreneurs and business owners leverage virtual events and other online tools to boost profits. To learn more about Leesa, visit www.virtualeventsuccess.com.

IAOBM Members: You can access the recording for this call in the Member Area. If you are not an IAOBM member yet, find out more about IAOBM Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://www.obmconnect.com/membership-benefits