VA vs. OBM: What's the Difference—and Why I’m Both

Destiny Henderson
Sep 6
2 min read

If you've ever wondered whether you need a Virtual Assistant (VA) or a Business Manager (OBM), you're not alone. These roles often overlap, but they serve very different purposes in your business.

Lucky for you, I operate in both spaces—which means you don’t have to choose. Here's what that actually means when you work with me.

First, let’s break it down:

A Virtual Assistant (VA)

A VA is your task-tackler. Think: execution, admin, and all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your day running smoothly.

VAs typically handle things like:

Inbox and calendar management
Scheduling social posts
Client communication
Research
Data entry
Admin follow-up and SOPs
General support

VAs keep the day-to-day chaos under control.

A Business Manager (OBM)

A Business Manager is your strategic partner. They zoom out and help you run the business, not just maintain it.

OBMs are responsible for:

Project and launch management
Hiring, team delegation, and oversight
Systems creation and refinement
Workflow development
Operational strategy
Big-picture organization

OBMs make sure everything runs without constantly needing your hands on it.

So, what does it mean that I do both?

It means I’m not just your assistant—I’m your right hand. I can handle the execution and the strategy, which gives you flexibility depending on what your business needs in the moment.

Some seasons, you need someone to manage the inbox and clean up your Google Drive.Other seasons, you're launching a program and need a second brain to lead the process.With me—you get both.

Why it matters for you

When you work with someone who wears both hats, you don’t just get help—you get leadership, partnership, and execution all in one.

You get to offload without overexplaining.You get to scale without spinning out.And most importantly, you get to focus—on your vision, your clients, and your impact.