If you’re considering a career change, there’s no better time than now to become an Online Business Manager (OBM). The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and businesses are increasingly relying on skilled professionals to manage their online operations, leverage automation tools, and drive efficiency gains. Here are four compelling reasons why you should seize this opportunity:
1. E-commerce Explosion: The e-commerce market is booming, with U.S. sales hitting a staggering $870 billion in 2021, up from $598 billion just two years prior, according to a report from Adobe. As online shopping continues to soar, businesses need OBMs to streamline their digital operations, from managing online stores to overseeing marketing campaigns. Your expertise will be in high demand.
2. The Gig Economy Boom: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the gig economy is expanding, with an increasing number of companies hiring freelancers and contract workers to fill critical roles. As an OBM, you can offer valuable specialized services on a flexible basis, perfectly aligning with this growing trend sought after by businesses.
3. Automation and AI Adoption: A survey by McKinsey found that 31% of businesses are fully automated, and 66% are seeking to automate at least one business process. Furthermore, 56% of all companies reported AI adoption in at least one function (McKinsey, 2021). Businesses implementing AI technologies have seen productivity improvements ranging from 15% to 50% in operations managed by AI (McKinsey). OBMs play a crucial role in implementing and managing these technologies, ensuring they align with business goals and drive significant efficiency gains.
4. The Rise of the Generalist: In today’s fast-paced business world, generalists with a diverse skill set are becoming increasingly valuable. As an OBM, you’ll bring a unique combination of technical expertise, systems management, emotional intelligence, and strategic resource allocation to the table. Businesses that adopt AI technologies are found to be 3.5 times more likely to significantly outperform their industry peers in financial performance (Boston Consulting Group). With your well-rounded skillset, you can provide a competitive edge to clients by implementing and managing advanced technologies efficiently.
5. Consulting/Solopreneurs Boom: The consulting and solopreneur market is massive, with 41.8 million consultants contributing $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy alone. As this segment continues to grow, these businesses will need skilled OBMs to help them manage their online operations, leverage automation, and build efficient teams to thrive.
6. Online Coaching Industry Growth: The online coaching industry is booming, valued at a staggering $20 billion globally in 2023, with the U.S. market alone worth $14 billion. With an annual growth rate of 6.7%, this industry presents a significant opportunity for OBMs to support online coaches in streamlining their businesses, managing clients, and scaling their operations.
With the demand for skilled OBMs on the rise, now is the ideal time to make the transition. OBM University, a 6-month training and client placement program, can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this exciting field.
Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your career and make the impact you want with the flexibility that you need.
