The Online Business Manager Show with Sarah Noked

Sarah Noked

Welcome to The OBM Show — the go-to podcast and YouTube channel for Online Business Managers OBMs, ambitious service providers, and entrepreneurs ready to master the backend of online business. Whether you're a seasoned virtual assistant VA, project manager, or freelancer transitioning into the OBM role… a corporate escapee building a flexible, freedom-based career… or a CEO searching for strategic online business support to streamline operations—you’re in the right place. At The OBM Show, we dive deep into what it really takes to thrive behind the scenes of a growing online business. From team leadership and client management to systems, SOPs, tech, and scalable operations—you’ll get the tools, mindset, and strategies to step fully into your OBM expertise or learn how to hire and work with one effectively. Each episode delivers real-talk insights and actionable takeaways to help you: ✔️ Build a sustainable and scalable OBM business ✔️ Elevate your role from “doer” to strategic partner ✔️ Lead remote teams with confidence ✔️ Support high-level clients without burning out ✔️ Create a backend that works—so the business owner doesn’t have to 📚 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Streamline your services with free trainings and toolkits: https://www.obmschool.com/resources 🎓 BECOME AN ACCREDITED OBM Learn more about our CPD-certified OBM Accreditation program: https://www.obmaccreditation.com

  1. 15 HR AGO

    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 clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Here’s what we cover:  • Why fear, scarcity, and people-pleasing keep OBMs stuck with bad-fit clients  • The 5 red flags that mean a client relationship has expired  • How to use the “Graceful Exit Protocol” to offboard without drama  • A real story of an OBM School student who let go of a toxic client - and instantly signed her dream one  • Why letting go is stepping into leadership - and the key to calling in aligned clients Whether you’re holding onto a draining client or just want to set stronger boundaries, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to make brave, CEO-level decisions in your business. Join us for our next round of OBM Week - a three day, LIVE virtual event where we’ll dive deeper into how to step into the OBM role with confidence and clarity. → https://www.obmschool.com/info/ —---------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    16 min
  2. 7 OCT

    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 up every single day. Here’s what we cover:  • The difference between “helpers” and true leaders (and why it matters)  • How to recognize when you’ve slipped back into support mode  • The daily mindset shifts that help you embody OBM leadership  • What it looks like to step into the CEO gap with confidence and clarity  • Why this shift is the key to being seen (and paid) as a strategic partner Whether you’re transitioning from VA work or you’ve been an OBM for years, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts to lead boldly, position yourself strategically, and thrive in your role. Join us for our next round of OBM Week - a three day, LIVE virtual event where we’ll dive deeper into how to step into the OBM role with confidence and clarity. → https://www.obmschool.com/info/ ------------------------ Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    11 min
  3. 30 SEPT

    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 interrogation. Here’s the problem: when you let clients lead these conversations, you end up sounding like just another freelancer instead of the strategic partner you really are. In this episode of “The OBM Show”, Sarah Noked shares how to flip the script and lead discovery calls with confidence so potential clients see you as indispensable from the very first conversation. Here’s what we cover:   • Why letting clients steer the call keeps you stuck in “order taker” mode   • The mindset shift that changes everything about how clients see you   • How to handle “rate talk” gracefully without underselling yourself   • A simple framework for positioning yourself as a strategic partner, not just a task-doer   • What it looks like to set the tone for a long-term, premium client relationship If you’ve ever walked away from a discovery call feeling like you had to prove yourself, this episode will show you how to take back control, stand in your value, and attract the right clients with ease. ------------------- Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    22 min
  4. 23 SEPT

    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 leading differently. Here’s what we cover:   • Why bottlenecks happen (and what they reveal about leadership gaps)   • How to name pause points clearly without creating tension   • Tools and systems to make decision-making fast and simple   • Boundaries that protect your timelines and keep projects on track   • How to step into the CEO gap so your client feels supported, not pressured Whether you’re just starting out or already established as an OBM, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to turn frustrating delays into opportunities to lead. ------------------------------ Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    13 min
  5. 16 SEPT

    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 scale with structure, strategy, and support. Join Sarah Noked in this episode of The OBM Show as she reveals the three undeniable signs you’re ready for OBM-level support and how to hire the right partner… the right way. Here’s what we cover: The subtle ways you might be the bottleneck in your own business (without even realizing it)Why running everything from your head is dangerous for growth—and how an OBM solves itThe opportunity cost of staying stuck (and why it’s costing you more than you think)Two clear paths to finding support: DIY team-building vs. done-for-you matchmakingHow to make the transition smooth so you can step fully into your visionary roleIf you’ve been stretched too thin and know something has to change, this episode will show you how to recognize the signs, bring in the right operational support, and finally scale your business with clarity and confidence. -------------------- Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    9 min
  6. 9 SEPT

    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 partnership and true leadership. But what does that look like? High-level clients aren’t looking for flawless dashboards or the most detailed onboarding doc. They’re looking for a leader who can step into their business with clarity, calm, and confidence. Here’s what we cover:   • Why obsessing over backend perfection positions you as a “helper,” not a leader   • The real difference between task-doers and strategic partners (and how clients see it)   • How to show up with confidence, even when things aren’t perfect behind the scenes   • The key mindset shift that makes clients see you as indispensable   • What it really takes to land and keep premium clients who value leadership over busywork Whether you’re still duct-taping your backend together or stuck perfecting your SOPs, this episode will shift the way you think about high-level clients and help you step into the partnership role they’re truly searching for. -------------------- Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    12 min
  7. 2 SEPT

    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 natural strengths: the OBM Archetypes. Instead of trying to master every skill, you’ll discover how to identify your unique leadership style and build a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and wildly effective. Here’s what we’ll cover: The 5 core OBM Archetypes: The Strategic Visionary, Systems Architect, The Conductor, The Purpose-Driven Partner, and Emerging Strategist  The strengths and pitfalls of each archetype (and how to leverage them) Why owning your archetype attracts dream clients who value exactly what you do best How understanding your archetype helps you price, package, and position your services with confidence A free quiz to uncover your own OBM Archetype and get a personalized Starter Kit to grow your business with clarityWhether you’re brand new to OBM work or leading multiple clients, this episode will help you see yourself in a whole new way. No more pressure to be everything to everyone… it’s time to own your superpower and thrive as the OBM you’re meant to be. Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    10 min
  8. 26 AUG

    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 doing anything “wrong.” The truth is, $5K months don’t mean you’ve made it. They mean your current business model has reached its limit. And breaking through requires a very different approach than the hustle that got you here. Here’s what we cover: Why selling time instead of transformation automatically caps your income  How retainer fatigue keeps OBMs drained and underpaid  The role premium offers play in positioning you as a true leader  Why your positioning matters as much as your delivery (and how to shift it) How to stop undercharging for COO-level results  What it really looks like to step into OBM-CEO mode and grow beyond $5KWhether you’re deep in the $5K hustle or just starting to feel the cracks, this episode will show you what’s keeping you stuck and how to finally move into consistent, sustainable growth without burning out. --------------- Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show - your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence. ✨ Ready to take the next step? Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com 🧭 Not sure where to start? Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz 📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM Until next time, keep building the business behind the business.

    18 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to The OBM Show — the go-to podcast and YouTube channel for Online Business Managers OBMs, ambitious service providers, and entrepreneurs ready to master the backend of online business. Whether you're a seasoned virtual assistant VA, project manager, or freelancer transitioning into the OBM role… a corporate escapee building a flexible, freedom-based career… or a CEO searching for strategic online business support to streamline operations—you’re in the right place. At The OBM Show, we dive deep into what it really takes to thrive behind the scenes of a growing online business. From team leadership and client management to systems, SOPs, tech, and scalable operations—you’ll get the tools, mindset, and strategies to step fully into your OBM expertise or learn how to hire and work with one effectively. Each episode delivers real-talk insights and actionable takeaways to help you: ✔️ Build a sustainable and scalable OBM business ✔️ Elevate your role from “doer” to strategic partner ✔️ Lead remote teams with confidence ✔️ Support high-level clients without burning out ✔️ Create a backend that works—so the business owner doesn’t have to 📚 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Streamline your services with free trainings and toolkits: https://www.obmschool.com/resources 🎓 BECOME AN ACCREDITED OBM Learn more about our CPD-certified OBM Accreditation program: https://www.obmaccreditation.com

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