5 Myths About Hiring a VA or OBM That Might Be Holding You Back (Part 2 of 4)
When people hear Virtual Assistant or Online Business Manager, they often picture corporate leadership, expensive retainers, or someone coming in and taking over their business.
But in reality, it often looks quite the opposite.
As part of this series on the blog, I’m breaking down some of the most common myths I hear about hiring a service provider, and why they may be the very thing keeping business owners stuck longer than they need to be.
(If you haven’t read Part 1 of this series, you can click here to get caught up!)
Because the truth is, operational support is not just for businesses that have “made it.”
Sometimes it’s what helps you get there.
5 Myths About Hiring a VA or OBM
Myth #1: Service Providers Are Only for 6-Figure Businesses
I’ll be honest when I first stepped into the space, I believed this one too.
I assumed that if someone was outsourcing support, they probably already had a large team, a polished backend, and a business doing multiple six figures. I pictured an owner who was ready for COO-level support, not someone still building.
But after working in operations and talent acquisition for over a decade, I’ve learned something important:
➡️ Reality: VAs and OBMs help build the systems before scaling happens.
The businesses that grow sustainably usually aren’t winging it.
They have systems. Processes. Clear workflows. Client experiences that feel intentional. Hiring plans that aren’t reactive.
And often they built those before the chaos hit.
You don’t have to wait until you’re “big enough” to deserve operational support.
In fact, bringing in support before you hit your next growth stage can make scaling feel a whole lot less messy.
Myth #2: I Have to Have a Team First
This one makes sense.
A lot of OBMs talk about team management, delegation, leadership, and accountability, which naturally makes business owners assume:
“I probably need employees or contractors before hiring someone like that.” Not necessarily.
➡️ Reality: An OBM or an experienced VA can help prepare your business before your next hire ever happens.
Before becoming taking on clients of my own, I spent over 10 years in Talent Acquisition helping businesses find the right people, build strong hiring processes, and think strategically about growth.
So honestly, this part excites me. Because hiring isn’t just about posting a job and hoping for the best. It’s about having:
Clear roles
Defined expectations
Documented processes
Smooth onboarding systems
A business someone can actually step into successfully
If you know hiring is coming “someday,” now is actually a great time to start preparing.
Your future team will thank you. And so will the future-you.
Myth #3: Outsourcing Support Means Giving Up Control
I get why this one comes up. Outsourcing your vision can feel heavy.
You have been the one working the day in and day out details, outsourcing help can bring a sense of someone coming in to own your processes, make decisions for you, or take over parts of your business that feel deeply personal.
But that’s not what great OBM or VA support should feel like.
➡️ Reality: A great OBM or VA strengthens your vision, not replaces it.
One of my favorite parts of this work is learning your business from the inside out.
Your goals. Your values. Your vision. Your “why.”
Because once I understand those things, I can help you make decisions that actually align with where you’re trying to go. I’m not here to become the face of your business.
I’m here to be the extra brain behind the scenes, the person helping connect the dots, spot bottlenecks, and create systems that support your vision.
Your business should still feel like you. Just with less chaos.
Myth #4: OBMs Just Delegate Tasks
Another common assumption is that OBMs simply tell people what to do. Assign tasks. Follow up. Keep everyone in check.
And while delegation can absolutely be part of the role... that’s only scratching the surface.
➡️ Reality: OBMs create systems, accountability, and momentum.
Delegation without systems usually creates more confusion.
A true OBM looks deeper by asking things like:
Where is time being lost?
What processes are living in your head?
What keeps getting dropped?
What’s slowing down growth?
Then we build the backend support to fix it.
In my own career, I’ve spent the last four years leading remote teams through process management, creating structure, and holding people accountable to the work that actually moves the business forward.
That experience taught me something important: accountability only works when expectations are clear, systems are documented, and everyone understands what success looks like.
So yes, delegation may be part of the role. But a great OBM doesn’t just assign tasks.
We create the systems, communication, and operational rhythm that helps work actually get done.
And if your “team” right now is just you? That’s okay.
Because systems don’t just support teams. They support founders.
Myth #5: I Need Everything Perfect Before Hiring
This may be the biggest myth of all.
“Once I clean up my systems...”“Once I organize my client process...”“Once things calm down...”
But here’s the truth...
➡️ Reality: Messy businesses are often the ones that benefit most.
You do not need polished SOPs or color-coded project boards. You do not need every workflow documented.
Most business owners I work with are in the middle of growth, not after it.
They have sticky notes. Ideas living in Google Docs. Onboarding steps stored in their brain. And that’s okay.
Because we aren’t expecting perfection. We’re looking for potential.
And often, the businesses that feel the messiest are the ones ready for the biggest breakthroughs.
Not Sure If You’re Ready for a VA or OBM?
After reading these myths, if something got your head nodding but you aren’t sure if you’re somewhere between “I know I need help” and “I’m not sure what that help looks like yet,” that’s exactly what a discovery call is for.
CLICK HERE to schedule a free call and let’s talk through the moving pieces together to help you understand if you’re ready for some additional support.
And trust me, I’ll be the first to tell you if you’re not ready because sometimes it really isn’t the right fit. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask, so let’s chat about it!