The Marketing Freelancer: Unicorns Unite #273 How to Become an OBM and Land Premium Clients with Sarah Noked
The Online Business Manager role is exploding and for good reason. More entrepreneurs want leadership, strategy, and someone who can own operations instead of just checking off tasks. In this episode, we’re diving into how to become an OBM – a role that so many VAs and freelance service providers naturally grow into. And if you’ve been feeling tugged toward leadership or higher-value strategy work, Sarah Noked is here to shorten your learning curve. She breaks down everything from real pricing to red flags to the unsexy parts of the job.
Sarah Noked is the founder of OBM School, where she trains service providers to become skilled Online Business Managers. She also leads a thriving OBM agency that pairs entrepreneurs with the operational support they need to scale. Her CPD-accredited program is one of the most recognized paths for freelancers ready to level up into a true operations leader.
Listen to learn more about:
- How to become an OBM and how to know if you’re secretly already doing the work
- Real talk about OBM hourly and retainer pricing
- Why VAs burn out, and how the OBM role solves (and sometimes creates) different problems
- Red flags, green flags, and the actual responsibilities of the OBM role
- What kind of clients are the best fit for an OBM
If you realized you’re already doing half the OBM job, this episode will give you the trade secrets and next steps you need to fully claim that role.
Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup
Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
- Grab Sarah’s FREE OBM Starter Kit*: for VAs or Online Service Professionals ready to be seen as an indispensable OBM. Discover the tools, tips, and tech to bring your OBM business to life.
- Already doing OBM-level work? Sarah’s OBM Accreditation course* is the premium, CPD-accredited certification program—six months of high-level coaching, digital badges, and the full OBM framework to help you step into the role with authority.
- Sarah also has a smaller course: OBM Accelerator* is the perfect starting point for service pros who want to explore the OBM role, build foundational skills, and launch an OBM business using a proven “business in a box” approach before diving into full accreditation.
- Looking to hire an Online Business Manager? Submit your job opp at hireaunicorn.com and I’ll share it with my Workgroup community of vetted freelance marketers. Or browse our Workgroup Directory to find skilled pros across marketing, admin, tech, creative work, and more.
*my affiliate links
Connect with Sarah:
- Instagram: @sarahnoked @theobmschool
- Facebook: Sarah Noked OBM OBM School
- Website: http://sarahnoked.com/
Connect with Emily:
- Instagram: @emilyreaganpr
- Facebook: @emilyreaganpr
- YouTube: Emily Reagan
- Ask Emily Anything here
3 ways we can work together:
- Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.
- Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!
- Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.
>>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services