From Safari Lodges to Small Business: My Journey as an Online Business Manager
Hello, I'm Kate - a bit of an all-rounder with a soft spot for solving problems and keeping things ticking along smoothly. As an Online Business Manager (OBM), I help small business owners and entrepreneurs sort out their operations, boost productivity and carve out more time for scaling their businesses.
Truth be told, my path to becoming an OBM has been rather unconventional. Born in Cheshire, I've somehow managed to find myself in various corners of the world - from managing luxury safari lodges in Zambia to working as a digital freelancer, and now, back in Cheshire and growing my business as an OBM.
After finishing my degree in French and Hispanic Studies (and realising I wasn't quite ready for a proper job!), I set off to explore Spain and France. I eventually landed in Zambia for four years, where I found myself running operations and logistics at safari lodges. It turns out that coordinating staff rotations and managing guest expectations in the middle of the bush is rather good practice for just about anything life throws at you!
The Transition to Small Business
When my husband, daughter and I moved to South Africa, I dipped my toes into the freelancing world. I've tackled all sorts of projects over the years, learning the ins and outs of digital business along the way. If there's one thing I've discovered, it's that no two days are quite the same - which suits me rather well.
What an Online Business Manager Actually Does
Drawing from my somewhat peculiar background, I help small businesses and entrepreneurs get their ducks in a row. Here's what that typically involves:
Making Things Run More Smoothly
I take care of the day-to-day tasks that tend to pile up, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best. It's amazing how much more one can accomplish when not buried under admin work.
Keeping Costs Sensible
Having an OBM can be more cost-effective than hiring full-time staff, particularly for growing businesses. Plus, I rather enjoy finding clever ways to streamline processes and trim unnecessary expenses.
Growing with Your Business
As your business changes, so can the support I provide. Whether you're scaling up or down, we can adjust accordingly - no long-term contracts or awkward conversations required.
Bringing Fresh Eyes
Sometimes it takes an outsider's perspective to spot where things could work better. I bring along experience from various industries and countries, which often leads to some rather useful insights.
Getting Your Life Back
Perhaps most importantly, working with an OBM means you might actually get to have dinner with your family or enjoy a weekend off. Imagine that!
A Different Sort of Approach
My rather unconventional background - from coordinating safari experiences to managing digital projects - has given me a unique way of looking at business challenges. I've found that solutions often come from unexpected places, and sometimes the best approach is simply having a good laugh while getting on with it.
If you're a small business owner feeling a bit overwhelmed, or an entrepreneur looking for someone to help keep things running smoothly, I'd be happy to have a chat about how we might work together. No pressure, just practical solutions for real business challenges.
