Step 1 Free
The free community
Learn the fundamentals, meet other experienced Filipino professionals, and get practical guidance on OBM work, positioning, systems and leadership.
- Where
- Facebook group
- Cost
- Free
- Best for
- Exploring the role
For experienced Filipino VAs, PMs and operations professionals
You already keep the business running. Learn to lead it.
The Philippine OBM Academy trains experienced Filipino professionals to step up from task work to running operations, with live teaching, real practice, and homework that doubles as your client-ready portfolio.
Annikka AborroFounder and lead mentor
18 yearsWorking online since 2008, from VA to operations leader
23Countries of contractors she has coordinated for international operations
2 to 8+ yrsLength of her client relationships
Does this sound familiar?
Your title may still say VA. Your work says something else.
Tap every card that describes what you already do for a client or employer.
Tap the cards
0 / 6
Start tapping. Be honest with yourself.
This isn’t a test. Most experienced VAs are surprised by how much operations work they already carry.
The role
Same business. Three different questions.
An Online Business Manager leads the day-to-day operations behind an online business. The founder sets the direction; the OBM turns it into plans, systems, accountable teams and measurable progress. You can hear the difference in the question each role asks.
Virtual Assistant
What needs to be completed, and what does done look like?Owns the task. Real, skilled work, and the foundation most OBMs build on.
Project Manager
What needs to happen, in what order, by whom, and by when?Owns the project. Sequences the work and keeps it on schedule.
Online Business Manager
What result are we protecting, what is blocking it, and what do I recommend next?Owns the outcome. Leads people, systems and decisions around it.
An OBM is not paid to be the busiest person in the business. An OBM is paid to turn chaos into clarity.Annikka Aborro
Your path
Start where you are. Build from there.
Three steps, each one a bigger commitment. You never pay for a step you’re not ready for.
Step 2 Start here
The OBM Launchpad
One live class to find out whether the work you already do is OBM-level work, what the role requires, and your clear next step.
- Format
- Live, online
- Length
- 90 minutes + replay
- Best for
- Deciding your next step
Step 3 By application
OBM Pros
A 12-week live cohort with a simulated client engagement, a weekly Communication Lab, a reviewed portfolio and a supervised practicum.
- Length
- 12 weeks, live
- You build
- A reviewed portfolio
- Entry
- By application
From the classroom
Real students. Real words.
Public Facebook recommendations from Filipino professionals who attended the OBM Launchpad.
Annika was an amazing speaker! I learned so much from the 90-minute OBM Launchpad webinar. She was very generous in sharing her knowledge, and I loved how practical and easy to understand everything was. Even with my experience in operations, I still walked away with new insights I can actually apply to my work.
A very helpful class, especially for individuals like me who know we’ve grown beyond the traditional VA role but aren’t quite sure how to navigate that transition. It gave me much-needed clarity on how my existing skills and experience can translate into an OBM role, and helped me see a clearer path forward in my career.
I love how clearly and how interesting you made the masterclass happen. I worked since 2020 and have done basically everything beyond my role. Your masterclass made me realize that I am worth so much more!
Such a valuable and eye-opening masterclass! I loved how well-prepared, light, and direct everything was. More than the lessons, I really appreciated how you shared your experience and challenged us to think differently about our work. … You truly walk the talk!
Inside a live class
This is what the room looks like.
Live on Zoom, cameras on, questions welcome. Filipino professionals from across the country, learning the role together.
Meet your mentor
“I spent years doing OBM work before I knew the role had a name.”
Annikka Aborro has worked online since 2008, and her path runs from VA to OBM. Long before she used the title, she was leading teams, coordinating complex projects, building systems and running operations for international businesses.
Today, as a single mom running two businesses, she leads operations for established companies through TAP Virtual Solutions and teaches from that active client work.
- Trained through OBM School; OBM School Accreditation in progress
- Leads operations for international businesses today
- 18 years online, from VA to OBM
- TAP Virtual Solutions Corp., Quezon City
Our standard
This is not a shortcut.
Becoming a strong Online Business Manager takes more than lessons and templates. It takes practice, feedback and real decisions. That’s how we teach.
Taught liveReal sessions with Annikka, with room for your questions.
Homework that becomes your portfolioAudit summaries, operations updates and 90-day plans you can show a client.
Honest about the workNo income promises, no titles handed out. You earn the skills.
This is for you if
- You have real VA, PM or ops experience
- You’ll treat homework like client work
- You want the skills before the title
Not for you if
- You want easy money
- You want a title without the work
- You need a job placement promise
Straight answers
Questions people actually ask.
More answers on the full FAQ page, or email [email protected].
Do I need to be an OBM already?
No. The Academy is for experienced VAs, project managers and operations professionals. The Launchpad helps you see whether the work you already do is OBM-level work, and what you still need to build.
I come from corporate. Will my experience count online?
Yes, if you can translate it. Your project, team and operations experience is the foundation. The Academy shows you how to apply it in an online business so you don’t start over at entry level.
Is there a certificate?
Not for the 90-minute Launchpad, and that’s deliberate. OBM Pros graduates who complete the required work and pass the capstone assessment earn the OBM Pro designation from the Academy. It is our own credential, backed by assessed work you can show.
Does the Academy guarantee clients, a job or a rate?
No. This is education and professional development. Results depend on your experience, effort, decisions and the market. What we promise is honest teaching, practical tools and high standards.
When are the live classes?
Live classes run in the evening, Manila time, so you can join after work. See the current schedule on the OBM Launchpad and OBM Pros pages.
Free scorecard
Are you already doing OBM-level work?
The OBM Readiness Scorecard reviews your current responsibilities across six areas, shows the experience you already have, and points to the skills you still need to build.
Protect the goalFind the real problemLead projects and peopleGive a recommendationSet scope and boundariesShow proof
Take the Free Scorecard
We’ll send the scorecard and occasional practical OBM lessons to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Your next step
Your experience counts. Now learn to lead with it.
The OBM Launchpad gives you a clear, honest view of the role in one live class.
- Find out if the work you already do is OBM-level
- Learn what clients expect from an OBM
- Leave with your clear next step