When you hear the term virtual assistant (VA), you might picture a modern remote worker handling emails, social media, or calendars from home. But here’s the twist: the idea of an assistant supporting busy professionals has been around for well over a century. What changed is how they work—not why they exist.

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For as long as businesses have existed, smart leaders have known one truth: you can’t do everything yourself. Whether it’s managing correspondence in the 1800s or juggling Slack messages today, having someone to take care of the details has always been the secret ingredient to staying productive and successful.

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A Quick Look Back: Assistants Before the Internet

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The roots of virtual assistance go back to the late 1800s. Sir Isaac Pitman, the man behind shorthand writing, opened one of the first schools for secretaries. These early assistants—known as secretaries or clerks—were indispensable. Armed with pen, paper, and later the typewriter, they managed letters, appointments, and reports long before anyone had even heard of email.

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By the early 20th century, almost every successful executive had an assistant keeping the office organized. They were the unsung heroes making sure the business engine ran smoothly.

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The Shift Toward Remote

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Technology began reshaping the role in the late 20th century. The rise of personal computers, email, and fax machines meant assistants no longer had to sit in the same office as their bosses. As early as 1979, IBM was already experimenting with remote work.

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The real turning point came in the 1990s. With the internet spreading, the term virtual assistant was born. In 1996, Anastasia (Stacy) Brice described her remote work as being a “virtual assistant.” Around the same time, Christine Durst, often called a pioneer of the VA industry, promoted the concept and even co-founded the first professional VA organization in 1999.

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These early VAs proved something groundbreaking: you don’t have to be in the same room—or even the same country—to deliver excellent support.

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Virtual Assistants in the Digital Age

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By the 2000s, faster internet and new tools made working with VAs easier than ever. Cloud storage, online calendars, and global talent marketplaces meant businesses could hire skilled help on demand.

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The pandemic in 2020 only sped things up. Suddenly, remote work wasn’t unusual—it was the norm. Businesses discovered just how valuable virtual assistants could be. In fact, hiring of offshore VAs grew by 41% that year alone.

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Yet, it wasn’t really a “new” solution. It was simply the world catching up to an idea that had already been quietly proving its worth for decades.

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Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore VAs

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Entrepreneurs often spend up to 16 hours a week on admin tasks—scheduling, emails, or chasing paperwork. That’s valuable time that could be used for strategy, growth, or innovation. As the business coach Cameron Herold puts it, “If you don’t have an assistant, you are one.”

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Delegating isn’t a luxury; it’s a growth strategy. Leaders who succeed—whether running startups or Fortune 500 companies—know their time is best spent on high-value priorities, not buried in routine tasks.

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What Today’s VAs Can Do

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Modern virtual assistants go far beyond typing letters or answering phones. Their roles are diverse, flexible, and tailored to the needs of each business. For example:

• Admin support: calendar management, inbox organization, and scheduling.
  
• Research and reporting: compiling market insights and key data.
  
• Marketing help: managing social media posts, drafting content, and handling engagement.
  
• Finance tasks: invoicing, expense tracking, and basic bookkeeping.
  
• Customer service: answering inquiries and resolving issues online.
  
• Personal assistance: booking travel, gifts, or personal appointments.
  
  

Many VAs also specialize in areas like graphic design, project management, or e-commerce support. The best part? You can scale their hours or responsibilities to match your business needs.

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Time to Reclaim Your Focus

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The role of the virtual assistant isn’t some passing trend—it’s a proven way to make business work smarter, not harder. Entrepreneurs who embrace this support system don’t just save time; they unlock the freedom to focus on growth, creativity, and strategy.

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So here’s the real question: are you still doing it all yourself? Or are you ready to hand off the busywork to someone who can help you thrive?

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Your business (and your sanity) will thank you.

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