Not so long ago, the idea of a virtual assistant didn’t exist. An assistant was someone who physically came to your office and worked side-by-side in your space. With the ever-growing and changing dynamics of the Internet and all that we do online, you could have an assistant across the globe from you and perhaps you connect via Skype or Google Hangout and email. The beauty of the Internet, huh?
As I reflected on this topic, “the new versus old way of doing business,” it struck me just how much has changed in the last 25-30 years (or less)! For example:
A secretary or administrative assistant:
- Probably used a typewriter.
- Was savvy at shorthand.
- Received a paycheck and benefits.
- Was physically on location.
- Was more likely to correspond and communicate via a letter typed on letterhead and mailed.
Today, a virtual assistant:
- Works from his or her laptop, tablet or smartphone.
- Has acronyms for all sorts of things, a modern shorthand if you will (LOL–see what I mean?).
- Receives a paycheck but secures his or her own benefits.
- Works from anywhere in the world.
- Is more likely to correspond and communicate via social media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blog, e-blast….