Decade Down—What's Next?! 🚀Am I at a pivotal moment because of AI?
Are you nervous about where the future of AI is going to take or make you redundant in your business? Could you be at a pivotal point?
I started my business, Virtuali Administrative Solutions back in 2015 and so much has changed through a decade of tech evolution when I begin my journey as a virtual assistant.
Back in 2015, the landscape of remote work and digital tools was vastly different. At the time, being a virtual assistant wasn't nearly as common or as recognized as it is today. Back then, I had to explain a lot about how I worked, and many people couldn't get their head around me working remotely and sharing documents and files and not physically being present in their office.
Most clients, as well, were getting used to the idea of outsourcing tasks to someone they'd never met in person. So it was all very new in those early days. The tools of the trade were relatively simple. I relied heavily on email, Google Docs, Microsoft Suite, and Skype. Zoom wasn't really even a thing then, can you imagine? And project management tools like Trello or Asana.
Many of the tasks I handled were administrative. It was calendar management, basic customer service, data entry and research. And I also went to physical meetings to take notes as there really wasn't the software to do that. Automations were limited and artificial.
Fast forward to today, and the difference, as we all know, is remarkable. First and foremost, technology has exploded in terms of speed, accessibility, and sophistication. Cloud-based systems are now the norm, allowing seamless real-time collaboration with clients anywhere in the world.
Tools like Slack, Zoom, Notion, Clickup and Microsoft teams have transformed communication and productivity. And with just a few clicks, now I can manage full workflows, onboard clients, and even run complex operations that would once have required entire departments. One of the biggest game changers has been the rise of artificial intelligence.
AI is no longer just for big corporations; it has become a part of everyday life for VAs like me. Whether it's to use AI to draft emails, transcribe meetings, automate social media, or analyse client data. Tasks that used to take hours can now be done in minutes. I know that to survive, I have to adapt and learn to partner with AI, as well as instruct others on how to utilise it to their best advantage in their business.
Where once upon a time, I, Alison, was the virtual assistant handling the repetitive tasks. Now we can ask AI to do that if we know the prompts to do it, and we, the humans, can focus on what we do best. The creativity, the relationship building, and all the soft skills.
Another significant shift over the last decade has been the growing acceptance and professionalism of remote work.
The pandemic, of course, accelerated this, but the foundation had already been laid. Today, being a virtual assistant or any remote worker means you're often a core part of the team, contributing in real terms across time zones. Clients are no longer hesitant to work virtually, and in many cases, they prefer it.
I've also expanded my own skillset over the years. In 2015, I was mainly involved in support roles. Today I manage the launch of online courses, I coordinate events in person and online worldwide, and advise on tech tools and automations. The VA role has become more strategic and specialised, and that's been incredibly rewarding.
When asked at the age of 14 by the career advisor at school what career I wanted, the term virtual assistant didn't even exist. And with the arrival of voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri and Alana, from 2011 onwards, the notion of virtual assistants began to grow. And now, in 2025, we are discussing AI companions.
So who knows what is next? In 2025, there are literally millions of VAs all around the world supporting business owners. Looking back, it's incredible how far we've come. Technology has made the role more efficient, impactful, and respected. It is a testament to how much it is possible when we embrace change and continue to learn.
Here’s to the next decade. Thank you for following me over the last 10 years. If the past decade has taught me anything, it's that adapting and being flexible are essential. The only way forward, and the only constant, is change.
Need some advice on where AI tools could save you time in your business? Book a slot via Calendly (AI tool , of course) and start saving time now!
Your Time-Saving Ally now and always!
