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International Virtual Assistants Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of virtual assistants every third Friday in May. These skilled professionals offer crucial support, from administrative tasks to specialized projects, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive remotely. Take time today to appreciate the dedication and expertise of VAs, and explore how their services can enhance your productivity.
Want to sponsor International Virtual Assistants Day? Learn how
Expected International Virtual Assistants Day Deals
On International Virtual Assistants Day, appreciation takes center stage over commercial deals. Businesses often recognize their virtual teams with bonuses, gift cards, or professional development opportunities. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr may feature success stories or offer discounts on their premium services. Training providers such as VA Classroom or The VA Handbook might run promotions on courses for aspiring VAs. Companies like Belay and Zirtual could highlight their virtual assistant services with special introductory offers for new clients. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs as May 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Virtual Assistants Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #VirtualAssistantsDay. Share testimonials from clients or highlight the diverse skills of VAs.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #VirtualAssistantsDay. Share quick tips for remote collaboration or celebrate VAs with a shout-out.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VirtualAssistantsDay. Post success stories, host a live Q&A with a VA, or share resources for remote teams.
International Virtual Assistants Day Hero
Matt Barrie
History of International Virtual Assistants Day
During the 1940s, the rise of virtual assistants began a long and complicated transformation. What we currently refer to as the virtual assistant sector was born in the secretarial services industry. After the shorthand method was developed by Sir Isaac Pitman, secretarial work became alluring. When religious conservatism still prohibited women from working in the office, Pitman launched the first school for secretarial services, which admitted only men. With the introduction of the typewriter, women’s admittance into the secretarial services was made possible.
By the 19th century, technology had evolved to the point that it enabled economic transactions even thousands of kilometers away. In 1996, life coach Thomas Lenard and Anastasia Stacy Brice coined the term “virtual assistance.” Brice embodied this new job market by working from home for an international client. She used the internet to deliver services and referred to herself as a ‘virtual assistant,’ which became the definition of a growing and exciting career.
Christine Durst, a virtual assistant pioneer, published “The 2 Second Commute” in 1995. Describing it as a revolutionary way of working from home, Durst encouraged professionals to use the internet to follow their passions and earn a living.
On this day, virtual assistants are recognized for their hard work and dedication to their profession. The Alliance for Virtual Businesses normally sponsors the event, which is conducted in conjunction with the Online Virtual Assistants Convention each year. The event is organized by the Alliance for Virtual Businesses, a group made up of virtual business experts. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about virtual assistants’ services among business owners and managers.
International Virtual Assistants Day timeline
Sir Isaac Pitman devises the shorthand method, ushering in the secretarial services industry as a viable business.
A significant amount of technological progress occurs to the point where the internet is born, which enables transactions to take place even when people are thousands of miles apart.
Author of “The 2 Second Commute,” Christine Durst, is recognized as the pioneer of this industry.
In a casual phone conversation, Anastasia Stacy Brice and life coach Thomas Leonard coin the term, which later defines the job she does.
Under the umbrella of the AssistU organization, the virtual assistant business is elevated to a higher level of professionalism.
International Virtual Assistants Day FAQs
When is International Virtual Assistants Day?
In 2027, International Virtual Assistants Day will be observed on Friday, May 21, marking another opportunity to celebrate the growing global VA community and their impact.
How large is the virtual assistant market?
By 2027, the virtual assistant market is projected to continue its robust growth, driven by the ongoing shift towards remote work and the need for specialized administrative and technical support for businesses worldwide.
What services do virtual assistants provide?
In 2027, virtual assistants continue to expand their service offerings, often specializing in areas like digital marketing, project management, and strategic planning, making them indispensable partners for businesses seeking efficiency and expertise.
What is the difference between a virtual assistant and an executive assistant?
The core distinction in 2027 remains the remote and often multi-client nature of virtual assistants versus the in-person, dedicated support of executive assistants. However, the lines can blur as more executive assistants transition to remote roles.
International Virtual Assistants Day Activities
Film a tribute
Making a video montage is an excellent solution if you and your coworkers can't make it in person to express gratitude to a virtual assistant in person. Images, text, and even music can be incorporated into your design.
Send an electronic card
One of the easiest ways to show your gratitude to a virtual assistant is to send them an e-card. You can have your team write personalized messages and send them to the virtual assistant to celebrate the day.
Send a gift card
Consider sending a gift card to your virtual assistant. A good way is to send a Starbucks gift card or reimburse them for their coffee expenses.
5 Interesting Facts About Virtual Assistants
Cost effective
When compared to a full-time employee, virtual assistants can save businesses up to 78% in operational expenditures.
Diversity in the workplace
Virtual assistants come from all around the world, bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table.
Experienced professionals
Many virtual assistants are over the age of 35, and they bring a wide spectrum of expertise and experience to the table.
Different types of virtual assistants
Various varieties of virtual assistants are available, each tailored to a specific sector.
Flexibility
Working as a virtual assistant offers the most freedom and flexibility — people who prefer to work from home can but others choose to use coworking spaces for their business needs.
Why We Love International Virtual Assistants Day
It maximizes your work efficiency
It may sound simple, but it's worth repeating: if you hire a virtual assistant to take care of your daily responsibilities, you'll have more time to focus on the things that will have the greatest impact on your bottom line. While some tasks may be vital, they don't aid the growth of a company. An effective outsourcing strategy using a virtual assistant will help you free up some of your precious time.
It gives room for flexibility
Growth-oriented businesses face the difficulty of maintaining profitability while increasing the number of staff members. Virtual assistants allow organizations to meet their administrative needs via outsourcing without making a long-term commitment. It is also common for them to operate on a contract basis, which reduces a significant financial burden associated with employment.
Top-tier professionals are utilized
With virtual assistants, you have access to the best talent available. With many of the top personal assistants making the jump to becoming virtual assistants because of the advantages it provides, there is a large pool of skilled virtual assistants available for hire.
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