March 2005
Virtual Assisting a $130 Billion Industry by 2008
 |
|
Sharon Williams
|
by Sharon Williams
Virtual Assistants -- A Mainstream Technology by 2008
According to the "George Washington University Forecast of Emerging Technology" (January 2000) revolutionary innovation is now occurring widely in all scientific and technological fields. This phenomenon has been brought about by the IT revolution which is being used as a tool to spread and accelerate scientific and technological advances across a much wider spectrum than previously imagined. As a result over the next 20 to 30 years a broad array of new technologies will emerge in what many now call the coming “technological revolution”.
The report goes on to say that "...the virtual assisting industry is growing rapidly and is expected to be a $130 billion industry by 2008, but it could be larger."
Chronology of Emerging Technologies
|
Year |
Technology |
Year | Technology |
| 2003 | Portable IT Devices | 2007 | Mass Customization |
| 2003 | Electronic Banking | 2008 | Virtual Assistants |
| 2003 | Electronic Commerce | 2008 | Genetically Designed Species |
| 2004 | Entertainment on Demand | 2008 | Information Appliances |
| 2006 | Fuel Cell Cars | 2008 | Modular Software |
| 2006 | Distant Learning | 2009 | Computerized Healthcare |
| 2006 | Human PC Interface | 2010 | Fuel Cells |
| 2006 | Online Publishing | 2010 | Computer Translation |
| 2006 | Hybrid Autos | 2010 | Teleworking |
|
Sources: George Washington University Forecast of Emerging Technology, January 2000, Highlights from the George Washington University Forecast of Emerging Technology, Dr. William Halal, December 2000, Technology: A Prism for Learning (Emerging Technologies 2001-2030), Thomas Gaylord Phd., April 2001. |
|||
Furthermore, the report documents that by 2008, experienced Virtual Assistants, "highly skilled and knowledgeable office professionals who provide administrative support and specialized business services from an outside location", will be accepted as viable mainstream business alternatives.
Top-ten Breakthroughs by 2010
Dr. William Halal and his colleagues of George Washington University's Forecast of Technology and Strategy have for the past decade systematically surveyed a broad range of technologies that are emerging from R&D laboratories worldwide. Based on a Delphi survey comprising 65 leading researchers and consultants George Washington has identified these 10 technologies as breakthrough advance by 2010.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 is right around the corner. The scientific and
academic communities are acknowledging and validating the virtual
assisting industry and its potential financial impact. Mainstream
colleges, worldwide, are offering accredited courses and certificate
programs. Their efforts, along with promotional campaigns spearheaded by
VA industry organizations, leaders and practitioners can drive virtual
assisting as a wider accepted alternative for mainstream
business and entrepreneurs.
Are you ready?
Excerpts were provided by Marubeni Corporation Economic Research
Institute. The complete report can be found at:
http://www.marubeni.co.jp/research/eindex/0212-2/
About the Author
Sharon Williams is a Master Virtual Assistant and president of The 24 Hour Secretary. She is also the Chairperson of The Alliance for Virtual Businesses, whose mission is to promote the VA industry, worldwide. Subscribe to Smart Business = Success, The 24 Hour Secretary's free monthly ezine that provides up-to-the-minute tips that support your continued success. She is the author of Marketing Your VA Practice: It’s Not About Money, It's About Having the Right Strategy. For more information about how she can save you time and money contact her by email at info@the24hoursecretary.com.