Sometimes in business there is a need to think “outside the box”. Although a rather hackneyed phrase that is too management think for some people I think this does apply to the opportunities that present themselves in virtual worlds.

Now for some I realise I need to explain myself a bit.

Virtual worlds are computer based simulations hosted on the internet. Users (or residents) can log onto a virtual world and visit it in the persona of something called an avatar. An avatar is a graphical representation of a person (i.e. you) in the virtual world, created using tools provided by the computer program. Avatars can be anything you want, from the surreal to the real. Mostly they look like “normal” people but they may have odd characteristics to make them stand out from the crowd (maybe literally in some cases – there are a lot of flying bananas in Second Life).

Like any place, real or imagined, if many people visit then there are business opportunities and virtual worlds are much the same. One of the most popular sites, called Second Life, has developed its own society which is supported by a vibrant economy using virtual money. Users can buy and sell virtual goods and services using a local currency, the Linden. In fact this can also translate to real world dollars.

Second Life is reported to have over 20 million accounts, so the popularity of these sites can’t be denied. This is where you may be able to see a business opportunity to advertise or sell your services. In the virtual world there are various places that users can visit and many of these have been designed to attract a certain crowd, much like real life.

Some companies have set up complete virtual receptions, shops and kiosks manned 24/7 by [real] members of staff able to answer questions, sell or explain products. Others have placed advertising bill boards at certain locations that link to their real life websites and some companies have even had virtual product launches.

Universities that offer distance learning courses, such as The Open University, use Second Life as a way of helping remote students. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police even operate a recruitment stand there and IBM, Microsoft and we at e-skills UK are just a few of the thousands of other organisations represented in Second Life.

Often in business taking a slightly different approach to sales and marketing is enough to give you an edge on your competition, and that has to be good.

Are virtual worlds going to benefit your business? Maybe, take a look and see.

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<p>Sometimes in business there is a need to think &ldquo;outside the box&rdquo;. Although a rather hackneyed phrase that is too management think for some people I think this does apply to the opportunities that present themselves in virtual worlds.<br /><br />Now for some I realise I need to explain myself a bit. <br /><br />Virtual worlds are computer based simulations hosted on the internet. Users (or residents) can log onto a virtual world and visit it in the persona of something called an avatar. An avatar is a graphical representation of a person (i.e. you) in the virtual world, created using tools provided by the computer program. Avatars can be anything you want, from the surreal to the real. Mostly they look like &ldquo;normal&rdquo; people but they may have odd characteristics to make them stand out from the crowd (maybe literally in some cases &ndash; there are a lot of flying bananas in Second Life).<br /><br />Like any place, real or imagined, if many people visit then there are business opportunities and virtual worlds are much the same. One of the most popular sites, called Second Life, has developed its own society which is supported by a vibrant economy using virtual money. Users can buy and sell virtual goods and services using a local currency, the Linden. In fact this can also translate to real world dollars.<br /><br />Second Life is reported to have over 20 million accounts, so the popularity of these sites can&rsquo;t be denied. This is where you may be able to see a business opportunity to advertise or sell your services. In the virtual world there are various places that users can visit and many of these have been designed to attract a certain crowd, much like real life.<br /><br />Some companies have set up complete virtual receptions, shops and kiosks manned 24/7 by [real] members of staff able to answer questions, sell or explain products. Others have placed advertising bill boards at certain locations that link to their real life websites and some companies have even had virtual product launches. <br /><br />Universities that offer distance learning courses, such as The Open University, use Second Life as a way of helping remote students. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police even operate a recruitment stand there and IBM, Microsoft and we at e-skills UK are just a few of the thousands of other organisations represented in Second Life. <br /><br />Often in business taking a slightly different approach to sales and marketing is enough to give you an edge on your competition, and that has to be good.<br /><br />Are virtual worlds going to benefit your business? Maybe, take a look and see. </p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Original Source:<br /> The Business IT Guide (<a href="http://www.businessitguide.com" title="www.businessitguide.com">www.businessitguide.com</a>) – A free, online resource helping small companies exploit technology for business benefit.</p> <img src="http://scotland.businessitguide.com/uploads/120x90.jpg" alt="Logo" />

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Sometimes in business there is a need to think "outside the box". Although a rather hackneyed phrase that is too management think for some people I think this does apply to the opportunities that present themselves in virtual worlds. Now for some I realise I need to explain myself a bit. Virtual worlds are computer based simulations hosted on the internet. Users (or residents) can log onto a virtual world and visit it in the persona of something called an avatar. An avatar is a graphical representation of a person (i.e. you) in the virtual world, created using tools provided by the computer program. Avatars can be anything you want, from the surreal to the real. Mostly they look like "normal" people but they may have odd characteristics to make them stand out from the crowd (maybe literally in some cases - there are a lot of flying bananas in Second Life). Like any place, real or imagined, if many people visit then there are business opportunities and virtual worlds are much the same. One of the most popular sites, called Second Life, has developed its own society which is supported by a vibrant economy using virtual money. Users can buy and sell virtual goods and services using a local currency, the Linden. In fact this can also translate to real world dollars. Second Life is reported to have over 20 million accounts, so the popularity of these sites can't be denied. This is where you may be able to see a business opportunity to advertise or sell your services. In the virtual world there are various places that users can visit and many of these have been designed to attract a certain crowd, much like real life. Some companies have set up complete virtual receptions, shops and kiosks manned 24/7 by [real] members of staff able to answer questions, sell or explain products. Others have placed advertising bill boards at certain locations that link to their real life websites and some companies have even had virtual product launches. Universities that offer distance learning courses, such as The Open University, use Second Life as a way of helping remote students. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police even operate a recruitment stand there and IBM, Microsoft and we at e-skills UK are just a few of the thousands of other organisations represented in Second Life. Often in business taking a slightly different approach to sales and marketing is enough to give you an edge on your competition, and that has to be good. Are virtual worlds going to benefit your business? Maybe, take a look and see.