Virtual World Business

Virtual world business opportunities have exploded in the Second Life virtual world. Many major corporations, such as IBM, government offices such as the Swedish Embassy, educational institutions like Berkman Center at Harvard Law School, and user owned stores like Adam n Eve have created the next wave in internet economy.

What is Second Life?

Second Life is an online virtual community which allows users to communicate in real time. Created by Linden Lab, Second Life now boasts over 1 million active users. When in the virtual world you can visit prestigious museums and art exhibitions, attend distance learning classes, network, hear a live band perform at an entertainment venue, enjoy role playing games, create business opportunities and more!

The Many Business Opportunities of Second Life

The Second Life economy is based on the Linden Dollar, the virtual world currency, which can be exchanged for actual real life money. The Linden Dollar is one of the main reasons virtual business opportunities are so plentiful in the world of Second Life. People are obviously interested in making money in Second Life, not only in real life.

Users who are creative or innovative can open a virtual business and sell their wares or services. Anything you can buy in the real world you will find in the Second Life virtual world. Designer clothing, entertainment, furniture, event planning, marketing campaigns, office space rental and much more are only a few mouse clicks away.

Setting Up Shop

In order to set up your virtual business in Second Life you must first become a member. Second Life offers 2 levels of membership – free and premium. To own land you must be a premium member. So it follows that to open a business you will need to be a premium, paying member.

Once you have registered your account online, created a user name, you will be required to choose an avatar as part of your membership set up. This avatar is how you will communicate with others in the Second Life virtual world and can be fully customized by you. Your avatar will also be your virtual world business owner.

Experts suggest you spend some time exploring Second Life before opening your virtual world business. This is easily done by visiting any of the many Second Life islands and introducing yourself to others. Once you feel comfortable with the nuts and bolts of Second Life you can begin to set up shop.

Existing Businesses

Many existing business have found it advantageous to set up a virtual world counterpart in Second Life. IBM was one of the leaders to open shop in Second Life and has found it to be a successful addition to their company’s structure.

Virtual world business is the “next phase of the internet revolution,” says IBM CEO Palmisano. IBM not only sells their wares in Second Life stores they have created spaces for IBM workers to interact. Nowadays over 5,000 IBM employees are regularly networking with this platform.

The virtual world business opportunities of Second Life will continue to grow as long as users want to make money. Linden Lab sees the possibilities as endless. If you can do it in real life, they say, you can do it in your Second Life.