...unless you have a computer and are a citizen of Second Life the virtual world where Chung made her millions.

In Second Life people trade in a virtual currency called Linden Dollars and they can convert what they make into real US dollars. The possibilities are as limited as your imagination. There are clothes shops, concert halls, night clubs and open spaces.

Some real world businesses have a presence in Second Life too. Imagine a place where your clients can try on clothes in a virtual world that they then might buy in the real world. Toyota and H&R treat Second Life like an economic laboratory. It is perfect place to try out new business models.

But it is in real estate where the money is to be made. You can buy private ‘land’ , build features like roads and buildings and then rent or sell it at a profit. There are 9,000,000 residents who are your customers and Second lIfe grows by 20% every month.

Universities such Texas State, Princeton and The Open University are present ‘inworld’ and the educational possibilities for this virtual environment are breath-taking.

Business can hold virtual meetings with powerpoint and video presentations for people all over the world. It really is quite impressive the sensation of being physically present that the virtual world gives you.

Silicon luddites, of course, think that a virtual world can not be serious. They see the ‘inworld’ characters (avatars) going about their business and imagine it’s all a game. However, Second Life turns over $550,000,000 a year. That gives it a Gross Domestic Product similar to Samoa. Some game.

Want to play?

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These are some of the business opportunities available in Second Life:-

party and wedding planner

pet manufacturer

tattooist

nightclub owner

automotive manufacturer

aerospace engineer

custom avatar designer

jewelry maker

architect

XML coder

freelance scripter

game developer

fine artist

machinima set designer

tour guide

dancer

musician

custom animation creator theme park developer

real estate speculator

vacation resort owner

advertiser

bodyguard

magazine

publisher

private detective

writer

gamer

landscaper

publicist

special effects designer

hug maker