Lessons Learned from Second Life By Dr. Tracy Tuten, Author of Advertising 2.0: Social Media Marketing in a Web 2.0 World Virtual worlds give participants an opportunity to be whoever they want, wish or hope to be. With a custom designed "avatar," you can look, behave and speak any way you want. It's your "second life," after all. Brands, however, don't have that luxury. They bring established reputations and perceptions into a realm where everything is new and anything goes. The "Wild West" nature of virtual worlds frightens brand managers schooled in carefully crafted and controlled messages, and Second Life indeed chased many away. But with technology -- and especially social ...

Geeks On Call Holdings Inc. is an on-site computer service company that provides help to business and residential customers. The company can address problems including system security and online privacy solutions, hardware and software repairs, wireless equipment and network installations, and general troubleshooting. The company also provides network services, data backup and recovery, virus/spyware detection and removal, firewalls and Internet security, custom-built PCS, training, upgrades, networks, and preventive maintenance services.

The company was founded in 1999 and began franchising in 2001. They currently have over 250 independently owned and operated franchises in the United States, with new locations opening regularly. They are now operating in 23 states with a large concentration on the east coast; after all, the company was founded in Norfolk, Virginia. According to Entrepreneur and Franchise Times magazine, they are one of the fastest growing franchises in America.

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