Etopia, Second Life and business as unusual

For those unfamiliar with Second Life, it is a virtual environment in which users interact with each other and with the world they create. Think of it as a social platform on steroids. It is also a platform to improve the way we work together. My goal with the virtual environment that I helped create and continue to build is to allow visitors to learn about community, mindfulness, and best practices in regenerative business and lifestyle.

I know those are all buzzwords, but it is an approach that I work with clients to adopt and apply in their organizations. There are many things that go into building a business, be it a brick and mortar operation or solely based on the Internet. Green infrastructure considerations apply to both. Increasing efficiency and reducing negative impact on the world around us benefits the environment and everyone in it. Etopia has been my way of showing what we can do to create community, live well and work successfully. Not only do nonprofits and professionals who call Etopia their home in Second Life appreciate it, they contribute to it as well.

How does all this translate into real-world benefits? Visitors not only learn, but interact with the ideas I mentioned above. For example, when someone is interested in reducing their carbon footprint, but is not sure how to do it, they can experience it at Etopia. They could ride their bikes around the Plaza or walk among the shops. These are activities that can also be done in real life.

Visitors can learn and interact with running a cooperative, which involves building a small house, installing a solar panel, or growing your own food in an apartment. Visitors can also see how companies use technology, smart planning and an enthusiasm for the environment to reduce their impact and save money.

A great example is how I work with teams in Second Life and through online forums to develop your organizational skills. This saves money and gives participants the opportunity to experiment with their imaginations to achieve their goals. Whether it’s creating a vision statement for a new nonprofit or creating a project plan, using a platform like Second Life offers flexibility within a robust workspace.

Virtual environments are not for everyone. There is a learning curve. There are those who see Second Life as another online gaming platform like World of Warcraft. However, when evaluated in the context of a changing business world and in light of the educational opportunities inherent in immersive experiences, Second Life and, by extension, Etopia, offer limitless possibilities.