According to some research from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands), and reported on Lost in the Magic Forest, companies in SL see strategic advantages to being here.

They surveyed all the Dutch companies in SL, and found that the companies experienced "first mover advantage" and an increase in innovation. After this, improved contact and communication is the main advantage - with the companies seeing avatars as the new market to reach.

More interestingly, many of the companies had jumped in with both feet, and were exploring SL eagerly, rather than the toe dipping we've seen from many others - IBM being another notable "jump right in" group who are still here and thriving. Perhaps that's something we should consider adding to Mitch Wagner's 5 things to make your business succeed list?