Such numbers go far in explaining how it is that Groupon managed to overcome dashed investor expectations and suspicious prodding by regulatory authorities with its pretty amazing quarterly earnings report and why companies such as Google, Amazon and American Express, just to name three, are trying to horn in on the market that is widely believed to be oversaturated.

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My franchise names remain Apple, Google, MetLife, American Express, Amazon, Baidu, even Ford Motor, Schlumberger, Halliburton, UnitedHealth, Wellpoint and Qualcomm.

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Haaren says businesses like American Express, Amazon, United Health and Aetna are some of many realizing that hiring more virtual workers gives them access to millions of potential candidates rather than the hundred or so within a 50-mile radius.

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