Begging on the streets is a competitive business, it seems. But this homeless man is leading the way in innovation with a specially made sign that switches between messages appealing for change.

At first glance the middle-aged man, grinning widely to reveal missing teeth, holds the kind of shabby cardboard sign used by rough-sleepers the world over.

On his board is a message intended to evoke a warm response in passers-by who will, with any luck, throw him some coins.

'At least you looked at me and we shared a smile,' it reads.

But with one quick shake he flips the display like an electronic billboard to reveal a different script, written again in black marker.

'Can I borrow the car next weekend?' it asks, hoping that the member of the public sees the funny side of the statement.

The target has still not emptied their pockets of loose change, and the sign is transformed again to reveal yet another message.

Recorded in downtown Miami, the beggar with grey stubble and dressed in a tatty t-shirt and dark trousers, grins as he holds the board.

For a third time, he jiggles the cardboard display to show another comical statement. 'My family has been kidnapped by ninjas. I need money for karate lessons,' it reads.

The clip of the homeless man, who has not been identified, has become an internet hit with viewers saying he has the 'world's best begging sign'. It is believed that he carefully made it with dividers, rather appropriately, from liquor shipping boxes.

Some people pointed out that such an ingenious invention could earn the begger enough money for a modest home. Others suggested that he could follow the lead of homeless man Ted Williams whose deep voice propelled him to internet stardom after being featured on Youtube.

(Read by Nelly Min. Nelly Min is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)