Logging on to the Internet is setting up many businesses for success as they find social networking sites work in their favor, and companies around Missoula are making sure that they log on, even before opening their doors.
In the world of business, how can the web help the corner ice cream shop? "Kids, adults, all use Facebook, so we're able to reach our customer base…which is everyone” Big Dipper Manager Bryan Hickey says.
A Missoula local favorite for years, Big Dipper Ice Cream has about 3,200 fans on Facebook. "Its awesome, it's a great marketing and a great tool for small businesses, and it's free commented Hickey.
He completes his workday, by logging into social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and connecting with those who just have to know what's going on with the greatest scoop in town.
"We see it, just last night I posted we were making candy cane ice cream and a gal came down an hour later" Hickey explained.
Whether it's scoops of Candy Cane or Cold Smoke, no matter what you prefer, that particular special of the day is right at your finger tips when you sign in and take a look for yourself.
Across town in her Rattlesnake home, Elke Govertsen is using the same sites to promote her infant business to hundred of moms.
"With Social media in particular its just gives them unprecedented access to spreading into about yourself or the thing you're passionate about.'"
She is passionate about Mamalode, which is a media company for local moms, which launched last May and even started a social network of their own.
"Where moms can create their own groups, single moms or working moms or moms adopting" Govertsen told us. "It's leveled the playing field for having access to people and to communities and finding people who have common interests."
Big Dipper Ice Cream and Mamalode are not the only ones utilizing social networking sites to highlight their business. Hundreds all over Montana and the world know the times they are a changing, and in order to get business booming you need to get online.
