Without a doubt the invention of the Internet has changed the world. From communication to health care, international information is easily attainable through the cellphone at your fingertips.

"Overcoming global competitors rather than one or two local competitors is one of the biggest challenges and advantages facing business owners today," said Alice Wanamaker, member relations director of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation."The work day is changing because of technology - the Internet and cellphones. A 9-5 day is hardly the norm now, and constantly having to change to meet global needs is important," she said.Wanamaker sees this as an advantage for Millennial generation business owners. "I think the impact is positive, giving younger business professionals more opportunities and a larger audience."Ian Miller, owner of Miller Contracting and Remodeling, agrees. "The Internet is a great tool to build a brand; people see the signs around the area and can then see pictures of my work on Facebook, mixed with word-of-mouth. It helps get recognition instead of just a name in a phone book."Jim Thorpe Yoga Studio owner and teacher Maya Kowalcyk uses online scheduling to organize the studio's customer base, as well as Facebook and email to spread the word about upcoming events. "Our marketing budget is very low, so Facebook and email really help. Sometimes it is tricky though, because people do get sick of being inundated with events."Taylor Handwerk, owner of online shop Bimmertools LLC, uses Internet exclusively for his specialty BMW tools and parts business."The cyberworld is so different from the tangible world," he said.Though he says being a younger business owner has made it easier to accept the learning curve. "I've had to learn about Google Shopping. Good customer service will get you a lot of patience from people while you are learning. I've learned a lot about online marketing and getting the word out online."Positive word-of-mouth, whether in person or cyberspace is still the best way to gain and retain good clientele."When I started I put cards and coupons on people's cars. I did whatever I had to do to get my name out there," said Michele Midas. Midas is owner and stylist at the Midas Touch Studio in Summit Hill. "Word-of-mouth is huge," she said.Handwerk agrees. "Now you have things like Trip Advisor where people can rate you. There's no hiding. Customer service is very important."According to Wanamaker, there is a trend in entrepreneurship for the younger generation."Young professionals are independent and adventurous. They are looking for new and exciting ways to make their communities stronger and better while supporting themselves and their families. They are weighing the options and finding a better life in owning and operating their own business."Handwerk works with the chamber to help engage in the community. "My wife is the face of the chamber's winter campaign," he said.For younger business owners, topping the list of challenges is the perception of inexperience by customers and older business owners. "Being younger, older people don't take you as serious until you prove yourself," said Kowalcyk."When people call you on the phone, they don't know how old you are. Then people see you," said Miller. "As long as you know what you're doing and have confidence, all that goes out the window.""Sometimes people don't take you seriously, they think 'small town, small shop,' " Midas said, agreeing with Miller. "But the hair I do is the best advertisement against that."The four young business owners agree that youth is mostly an advantage in today's market."You are more open minded. You have less experience so maybe you fail but you're not afraid to try new things," Kowalcyk said. "I get to choose how I want the studio. I get to envision it and take it there," said Kowalcyk."You're not as hard on yourself, you go in expecting you won't know everything," said Midas. "There is so much more that goes into owning a business. You constantly have to think ahead.""Passion is important. But you still have to look before you leap," said Handwerk.The virtue of stamina that comes with youth is incredibly important to a new business owner, both in physical demand and learning the ins and outs of being successful."I stand on my feet all day. I don't know if I could do the longer hours if I was older," said Midas."It's not as easy to shut it off. With Facebook you have to be constantly engaged to get new customers," said Handwerk.Miller said as time goes by "you start to learn success is about longevity and supporting yourself through life instead of getting rich quickly.""Millennials are constantly seeking to improve ourselves both personally and professionally. We are achieving this goal socially. It's earning us a new title, Social Entrepreneurs. It changes how we do business," Wanamaker said.