Having a presence - any sort of presence - online is becoming more and more important even for local businesses. So I had to think a bit when I got the opportunity to write about a favorite business.

I chose my first real job, as the company is still a favorite. Sorrentino’s Pizza. Still my absolute favorite pizza. And yes, I found the business on MerchantCircle.com. They haven’t customized their listing yet, and if I were still close enough, I’d probably go tease the owners about that. They were good friends.

All in all it was just a really great place to work, and when we visit my mother it’s still not uncommon to order pizza from them. Their topping list is sufficient that we could cope with my sister’s allergy to pepperoni and sausage, and still make a great pizza. I haven’t actually stopped in there in probably 3-4 years to see if I still know anyone, but the last time I did there were a few familar faces.

Obviously it would be challenging for a local business to take every advantage of online listings. There are too many sites wanting to offer some sort of online yellow pages service. But I do think that having some sort of presence is hugely beneficial.