FrontRange

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Welcome to Cbeyond Front Range

Thanks for visiting the Cbeyond Front Range website, where you'll find everything you need, from product information to highlighted success stories from small business owners like you.

We're committed to the local community in the Front Range region, whether it’s by supporting events like BolderBOULDER 10k and Fans on the Field, or through our commitment to local associations like the Apartment Association of Metro Denver.

So browse around, give us your input and when you’re ready, reach out to us. We'll be here to help!

Click here to meet Scott Weber, Vice President and General Manager of Cbeyond in the Front Range.

Small Business Success Story: Raw Urth Designs

After just one week at a blacksmithing camp in New Mexico, founders Amy and Stefan Sasick set out to combine their then-untested metal working skills with their landscaping background to create an authentic brand of products: Raw Urth Designs.

The Sasicks now devote their business to designing unique, custom steel accents and a number of standard production pieces, such as range hoods and exterior fire features. Raw Urth is also set apart by its founders’ dedication to creating an eco-friendly work environment. Amazingly, all of their steel comes from post-consumer American waste such as junked cars and old appliances. From a single forge and one antique anvil, the Sasicks’ passion for design and metal working has become a fully fledged company which has gained customers and recognition around the country.

READ MORE...

7 Tips to Network Effectively

It’s often said that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. As a small business owner, it’s important to network to market your business and the face behind it—you. It’s also a great way to build a referral network—a group of people that will send business your way, and vice versa. Check out these 7 tips on how to network effectively.

1) Have an elevator pitch ready. An elevator pitch is an overview of your product or service that gets the point across in the time it would take to ride in an elevator. Don’t get caught off guard or launch into a 5-minute monologue about your company. Rather, have a few short sentences prepared that describe your business. Have several pitches prepared that highlight different things based on your audience.

2) Have a goal. Why are you networking? Are you trying to gain more business? Do you need to hire new talent? Or are you simply looking to build up a network of people that you can go to for ideas and mentorship? Have a firm idea of what you’re aiming for so that you’re on the same page with the people you meet.

3) Join networking groups—both online and off. In-person networking adds a personal touch and truly puts a personality behind your business. Check out meetup.com or do a quick Google search to find interest-based groups that meet on a regular basis. In addition, online networking presents the opportunity to get your message out to the world with minimal cost and effort. Become a member of groups that pertain to your business on LinkedIn and Facebook and join the conversations that are always happening online.

4) Be interested in the person, not the opportunity. It’s always exciting when you meet someone that you just know can be a great resource for you. However, no one likes to be used. When you speak with someone, show interest in them as a person, not just what they can offer you. Relate to personal stories and build a connection about something that isn’t work related. Everyone wants to help out a friend and a genuinely good person. Build a positive connection first, and the business will follow.

5) Be a good listener. It’s never pleasant to meet someone who only talks about themselves. Ask those that you meet questions—and then be quiet until you hear the answer. When they’re done speaking, ask follow up questions that are related to the topic to show that you are genuinely listening.

6) Follow up. Don’t be a flake. Make sure you follow up within 48 hours of meeting someone. A friendly email, quick phone call, or a personal hand written note on your business’ letterhead reiterating a topic you discussed is all that’s needed for the first contact. Close with a question so you give them a reason to continue the conversation.

7) Return the favor. If you end up getting referrals and business as a result of networking, return the favor and send some business back their way. A relationship is a two-way street. In the end, you want to form a long-lasting, productive relationship.

HIPAA Compliant? Here Are Five Questions to Ask Your Cloud Services Provider

Healthcare providers have invested a lot of time and resources into meeting privacy and security laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Demands on IT resources will continue to grow in preparation for a complete conversion to electronic health records (EHR) by 2015.
As a small or mid-sized healthcare provider, you’re in the business of caring for people, not hardware and software. Dealing with everyday IT workloads plus current and impending HIPAA regulations can strain your already overtaxed resources.
Cloud services can offer a viable alternative to tackling complex technology issues in-house. By outsourcing the management of your IT infrastructure, you free up manpower and budget dollars to focus on patient care instead of equipment.
Some cloud computing providers are experts in maintaining a secure infrastructure. They can offer auditable security that is very difficult to achieve in a small hospital or medical practice. If you know the right questions to ask, you can reap the benefits of the cloud while taking HIPAA regulations into consideration.
Read the Five questions to ask a potential Cloud Services provider here.

Small businesses can reduce IT expenditures with cloud computing

Wed February 27, 8:19 am

Small business owners have turned to new technology as a way to better compete with larger enterprises. Cloud computing has been one of the more popular options, as this affordable and scalable technology can help small businesses keep IT costs down, productivity high and efficiency in an optimal position.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that many small businesses are procuring cloud hosting services for a variety of corporate functions, such as email and application sharing. Though economic hardships have made matters more difficult for the nation's entrepreneurs, advanced technology has provided small businesses with an opportunity to continue growing.

According to the news provider, cloud services can be used for small business data backup, as well as sharing contacts, calendars and other storage necessities. The source added that cloud computing gives small businesses an opportunity to improve collaboration, productivity and management around all communications.

Cloud computing is expected to become a commodity in the coming years, with some research forecasting the services to reach 100 percent adoption rates in the next decade. Small business owners should consider using these services to adapt to the increasingly mobile market landscape.

Tips for VoIP implementation in small business

Tue February 26, 3:21 pm

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become one of the most popular small business phone services on the market, as this advanced communications tool is generally more affordable and reliable than traditional land lines. Companies can gain a variety of benefits from procuring and implementing VoIP in the coming years, as some experts believe it will become the new norm.

Resource Nation recently published a blog regarding the best practices associated with VoIP purchasing and set up for small businesses. According to the news provider, the first step is assessing the company's specific communications needs, and then looking for a VoIP service that fits the organization's criteria for a streamlined implementation process.

The source asserted that small businesses should consider purchasing bundle communication solutions that include internet services and VoIP tools. Resource Nation added that executives can also integrate VoIP into other communications strategies, such as mobility initiatives, messaging and more.

VoIP has been cited by many experts as an excellent option for any budding business because of its enhanced call clarity and low operational costs. Owners can capitalize on the technology by coupling it with internet services and other small business solutions.

Blending traditional and novel marketing strategies

Tue February 26, 2:55 pm

Though online marketing for small businesses is much more advanced than traditional methods and continues to evolve rapidly, executives can create consistent advertising strategies with the right level of planning. By maintaining the stronger aspects of brand management and incorporating new strategies, the customer experience will often be enhanced.

Fast Company recently explained that many brands have taken a more traditional approach to online marketing, asserting that the content and images associated with the advertisement have a classic appeal. According to the news provider, new businesses have developed marketing strategies delivered through online platforms that make them appear as a "heritage company," or one that has been around and trusted for a long time.

The source illustrated this strategy by describing certain logos and other brand images that have a vintage appeal, no matter how young the company might be.

Small business owners should consider taking a unique approach to marketing efforts, as consumers are looking for brands that separate from the norm and provide interesting advertisements. Online marketing platforms are excellent options to deliver the content to a targeted, yet large group of potential customers.