Meet Ann Baron | Founder of Northern Colorado Community

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Baron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Sometimes taking risks can be very successful. Although, sometimes taking risks can be a flop. You need to “count the cost” before taking a big risk. Look at the Pros and Cons. Also, if the risk fails ask yourself what will you do? I have taken many risks and some have been successful and others have been terrible.

A big risk I took was applying for a job at a local Chamber of Commerce. I had no background experience in this type of work but thought I would love the job. It turned out I was hired and loved the job.

Another risk I took was jumping out into my own business before I was ready which ended terribly. I lost everything except my car and my clothes. Then, I had to start all over in my career from an entry level job that I had done when I was 17 years old. Although, this was an awful experience it freed me up to be with my dying Mom because nothing was holding me down. In the long run it opened doors for many careers which I could not have went for.

More recently, I took the risk of starting my own membership based, networking group called Northern Colorado Community over seven years ago. From the very beginning, I loved being a resource to small businesses. It grew and flourished. Recently in the NoCo Style magazine Best of 2023 I won the 2nd Place for Best Networking group in Northern Colorado. Frankly, I was shocked but grateful. All the years of nurturing and growing the group reaped rewards.

Again, risks can be worthwhile yet make sure you are ready to take the risk.

What should our readers know about your business?
Over seven years ago I founded a networking group called Northern Colorado Community. I had been well connected in the business community for many years so the launch went well. There were “early adopters” who joined right away. Being a resource and connector for small businesses is my passion. I am most proud when members say that their business has doubled and grown tremendously because of the referrals I give to them. Also, in 2023 I won second place in the NoCo Style Magazine Best of 2023 for best Networking Group. They had over 200,000 votes. There are many networking groups in this area and I was shocked that was in second place. The other ones in first place and third place were large Chambers who had 10 times as many members.

What sets me a part is that I care about each member and learn about what they need. A “secret sauce” service I offer is connecting them to other professionals they want to meet. I take the initiative to do this for every member. Also, if I haven’t seen a member for a while then I will call them to make sure they are doing well and how I can be a resource for them. Each member receives a handmade Thank You card which I give them when they join. We do free Reels spotlighting a member each week. In addition, each member gets one free hour in consulting each month.

Was this easy building this networking group? For me it was easy because I love what I do. I do put in a lot of hours but they are a labor of love. Being consistent and thinking of innovative ways to help the members is important.

Lessons I have learned along the way is to delegate. I have members who are Ambassadors and they help me with the events. With over 60 events a year it takes a lot of help. It’s okay to ask for help and not trying to do everything yourself.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that I am here to see their business thrive and grow. Simply collecting memberships is not my goal. I could of retired a long time ago but I still work because my passion is for serving small businesses.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A wonderful place to visit is the Rocky Mountains which is only an hour drive from where I live. It has gorgeous scenery and wildlife. The town of Estes Park has lots of great restaurants and shops.

Closer to home is Old Town in Fort Collins. The architecture was the design that Disneyland copied for their “Main Street.” Old Town has fun shops and delicious restaurants. Many of the historic buildings are preserved and beautiful buildings.

In Loveland there is a great sculpture park called Benson Sculpture Park. They have many sculptures from bronze to stone. It’s a pretty little park where you can walk around and have a picnic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize my husband, Mike. He has been a wonderful support and believed in me. Mike encouraged me to start my own business and supported me along the way. Sometimes, my work would have me gone many hours out of a day. Mike never complained. He would ask what he could cook for dinner. Also, I look at his success in his own business and I am inspired that an entrepreneur can be very successful Mike is a loving, supportive and faithful husband.

Website: https://northerncoloradocommunity.com/

Instagram: NorthernColoradoCommunity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbaron1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernColoradoCommunity?mibextid=LQQJ4d