Phone.com CEO Ari Rabban Brings Entrepreneurial Spirit to StartupCamp

By Amanda Ciccatelli, TMCnet Web Editor

Some say that successful entrepreneurs are born, not made. Others disagree, saying entrepreneurship is a talent that can be learned. The truth of the matter probably lies somewhere between the two. The desire to create and grow a business, no matter the size, requires a combination of character, talent, vision, energy and timing.

One innovative entrepreneur that got the balance just right, CEO Ari Raban, created a successful 21st century phone company, Phone (News - Alert).com. The company is focused on the unique needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing cost-effective access to the communication services needed to run a global business.

When starting his business, Raban observed that the hosted PBX (News - Alert) market is a crowded one, but most of the focus and attention is geared at services that cater to SMBs with at least 20 or more employees in an office.

“We felt that the truly small business - over 25 million businesses in the U.S. that are under 10 or even five employees - don’t have a good business phone solution. Most cannot afford a hosted PBX solution and would use mobile phones or simple VoIP or PSTN land lines,” he told TMCnet in an exclusive interview.

However, VoIP technology and the advantages of the cloud offer so much more that a small business can benefit from, and that is where Phone.com (News - Alert) comes into play.

Today, many entrepreneurs have to overcome challenging days and make difficult decisions when growing their business from the ground up. At Phone.com, Rabban had to let go of good employees during tough financial times. “No decision is harder than one that has human implications,” he commented.

Entrepreneurs sometimes make big mistakes when it comes to running their businesses. According to Rabban, entrepreneurs in the hi-tech space tend to think that the only way to develop a successful business is to raise money from investors.

“In many cases this is indeed necessary, but many times there are ways to develop a business even if that grand venture capital firm is not available,” he added.

Rabban will leave current entrepreneurs in the communications and technology industry with a bit of advice. He urged, “Not all solutions are created equal, make sure you understand what you are signing up for, and you can get a lot for your money.”

For those who are considering becoming an entrepreneur, Raban believes there are three critical qualities needed for succeeding as an entrepreneur. “1) Choose good partners; 2) Don’t be afraid to share your vision (many are worried about someone stealing your idea – don’t be); 3) Don’t be afraid to say no. Focus is key.”

Over the years, Phone.com has continued to support StartupCamp by sponsoring the event designed to expose entrepreneurship in the telecom industry. StartupCamp, an entrepreneur pitch event produced by EMBRASE and colocated with ITEXPO (News - Alert), focuses on new business ideas in the communications sector.

Come be a part of the entrepreneurial spirit at StartupCamp in Miami on January 31st!

To find out more about Phone.com and CEO Ari Rabban (News - Alert), visit the company at ITEXPO Miami. Taking place Jan. 29- Feb 1, in Miami, Florida, ITEXPO is the only gathering where the community of communications and technology buyers, sellers, resellers, and manufacturers meet to forge relationships and close deals. Rabban is speaking during “ Customer Engagement and Loyalty: How Personalization Impacts a Call to Action” and “Mobile Virtual Agents/Assistants: Creating a Consistent Customer Experience.” For more information on ITEXPO, click here.

Edited by Brooke Neuman