Networking is a must-have for every entrepreneur serious about growth.
You’ve heard the phrase, “Your network is your net worth,” and while it might sound cliché, it’s absolutely true. The people you surround yourself with can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It allows you to pick an expert’s brain and strengthen relationships that can grow your business.
But building a truly collaborative business network takes more than exchanging a few business cards.
Having made millions through networking, here are three simple steps I’ve used to build a collaborative network that drives real results:
Step 1: Join an Affordable Coworking Space Tulsa
Working from home can be isolating, and traditional offices are often rigid and uninspiring.
On the other hand, affordable coworking spaces in Tulsa are one of the easiest places to find a network. Even if you already have an office, having a coworking membership places you in an environment filled with like-minded professionals ready to connect, share ideas, and collaborate.
I got to experience this firsthand at Catalyst Coworking (which I own).
I got into a conversation with one of our clients there who needed someone to develop her website, along with back-end support and all that. After a few casual chats, we discovered that my team had the exact expertise she needed. That initial conversation turned into a contract worth $500,000 over two years.
And it all started with a simple coffee chat in a shared space.
If you’re serious about growing your network and unlocking similar opportunities, start by joining an affordable coworking space in Tulsa. It’s an investment in your business that can pay off exponentially.
Step 2: Attend Affordable Coworking Tulsa Events and Leverage “Watercooler Moments”
Networking isn’t just about big, formal events—it’s also about those small, everyday interactions.
Coworking spaces often host events like workshops, happy hours, or networking meetups. These are prime opportunities to meet other professionals in a low-pressure environment.
But don’t overlook the magic of informal moments, either.
If your coworking place has a water cooler or a coffee shop like Catalyst Coworking does, go to them. They’re great, casual opportunities to chat and grow your network because everybody loves to talk and build relationships.
And they can be where you land your next client.
One of my most valuable business relationships started when I handed someone a cup of coffee at Catalyst Coworking’s coffee shop. That simple gesture led to several conversations where I learned more about her company and got to share how my Catalyst Business Solutions company could help her with software and marketing.
And now, she’s a $500,000 client, all from a coffee cup.
When attending coworking events or mingling casually, keep it simple.
Ask what others are working on, or share something interesting about your own projects. The key is to show genuine interest and follow up. If you’re shy, read a book like How to Win Friends and Influence People or Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion for tips on building rapport (or to share what you’ve learned). Honestly, just read halfway through them and then Sparknotes the rest of them.
The key is repetition. Say hello, smile, and remember their name for next time.
Networking is a marathon, not a sprint.
Step 3: Follow Up Consistently and Practice Intentional Networking
Intentional networking is about creating meaningful connections, not just collecting contacts.
There are two parts to this.
The first is actively going to networking events, like those at affordable coworking spaces in Tulsa. For this, you don’t need to allocate more than an hour a week.
The second is the ongoing process of building relationships by staying connected and following up.
After meeting someone, send a quick email or message to thank them for the conversation and suggest staying in touch. If you promised to share a resource or make an introduction, do it promptly.
Consistency shows you’re reliable and serious about building the relationship.
To build this habit, set aside time each week for networking. This could mean attending one coworking event, following up with three contacts, or reaching out to someone new. The more intentional you are, the faster your network—and your opportunities—will grow.
A Bigger Pie for Everyone
If you’re struggling to grow your network, it’s often due to a scarcity mindset—thinking it’s “me versus them.”
This competition mentality can stifle collaboration and cut off opportunities before they even begin. Take gym owners, for example. Many believe networking with other gym owners means losing members to the competition.
But the reality is, the market is abundant.
In my hometown of Broken Arrow, there are 100,000 people, and only 1,500 were members of my gym (1.5% of the population). Unfortunately, none of the other gyms wanted to connect with my gym for bodybuilding or powerlifting competitions because of this scarcity mentality.
However, collaboration could have expanded everyone’s reach, pooling resources for larger events and partnerships to exponentially increase revenue for all.
This same principle applies to entrepreneurs.
Networking isn’t about claiming the whole pie—it’s about building a bigger one together.
Think of it like this: Would you rather own 100% of a tiny pie or 15% of a pie so massive it doesn’t even fit on the table? At a certain point, it’s obvious—the smaller share of the enormous pie is worth ten times as much as the whole of the tiny one.
This is the power of collaboration.
Affordable coworking spaces in Tulsa provide the perfect environment to start building that bigger pie. Every handshake, coffee chat, and conversation is a chance to expand your opportunities.
Stop thinking of networking as “me versus them.” When you expand your network, you expand your opportunities. Step into a coworking space, join a conversation, and start baking a pie so big that everyone benefits.
0 Comments