When the World Feels Uncertain, Show Up Anyway

Why Denver Business Owners Should Prioritize Presence Over Perfection

I talk a lot with business owners here in Denver about how to build real, lasting relationships—relationships that go beyond the surface-level networking we’re all used to. And one thing I’ve learned is this: the times when it feels hardest to connect are often when connection matters most.

Right now, the world might feel a little like Colfax during rush hour—chaotic, unpredictable, and a bit overwhelming. Whether it’s economic uncertainty, shifting markets, or just the emotional rollercoaster of running a business in today’s climate, it’s easy to want to retreat, lay low, and focus only on what’s right in front of you.

But that instinct, while understandable, can actually keep us from the one thing that gets us through these times: community.

You Don’t Need the Answers—Just Show Up

As a Community Builder and business advisor here in the Denver Metro area, I’m often asked, “What should I say when I check in with someone?” And here’s the truth: you don’t need to show up with solutions or a master plan. You just need to show up.

Think about the moments when someone’s presence made a difference in your life. Was it because they had all the answers? Probably not. More likely, they were just there—listening, asking how you were doing, and reminding you that you weren’t in it alone.

For business owners, this is gold. Reaching out—especially when things feel uncertain—sends a powerful message: “I don’t know what comes next, but I’ve got your back.” That simple act can be the beginning of a trusted advisor relationship, a referral partnership, or even a new friendship.

Practical Ways to Reach Out (That Don’t Feel Salesy)

Here are a few simple ways to check in with your network without making it awkward or overly formal:

• Lead with curiosity: Instead of launching into your latest insights on the market, try, “How are you holding up with everything going on?”

• Offer a space to think out loud: Even just saying, “Let’s grab a coffee and talk shop—no pressure, just connection,” can be huge. (Pro tip: Support local! A spot like Jubilee Roasting Co. or Steam in LoHi makes it even better.)

• Keep it easy: A quick text like, “Thinking of you this week—hope things are going okay,” goes a long way, especially when there’s no pressure to respond.

• Be consistent: Small, regular check-ins build trust far more effectively than one-off grand gestures.

Connection Is a Long Game—But It Starts Now

You don’t have to have all the answers about interest rates, the housing market, or consumer confidence in the Denver Tech Center to be valuable to your network. You just have to be present. And in doing so, you remind people that even when things are uncertain, they don’t have to navigate it alone.

So here’s your call to action: before you move on with your day, ask yourself—who in my network might be feeling a little isolated right now? Reach out. Not with a pitch. Not with a plan. Just with presence.

Because sometimes, that’s more than enough.