Hidden Gems: Meet Kristina Corcoran of Denver Free Fun and Tribe Networking

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Corcoran.

Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Denver Free Fun started during a time of great hardship. I had been in the financial industry for several years, and while I was good at it, it was not my passion. I spoke with someone who had previously worked for me, and he had gone into mortgages. I talked to him and his business partner, and they told me that they could refinance my home despite the development being in litigation with the builder. The closing date kept changing, though, and when I reached out to the partner, he informed me that my former employee had stolen from several people, including myself.

He told me that he was getting out of mortgages and going into fix and flips and asked me to come to work for him since I was familiar with the financial industry. I soon had five homes under contract that would have netted a profit, but I continued to not be paid. Then, earnest money checks began to bounce. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation showed up at my door asking about my boss and the former employee. They informed me that they were both crooks and had stolen from many people, and I was just one of their many victims. This ordeal culminated in an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, revealing fraudulent activities by my employer and the ex-employee, identifying me as one among their numerous victims.

Following a period of introspection spurred by my teenagers’ encouragement, I launched Denver Free Fun. The platform aimed to curate affordable recreational activities for families, fostering community engagement. Within a month, our membership surpassed 2,000, underscoring a significant demand for accessible family-oriented entertainment. To sustain this initiative, I ventured into monetization strategies, leveraging advertising across social media, websites, email campaigns, and blogs. Through extensive networking, Denver Free Fun’s membership burgeoned to nearly 100,000, garnering over 4 million annual hits. Concurrently, I established a collaborative partnership with a business networking group, bridging the advertising gap within our network.

Subsequently, an opportunity arose to expand our networking capabilities further. An initial acquisition attempt of an existing networking group fell through due to transparency issues. However, this setback catalyzed the inception of Tribe Networking. Crafted within hours of the failed deal, Tribe Networking complemented Denver Free Fun, which had expanded to encompass Colorado Springs Free Fun and Northern Colorado Free Fun, fortifying our community engagement and outreach.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While I had been self-employed for an extended period, I embarked on the journey of Denver Free Fun without prior experience as a business owner, leading to a steep learning curve and numerous challenges. One poignant memory was during the initial Christmas season when I spearheaded a charity drive for teenagers, accumulating thousands in gifts for others while facing financial constraints that prevented me from purchasing gifts for my own children.

Monetizing a free platform presented its own set of challenges, particularly as many business owners were initially reluctant or failed to grasp that offering complimentary services was not a prerequisite for community support. As the business began to gain momentum, the unforeseen impact of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced further hurdles. A significant portion of my advertisers withdrew their support amidst the prevailing uncertainty, particularly impacting small businesses.

To navigate these challenges and sustain the business, I intensified my focus on business networking. This strategic approach not only enabled me to persevere but also facilitated the recruitment of a business partner, leading to the establishment of Tribe Networking. Reflecting on this experience, I recognize the invaluable role of having a supportive “tribe” in business. Had I realized this sooner, I believe I could have mitigated many initial challenges by leveraging the expertise and guidance of seasoned business leaders, fostering accelerated growth and resilience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Find Free Fun, encompassing Denver Free Fun, Colorado Springs Free Fun, and Northern Colorado Free Fun, serves as a beacon for families seeking enriching experiences without the burden of hefty price tags.

In today’s fast-paced world, where leisure activities often come with steep costs, our platforms offer a refreshing alternative, providing a curated selection of free and affordable events tailored to cater to diverse interests and age groups. Whether it’s exploring local parks, attending community festivals, or engaging in educational workshops, Find Free Fun ensures that families have access to a plethora of options to create lasting memories without stretching their budgets.

Through comprehensive listings and user-friendly interfaces, our platforms empower families to explore a wide range of events conveniently and efficiently. Denver Free Fun, with its vibrant urban landscape, showcases an array of cultural events, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions within the Mile High City and its surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs Free Fun offers a gateway to the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the Pikes Peak region, featuring outdoor excursions, artistic endeavors, and community celebrations. Similarly, Northern Colorado Free Fun invites families to discover the charm and vitality of Northern Colorado with its diverse array of recreational activities, cultural events, and family-centric offerings.

By fostering community engagement and facilitating connections, Find Free Fun endeavors to enrich the lives of families while promoting local businesses and organizations. Through partnerships and collaborations, we strive to expand our reach and enhance the breadth and depth of experiences available to our users. In an era where quality family time often competes with the demands of modern life, Find Free Fun remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable, and affordable opportunities for families to bond, explore, and create cherished memories together.

Meanwhile, Tribe Networking stands out as a dynamic and comprehensive networking community, setting itself apart by offering an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for its members. With over 40 meetings held every month, members have ample chances to connect, collaborate, and cultivate valuable relationships within their professional circles. These meetings serve as vibrant hubs for idea exchange, knowledge sharing, and forging meaningful connections, fostering an environment ripe for personal and business growth.

Beyond the regular meetings, Tribe Networking goes the extra mile by organizing after-hours events, business development classes, and social gatherings exclusively for its members. This multifaceted approach ensures members have access to diverse networking opportunities tailored to their preferences and schedules. Whether honing entrepreneurial skills, unwinding in a casual setting, or delving into industry-specific topics, there’s something for everyone within the Tribe community.

What truly sets Tribe Networking apart is its forward-thinking approach to member engagement and expansion. The organization is constantly evolving, with exciting upcoming ventures on the horizon. From Tribe meetings expanding to other states to forging strategic partnerships with coworking spaces, members can look forward to broadening their networks beyond geographical boundaries. Additionally, opportunities like podcast features, vendor fairs, event sponsorships, and participation in a business symposium offer members invaluable exposure and avenues for showcasing their expertise and services.

Furthermore, Tribe Networking stays ahead by embracing cutting-edge technologies and business trends. With a focus on AI business applications, members gain insights into the latest innovations shaping their industries, empowering them to stay competitive and adapt to evolving market landscapes. By continually diversifying its offerings and staying attuned to the needs of its members, Tribe Networking remains a trailblazer in professional networking communities, propelling its members toward success in their endeavors.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My commitment to building communities centered around people and small businesses showcases a remarkable blend of vision, tenacity, and consistency. At the core of my approach lies a clear vision driven by a genuine desire to foster meaningful connections and support the growth of individuals and enterprises. This vision serves as a guiding beacon, shaping every facet of the communities I create, from my mission statements to my day-to-day operations.

My unwavering tenacity is evident in the relentless pursuit of my goals, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Building thriving communities requires resilience and perseverance, qualities I embody wholeheartedly. Whether overcoming logistical hurdles, navigating market fluctuations, or rallying support from my community, my determination to see my vision through to fruition is unwavering. This steadfast resolve inspires confidence and trust among community members, cementing my role as a trusted leader and catalyst for positive change.

Consistency is the cornerstone of my success, providing the stability and reliability necessary for sustainable community building. By consistently delivering on my promises, maintaining open lines of communication, and upholding the values that define my communities, I cultivate an environment of trust and reliability. This consistency fosters a sense of belonging among members and fosters long-term engagement and loyalty. As a result, my communities not only endure but flourish, serving as vibrant hubs of collaboration, support, and opportunity for people and small businesses alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.findfreefun.com and www.tribenetworking.com
• Instagram: @denverfreefun @tribenetworkingdenver
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/denverfreefun https://www.facebook.com/groups/623828871936323