It was like an old episode of Cheers: I walked in and saw familiar faces, but instead of everyone yelling "Norm!", it was "Jeff!" In that moment, any fears, concerns, or nervousness that may have been brewing inside me completely dissipated. I knew I made the right choice to be present at SPARC, not only as a personal relaunch but also as a new business venture with Co-oppetition Consulting.
Why I went back
For context, I've attended this conference since 2016 as a business partner on behalf of another business provider. However, over those 10-plus years, I learned quickly that this conference was about so much more than the new leads we brought back and converted into new opportunities and clients. It was about the relationship-building that started on day one. This new community wanted to learn more not only about what business you were promoting or selling, but also about you, the person having the conversation.
This led to long-standing connections and collaborations. These were two undeniable components of this environment that I couldn't ignore, especially when deciding whether to attend SPARC this year and whether it would deliver real value at this stage of my career and new business launch.
Value isn't just in dollars and cents. When I considered the value of attending SPARC this year, I had no doubt it was worth it. I knew showing up might not make my new business jump off the ground, but I was okay with that. What I did know, however, was that this environment would give me clear, concise feedback and help me identify what would challenge me and push me to explore which avenues were worth pursuing, and which spaces weren't worth venturing into. The benefit was knowing, at a minimum, that I'd leave with immensely valuable takeaways.
What I took home
Almost immediately, as I headed back to the airport in my Waymo with no one to talk to, a few things came to mind. The experience I just had at SPARC gave me more than I walked in expecting. I left with fresh additions to an already growing list of goals, and the clarity that comes from being in a room that pushes you to think bigger. Just as valuable were the connections, not only with attendees but with other business partners, the kind of relationships that carry real potential for new opportunities and growth. That's the part you can't quantify in dollars and cents, and it's exactly why being present mattered. I also left knowing there was a group of great professionals and great human beings where trust and relationships had been built over time, and the best part was that I was not only part of that group but also a contributor to this space too.
Takeaways and what comes next
When I step back and pull it all together, the takeaway is simple: keep pushing and keep grinding. When a curveball comes, I've learned not to swing too early, but to sit back on it and crush it over the fence. Everything comes in its own time, and some things just can't be rushed. What I keep coming back to is the power of a solid foundation. The exterior and periphery items may evolve and change, but when you've built from a strong core, you always have the ability to come back to your roots. That's exactly what I'm working to instill in Co-oppetition Consulting, and it's overtly apparent in how SPARC has grown from its foundational core into what it is today.
Next comes work, and the constant: you only get out what you put in. While I was excited about the concept of Co-oppetition Consulting from the start, SPARC has taken that fire and turned it into an inferno.
To the team at SPARC, thank you once again for creating an environment that many organizations can only dream about establishing, and for nurturing its continued growth. I'm excited about what comes next and the connections and collaborations ahead. We all bring something valuable to the table, and with the right tools, solutions, and partners, we can thrive together. This is the core idea behind Co-oppetition Consulting: rather than viewing others solely as competitors, we can work alongside them and collaborate to create a better experience for the end user.
I invite you to explore Co-oppetition Consulting or reach out directly with any questions or to chat.
It's time to stop competing and start collaborating.
Jeff Bowman · Founder, Co-oppetition Consulting
Stop competing, start collaborating.