About this Event
Business advice often sounds obvious once someone else has already paid for the lesson.
Business With Friends is a six session series that draws from more than two decades of running a business and turns that experience into practical conversations about the decisions that affect how a company starts, operates, markets itself, and grows. We will look at useful lessons, modern tools, and better ways to make decisions before those decisions become expensive ones.
Each one hour-ish session is designed for people who want useful information without having to become a master at everything. These ideas apply to someone considering their first business as well as an established owner or non-profit director who knows there are parts of the operation that could work better. The goal throughout the series is to provide enough context to understand why something matters, followed by practical direction that can be put to work.
SESSION 1 - September 8, 2026
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME: THE FALLACY
Being Great at the Work Is Not the Same as Building a Business That Works.
A great product or service is only part of the business. This session looks at the finances, processes, people, customer experience, and systems that help turn good work into something sustainable.
SESSION 2 - October 13, 2026
THE SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING PLAYBOOK
How to Build a Marketing Mix That Actually Works
Marketing works better when every tool has a reason for being there. We will look at how to choose the right mix of traditional and modern channels based on where your customers actually are.
SESSION 3 - November 10, 2026
START SMARTER
The Steps, Systems, and Lessons I’d Use to Build a Business Today
With more than 20 years of experience behind me, there are plenty of things I would do differently today. This session covers the foundation, tools, relationships, and early decisions I would use to start smarter and prepare for growth.
SESSION 4 - December 8, 2026
DIRECTION NOT DECORATION
What Branding Really Is and How It Works for Your Business.
A logo is important, but it is not the whole brand. This session explains how visual identity, brand voice, and brand experience work together to create something people can recognize, understand, and trust.
SESSION 5 - January 12, 2027
IS YOUR WEBSITE A GOOD EMPLOYEE?
How to Build a Site Around What Your Customers Actually Need.
A website should be planned around what visitors need to accomplish. This session breaks down content, navigation, functionality, hosting, search, and user experience so business owners know what to think about before the build begins.
SESSION 6 - February 9, 2027
UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORTH
Recognizing Market Value, Communicating It Clearly & Avoiding the Race to the Bo
Pricing needs to support the business you want to build, not only the expenses you have today. This session explores market value, operating costs, experience, and how to explain the value behind what you charge with more confidence.
LUNCH IS PART OF THE PLAN
Lunch will be crafted by Burger Theory, so learning will not be the only good thing on the menu. Each session includes one meal and your choice of a soft drink or tea.
This series is made possible with the support of OneAZ Credit Union and Holiday Inn Yuma. Their sponsorship helps bring practical business education and useful resources to people who are starting, running, and growing businesses throughout our community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Holiday Inn Yuma by IHG, 1901 East 18th Street, Yuma, United States
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