What happens when friends get together to talk business?

Running a business solo is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly isolating. I wear many hats, make all the decisions, and often find myself looking for a sounding board, people to bounce ideas off, offer fresh perspectives o steer me in the right direction.

I had a growing list of ideas swirling around in my head and confusion as to what to prioritise, I then realised I didn’t need to figure it all out alone.

So, I turned to my friends.

I asked a handful of trusted friends, people who not only understand me, but also have their own experience of running or working within small businesses. People who know what it’s like to juggle creative energy, practical planning, and the everyday realities of being self-employed. I invited them over for an informal evening of ideas, input and of course, pizza & homemade cake.

And just like that, the first ever Pizza & Plans Meeting was born.

The aim was to create a relaxed but purposeful space, where we could enjoy good food while talking through business questions and creative challenges. I prepared my agenda ahead of time, to try to stay on track and keep the evening flowing naturally. Topics included:

• Which product fragrances people genuinely gravitated towards
• What kinds of posts and updates they would enjoy reading on social media
• How I can better communicate my values and services to clients
• Where I might grow or simplify my offerings moving forward

The input I received was generous, honest, and incredibly valuable. It reminded me just how helpful it is to hear from people outside of my own headspace and how energising, and sometimes scary, it can be to speak ideas aloud rather than just thinking them.

Naturally, we didn’t get through everything (the carrot cake was a distraction in the best way), but by the end of the evening, my notebook was full of ideas, comments, and action steps. I felt more focused, and was reminded of just how lucky I am to have a circle of supportive, intelligent friends who are willing to share their time and thoughts with me.

The result?
A deeper sense of motivation, a clearer path forward, and a “could-do” list that’s somehow both longer yet more manageable than before. Not to mention the simple joy of spending an evening with good people, good food, and good conversation.

Collaboration doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes, all you need is a few willing minds, a shared table, and a few slices of pizza.

The next date is already in the diary and I can’t wait.