Cloud Cost Management

La domenica ormai è appuntamento fisso per il nostro gruppo al Just me (ex Just Cavalli). Ci incontriamo alle 20:00 per socializzare al nostro tavolo riservato e gustare un ottimo buffet con la prima consumazione inclusa al costo di soli 10€. Alle 22:30 faremo un brindisi di prosecco offerto dagli organizzatori e chi vuole può rimanere a ballare. Serata dedicata a un pubblico di tutte le età, divertimento assicurato! È gradita conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

Community for all climbing enthusiasts. Whether you're an expert, a beginner, or just want to try something new, you're welcome! 🧗🏻 We meet on Tuesday at 6:00 PM at Manga Climbing Alternatively, you can organize it yourself on the day you prefer. 👇 Via Privata Giovanni Livraghi 25, Milano https://maps.app.goo.gl/XjJjXMfUZ5cNRsQx6?g_st=ic Group Link https://chat.whatsapp.com/J8QIZ4TD3Yi0xBCu4qQmkb?mode=gi_t

**Dom 10 Mag 2026** **TREK IN VALSASSINA. RIFUGIO BUZZONI da Introbio 1590 m (LC)** \- Lunghezza: 15 km \- Dislivello: 1000 m \- Difficoltà: Medio alta \(tanto dislivello\) \- Pranzo al sacco o al rifugio\. Il trek è in prov. di Lecco a 68 km da Milano. Iscrizione [https://t.me/TrekMI/82369](https://t.me/TrekMI/82369) Youtube https://youtu.be/MhMc-Wfo898 **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

**Vi invito a un pomeriggio di relax per provare uno dei tanti giochi della nostra collezione**

La domenica ormai è appuntamento fisso per il nostro gruppo al Just me (ex Just Cavalli). Ci incontriamo alle 20:00 per socializzare al nostro tavolo riservato e gustare un ottimo buffet con la prima consumazione inclusa al costo di soli 10€. Alle 22:30 faremo un brindisi di prosecco offerto dagli organizzatori e chi vuole può rimanere a ballare. Serata dedicata a un pubblico di tutte le età, divertimento assicurato! È gradita conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

La domenica ormai è appuntamento fisso per il nostro gruppo sia d'estate che in inverno al Just me (ex Just cavalli) Ci incontriamo alle 20:00 per socializzare al nostro tavolo riservato e gustare un ottimo buffet con la prima consumazione inclusa al costo di soli 10€. target età media 30/55 ma aperto a tutti Alle 22:30 faremo un brindisi offerto dagli organizzatori 🍾🎉💥 e chi vuole può rimanere a ballare. È gradita conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

The Soap Making Workshop is ready for launch!!!! :D Explore cold process soap making and take home your own handcrafted soap! Come and learn the technique of **Cold Process Soap Making**! This traditional soap making method transforms simple ingredients into beautiful, handcrafted soap. **This 2-hour workshop includes:** * Tuition from a bilingual qualified teacher and experienced cold process soap maker * A range of colours, fragrances, and additives to design your own soap * Your own handcrafted soap bar to take home * A copy of the course teaching materials and resources * Unlimited tisane, caffè, and biscuits 🍪 Take time out of your busy schedule to relax, unwind, and create something truly unique! :D **Limited Places!!** Adele 🌺 Scopri la saponificazione a freddo e porta a casa il tuo sapone! Vieni a imparare la tecnica della **Saponificazione a Metodo Freddo**! Questo metodo tradizionale trasforma ingredienti semplici in splendidi saponi artigianali. **Il workshop di 2 ore include:** * Insegnamento da parte di un’insegnante qualificata, bilingue e con esperienza nella saponificazione a freddo * Una selezione di colori, fragranze e ingredienti per creare il tuo sapone * Il tuo sapone artigianale da portare a casa * Materiale didattico e risorse del corso * Tisane, caffè e biscotti illimitati 🍪 Prenditi del tempo lontano dalla tua routine frenetica per rilassarti, staccare e creare qualcosa di davvero unico! :D **Posti limitati!** Adele 🌺

**Il Viaggio Interiore** è un'avventura unica dedicata all'esplorazione profonda di se stessi attraverso la meditazione, guidata da **Carlo Lesma**. Questa giornata è stata progettata per offrire un’esperienza immersiva che permette di staccare dalla routine, liberare la mente dai blocchi emotivi e ritrovare **chiarezza, serenità ed energia vitale**. ### **Dove e Quando** L'evento si svolgerà a **Milano** nella giornata di **domenica 10 maggio 2026**. * **Sede:** Best Western Falck Village Hotel, situato in Viale Italia, 598, a Sesto San Giovanni (MI). * **Orari:** La giornata è divisa in due momenti: la mattina dalle **9:30 alle 13:00** e il pomeriggio dalle **14:30 alle 17:30**. ### **Le Strategie e i Contenuti** Durante l'incontro, imparerai a utilizzare la meditazione come una vera e propria scienza per migliorare ogni aspetto della tua vita attraverso diverse **strategie evolutive**: * **Sei cicli di meditazioni guidate:** Utilizzo di specifiche frequenze sonore per favorire il cambiamento interiore e calmare la mente sin dalle prime sessioni. * **Tecniche di intuizione:** Metodi per risvegliare e riconoscere la capacità intuitiva, imparando ad applicarla nelle decisioni quotidiane. * **Integrazione pratica:** Strategie per inserire la meditazione nella **routine quotidiana, nel lavoro e nello sport** per migliorare la produttività e gestire lo stress. * **Creazione di meditazioni su misura:** Segreti per progettare una pratica personalizzata in linea con i propri obiettivi e stile di vita. * **Distinzione tra tecniche:** Approfondimento delle differenze tra meditazione, visualizzazione e rilassamento profondo per sapere quando e come utilizzarle al meglio. * **Superamento dei condizionamenti:** Strumenti pratici per riconoscere e lasciare andare i limiti mentali derivanti dal passato. Al termine della giornata, i partecipanti riceveranno un **attestato di partecipazione** come Corso Base di Meditazione. Per comprendere meglio, immagina che la tua mente sia come un computer sovraccarico di schede aperte e file obsoleti; le strategie apprese in questa giornata agiscono come un aggiornamento del sistema operativo, chiudendo i processi inutili e permettendo al software della tua vita di scorrere con molta più fluidità e velocità. Investimento per l'intera giornata è di euro 100,00

BOOK OF THE MONTH: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters MEETING LOCATION: Pancicchetto (Via Solferino, 43), must buy a drink (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) WHEN: May 10th, 19:00-20:30 WHAT TO BRING: conversation!!, and your copy of the book SUGGESTED READING THEMES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS: * PLEASE feel free to bring your own discussion topics! * What does the story tell us about the importance of family? * Did you like the two different locations for the storytelling process? * To what extent is race important in the novel?

Domenica 10 maggio alle ore 17.00, la **rassegna gratuita** “Concerti in cortile” prosegue con Zariel e il concerto “Le strade di polvere”, in programma presso Slow Mill, in Via Volturno 32 a Milano. **IL GRUPPO** Nato nel 2017, Zariel “Le strade di polvere” è un progetto musicale concepito come uno spazio di incontro tra musicisti, linguaggi e tradizioni sonore differenti. Il lavoro prende avvio dal Mediterraneo e si sviluppa come un viaggio attraverso repertori, culture e memorie che dialogano tra loro, offrendo una reinterpretazione personale del folklore di diverse aree geografiche. Il progetto attraversa storie di popoli che hanno abitato, attraversato e trasformato il Mediterraneo, dalle culture sefardite a quelle balcaniche e mediorientali, mettendo al centro la ricchezza della mescolanza come fonte di creatività e crescita umana. Un elemento centrale del concerto è la voce femminile, filo rosso che unisce i brani e richiama la funzione della trasmissione orale, della memoria e della resistenza culturale. Con un organico composto da voce, chitarra, contrabbasso e batteria, “Le strade di polvere” costruisce un percorso musicale e narrativo che intreccia melodie antiche e sensibilità contemporanee, con influenze che spaziano dal jazz al rock fino alla world music. La presenza di Zariel all’interno della rassegna interpreta pienamente lo spirito di “Concerti in cortile”: promuovere iniziative che uniscono le persone, valorizzano gli spazi condivisi del quartiere e creano occasioni di ascolto, incontro e partecipazione attraverso la cultura. L’iniziativa si inserisce all’interno del progetto Oltre la scuola, realizzato da DeP e finanziato da MMCasa. Slow Mill è gestito dall’Associazione Dora e Pajtimit APS. Il tesseramento annuale all’Associazione (€5, drink incluso) è obbligatorio per i maggiorenni. Per tesserarsi qui: **[bit.ly/sociodep](http://bit.ly/sociodep)** **Slow Mill è gestito dall’Associazione “Dora e Pajtimit” Aps. Il tesseramento all’Associazione, del costo di 5€ solo per i maggiorenni (con un drink incluso), è obbligatorio e ha la durata di 1 anno. Per il pre-tesseramento: [bit.ly/sociodep](http://bit.ly/sociodep)**

#### Next step: schedule your first event. Scheduling an event will encourage more people to join your group. Schedule Change photo  # [Gruppo di biliardo pool/carambola amatoriale e mini-tornei](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/) [Milano, MI, Italy](https://www.meetup.com/find/it--mi--milano/) [1 members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/) · Public group Share Manage groupSchedule event [About](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Events](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/events/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Photos](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/photos/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Discussions](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/discussions/?eventOrigin=your_groups) More ## What we’re about Buongiorno a tutti. Sono proprietario di un bar e dispongo di un tavolo da biliardo semi-professionale. Sto creando un gruppo WhatsApp di giocatori amatoriali di biliardo americano pool/carambola, per la maggior parte debuttanti. Cerco persone disposte a unirsi al gruppo per giocare e divertirsi nel tempo libero, il pomeriggio oppure la sera in ogni giorno. Per stimolare l'impegno di ogni giocatore, abbiamo pattuito che il vincitore di ogni "mini-torneo" organizzato nei vari giorni giochi gratis e non paghi la tariffa di tempo per il periodo di gioco (un'ora di gioco costa 10€, ma viene di volta in volta frazionata in base al periodo di gioco effettivo). Il locale si trova in zona nord di Milano, stazione Greco-Pirelli, università Bicocca. Chiunque dovesse essere davvero interessato a partecipare e unirsi al mio gruppo, non esiti a contattarmi. Cerco persone serie e disposte solamente a divertirsi, senza puntare mazzette grazie mille. Antonio

This rainy **Sunday in Milan** sets the tone for a **slow and fluid** practice, followed by an optional group **brunch/coffee** at Felicetta Cafè & Bistrot. We start the day with **slow and steady movement** to help you **release tension** and **reset your nervous system**. It is all about **reducing effort**, not adding more, letting the breath guide the pace and allowing the body to open gradually. After class stick around for brunch or a coffee to connect and get to know everyone. **Details↓** **Date:** May 10, 2026 **Time:** 10:30 AM **Location:** Studio Yoga - Via Francesco Melzi d'Eril, 12, Milan. **Pricing:** 15€ - *yoga class only,* *brunch is optional and not included in the price* **\- your spot is confirmed after payment\.** **\- details will be shared after RSVP** *(please check your messages).* **Duration:** 60 minutes (social time after) **Level:** Accessible for all levels, beginner-friendly **Language:** English **What to bring:** \- your mat *(if you prefer to not use the ones in the studio)* \- water and comfortable clothes **Cancellation Policy** **More than 24 hours before:** You can cancel directly on Meetup. **Up to 1 hour before class:** Please message me on WhatsApp. Your credit will be kept and can be used for another class. **Less than 1 hour before / no-show / no notice:** The class will be counted and no refund will be issued. **If the class is cancelled by me or due to weather:** You’ll be notified personally and your credit will be kept for a future class. **Before you join:** \- If you have any injuries or health concerns\, please check with a doctor before joining\. \- This class is not suitable to practice during pregnancy\. \- By joining\, you take responsibility for your own safety\. \*\*Please be mindful and listen to your body, pausing, resting and adjusting any time you need.\* See you on the mat. ✨ Jessi.

Join us for a unique rooftop yoga experience in Milan combining a dynamic Vinyasa flow with a live DJ set. We’ll move through a fluid, energizing sequence guided by the rhythm of the music, surrounded by a beautiful terrace view over the city. This class is designed to help you move, breathe, and fully disconnect, while enjoying a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. ✨ All levels welcome — options will be offered throughout the practice. Practical info: 🕚 Sunday May 3rd, Time: 17:00 AM 📍 Location: Private terrace (details shared after registration) 💰 Price: 15€ per person, save your spot with anticipated payment 🧘‍♀️ Bring your own mat 🧺 7 mats available for rent (on request for 1€)

THE NIGHT IS BACK — and this time, it’s on another level. 🌍🎶✨ Our Latin-flavored language aperitivo returns, bringing together energy, culture, and connection like never before. 🍽️ Start with a rich buffet dinner 🗣️ Dive into Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese & Hindi with an international crowd 💃 Then surrender to the rhythm: salsa, bachata & nonstop Latin vibes 🔥 🍹 2 cocktails included — because tonight, we go all in 👉 At the entrance, say: “Tavolo Tara” 📍 55 Milano – Via Piero della Francesca, 55 – 20154 Milan 📲 Info: Tara +39 375 651 3712 ✉️ info@missionlanguages.com ✨ One night. Five languages. Endless connections. Feel it. Speak it. Dance it. ⚡ Spots are limited — if you missed the first one, this is your moment.

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEWER LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Speaker: CWMD Consortium - Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) – attract a wider range of contractors, including small businesses and research institutes that may be hesitant to engage with Federal Government under traditional Contracting methods. Learn and ask questions. Co-Sponsor: Insperity "HR that Maks a Difference" Please message me as we have 1 co-sponsorship still available. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. If you would like your company logo to appear on the digital board, please message the logo to me. Feel free to pass along to another colleague or GovCon Executive in your network.

**Agenda :** * 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking * 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our May 12th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.** **Title:** Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio **Description:** What if your AI agents truly understood how your business works, had instant access to trusted enterprise data, and could take meaningful action from end to end? In this session, we’ll cover how to build enterprise-ready AI agents that understand business context, use trusted data, and take real action. In this fast-paced session, we’ll bring Work IQ, Foundry IQ, and Fabric IQ together with Copilot Studio through best practices and live demos. Key Takeaways: \*Work IQ: Ground agents in real work, roles, and business processes \*Foundry IQ: Design and orchestrate intelligent agent behavior \*Fabric IQ: Power agents with secure, enterprise-grade data \*Copilot Studio: Bring it all together into an end-to-end intelligent agent **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

Hey all! My name is Sarah, I'm a romance girlie in my twenties, and welcome to the Mostly Romance Book Club! I am a big mood reader so assigned books at book clubs don't really do it for me. I wanted to create a space where anyone can come with whatever book they want, meet new friends, and chat about what they've been reading. When: First and third Thursday of every month. 7-8:30 pm. Schedule: First 30 minutes: Introductions and chat about all things books Next 45 minutes: Silently read your personal physical book, ebook, or audiobook (yes audiobooks count :)) Last 15 minutes: Chat some more and wrap up the meeting Check the home page for zoom links. Up to 100 attendees so still join the zoom even if you can't sign up for the event.

If **CMMC** is on your radar (or keeping you up at night), this is the conversation you don’t want to miss! Join us on **Tuesday, May 12, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1YxovFyF9RzKCcq9EjAN8-wdwxz1 Join us for an “**Ask the CMMC Experts**” session with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg of Koniag Cyber.** These two seasoned leaders have been deep in the trenches of cybersecurity, compliance, and national security! **Brian** brings 20+ years of experience leading cybersecurity services across **highly regulated industries** and a unique perspective as a former **U.S. Secret Service Technical Security Division** professional who has helped secure some of the nation’s most sensitive environments. **Carter** pairs 30+ years spanning cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber law with hands-on CMMC leadership as a **Lead Certified Asessor**. He’s conducted 35+ independent CMMC assessments, supported 30+ Authorizations to Operate for **DHS and DoD**, and helped shape national conversations through work with **NIST, MITRE, and federal agencies.** Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity on **May 12**, for this candid, practical conversation with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg**, designed to help you move forward with confidence! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:15 Ask the CMMC Expert - **Brian Gallagher & Carter Schoenberg** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn

🗒️ **Details** Grafana 13 just dropped at GrafanaCON 2026 and we're not wasting any time. Join us at [Clare & Don's Beach Shack](https://clareanddons.com/) in Falls Church, VA for a free hands-on meetup where we dig into what's actually new, what it means for your stack, and where observability is heading. If you work in DevOps, SRE, or platform engineering in the DMV, this is your people. Whether you've been running Grafana for years or you're just getting started, you'll leave with something useful. *** 📋 **Agenda** 🎉 **5:30 — Food & Introductions** Come hungry. We're at Clare & Don's, so you already know the vibes are good. Grab a bite, meet the people around you, and get settled in before the talks kick off. 🎙️ **6:00 – 6:30 — Tech Talk: Grafana 13 & AI in Observability** Grafana Assistant is now built into the platform and it changes a lot. We're breaking down what's new in Grafana 13, how AI is reshaping the way teams monitor and troubleshoot, and what this looks like in practice. Expect real talk from Grafana Labs engineers, not a sales pitch. **Speakers:** Rob Santos, Senior Solutions Engineer @ Grafana Labs Vishal Nakra, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering @ Grafana Labs 💬 **6:30 — Networking & Open Q&A** Bring your questions, your war stories, and your opinions. This is the part where the good conversations happen. 🎁 **Don't forget** — we're doing a Grafana swag raffle on the way out. 🔚 **7:30 — Wrap Up** *** **Spots are free but limited — grab yours before they're gone.** We look forward to seeing you there! Speaker info and talk abstracts: Rob Santos, Senior Solutions Engineer @ Grafana Labs

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring Aida Davalos, Founder of Argon Accounting** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **Aida Davalos**, founder of **Argon Accounting**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a thoughtful conversation around financial clarity, intentional growth, and building a relationship-driven business. *** ## **About the Presenter** Aida is a **first-generation college graduate with a master’s degree** and an entrepreneur at heart, inspired by her family’s business roots in Ecuador. With a strong background in **corporate accounting, financial operations, tax strategy, and advisory**, her career has been focused on helping businesses make smarter financial decisions and build sustainable foundations for growth. Over the past seven years, Aida has been growing her own **boutique accounting and tax practice organically**, built on trust, relationships, and practical, real-world financial guidance. She is also actively involved with **George Mason University**, mentoring students and supporting the next generation of professionals. *** ## **About the Business** Argon Accounting provides **accounting, bookkeeping, financial advisory, and tax services** designed to help small business owners and individuals feel confident and informed about their finances. Aida’s approach focuses on making financial information **clear, approachable, and actionable**, so clients can understand what their numbers are telling them — and use that insight to make better decisions for long-term growth. *** ## **Who Aida Is Looking to Hear From** Aida would especially value feedback from: * Small business owners and founders * Service-based business operators * Marketing and brand strategy professionals * Entrepreneurs who have grown beyond referral-based business * Individuals passionate about supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs and professionals *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** Aida is in the **early stages of intentional growth**, focused on building a sustainable and well-positioned business. Her biggest challenge is **gaining visibility and attracting a consistent client base**, and she is seeking feedback around: * Clearly communicating her value to small business owners * Marketing her services effectively without relying on paid advertising * Building trust and credibility as a growing business * Expanding beyond word-of-mouth while maintaining strong relationships *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service-based business with intention * Provide valuable feedback on marketing, positioning, and growth strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs focused on sustainable, relationship-driven growth * Be part of a meaningful, solutions-focused conversation *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation about building financial clarity and growing a business with purpose. We look forward to seeing you there.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring James Norris, Founder of Squeegee Samurai** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **James Norris**, founder of **Squeegee Samurai**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a conversation on building a service-based business from the ground up. *** ## **About the Presenter** James Norris transitioned from a career in **cybersecurity compliance** into entrepreneurship, taking a hands-on approach to building a business from scratch. Initially exploring the acquisition of an existing company, he ultimately chose to **build his own window cleaning business** after recognizing the simplicity, consistency, and opportunity within the industry. His journey reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs moving from corporate roles into tangible, service-based businesses with clear demand and scalable potential. *** ## **About the Business** Squeegee Samurai provides **professional window cleaning services for residential and commercial clients**, delivering immediate, visible results — what James calls *“clarity through pane.”* In an industry where the fundamentals haven’t changed, Squeegee Samurai focuses on **high-quality, traditional techniques** paired with strong customer experience and operational discipline. As a solo operator, James currently manages every aspect of the business — from marketing and pricing to service delivery, quality control, and operations — while laying the groundwork for future growth. *** ## **Who James Is Looking to Hear From** James would especially value feedback from: * Business owners who have scaled service-based businesses * Operators of route-based or recurring revenue businesses * Entrepreneurs who have transitioned from corporate roles to hands-on work * Founders who have built teams from a solo operation * Anyone with experience in pricing, local marketing, or service scaling *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** James is in the **early growth stage**, focused on building a foundation for scale through recurring storefront contracts and refining his pricing model. He is seeking feedback on: * Pricing strategy in a competitive, price-sensitive market * Whether to display pricing publicly or use promotional strategies * When and how to invest in advertising (where, how much, and when) * Timing and approach to hiring and team building * Balancing market penetration with long-term profitability This is a critical stage where the right decisions can significantly impact long-term growth and scalability. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service business from the ground up * Provide feedback on pricing, marketing, and scaling strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs navigating similar growth stages * Be part of a practical, real-world business conversation *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation around building, pricing, and scaling a service-based business. We look forward to seeing you there.