More than a Few Words

Are you curious about the power of curiosity itself? If so, this conversation with Emily Aborn, an experienced copywriter, speaker, and podcast host, will draw you in. Emily shares her insights on the art of curiosity marketing—a strategy that builds intrigue by inviting people to wonder, engage, and connect deeper. In our interview, she unveils the process of creating content that is compelling, relatable, and keeps people coming back for more.

Key Takeaways:

Curiosity Marketing Defined: Emily describes curiosity marketing as the creation of a gap between what we know and what others are curious about. She emphasizes that striking the right balance between curiosity and clarity avoids confusion and keeps audiences engaged and wanting to know more.

Knowing Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s background is essential. Emily shares that by grasping what your audience already knows, as well as their challenges, you can build content that speaks directly to their interests and keeps them intrigued.

Four Types of Curiosity: Emily outlines four curiosity styles—fascinated, empathizer, problem solver, and avoider. These styles provide insight into how individuals engage with content. By identifying your audience’s curiosity style, you can create more tailored, compelling content.

The Power of Specificity: Using vivid, specific examples creates memorable and engaging content. Specificity resonates with readers by evoking real emotions and imagery, which, as Emily explains, is often what sets human-created content apart from AI-generated content.

Leaving Loops Open: Good content doesn’t close every loop or answer every question. By inviting readers to draw their own conclusions or reflect, curiosity marketing allows individuals to connect personally with content, making them eager for the next post, episode, or story.

Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions but about fostering a genuine connection that makes people want to return for more.

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

I love running my own business, getting to do things “my way” … most of the time. But I learned that to be successful, I need to also listen to the opinions of others. Who are these “others?” They are people who compliment my weaknesses and have skills to fill my blind spots. They are the Yang to my Yin.

With roots dating back to China in 1300 BCE, Yin-yang refers to a concept where opposite forces are seen as interconnected and counterbalancing. Together the two halves make a whole, and while one is mostly dark and the other is mostly light there is a little bit of each in the other.

Yin, represents darkness, passivity, and the earth. Yang represents light, activity, and the heavens.

Whether it is your next hire or a member of your advisory board, expand your input by bringing people into your circle who brings a fresh perspective and different set of skills. Remember even someone who seems to be your complete opposite, should share some common ground with you.

For example, I tend to be more of a Yang, positive, active, and always looking ahead. I have always relied on at least one Yin, who is more grounded and practical to help me think through the potential obstacles. With a more methodical approach, sometimes my Yin makes me a little crazy but our shared interests in growing entrepreneurial enterprises gives us a common language and starting point.

Start with a little introspection and make a list of all your weaknesses. Be honest, or this won’t work. Pick one or two weaknesses you know you aren’t likely to change. For example, I am always going to be bored by the fine details of contracts, procedures, etc. I can promise, make resolutions, and try to focus on the extremely fine print, but I am not going to do it well. So the alternative is to find someone who is the opposite, who loves to dot every “i” and cross every “t”.

Once you start bringing people into your business who have different styles, perspectives, and talents be prepared to compromise. You are going to bump into the conflicting opinions. If you commit to building a complete business, you will need to face some uncomfortable conversations.

There will be tough questions to answer. The ideas you can defend are the ones worth pursuing. This works when you approach each conflict by looking for the common ground. It is there, somewhere. And finally, you will need to accept the idea you don’t always know the best answer but you can find it with the Yin to your Yang.

I had a great conversation about what it really takes to start a business and build it into something successful—even if the odds seem stacked against you. My guest Jeanne Omlor, went from being a 54-year-old single mom in debt to a multi-seven-figure online business owner—all without spending a dime on ads! Key Takeaways:

Take the First Step: Instead of getting overwhelmed by a to-do list, focus on the one thing you can do today to start moving forward. Jeanne calls it "getting your foot in the door."

Focus on Revenue-Generating Actions: Before worrying about websites or business cards, prioritize actions that lead directly to a sale—like talking to people and making offers.

Start Without Ads or Fancy Tech: Jeanne proves you can scale a business without expensive ads or complicated tech. Use free tools like social media to connect with your audience. The Power of Imperfection: Don't wait for things to be perfect. Start selling your product or service now, and perfect it as you go.

Embrace Fear as Motivation: A little bit of fear is a good thing—it keeps you motivated and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Just don’t let it paralyze you! Jeanne’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can succeed with the right mindset and strategy.

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

Let’s face it, people buy from people, and those connections don’t just happen by magic. When it comes down to closing, people buy from people.  So before you can make a sale, you almost always need a relationship.  In B2B sales one of the best places to build that relationship is on LinkedIn.   Relationship pro, Janice has some seriously smart (and surprisingly simple) strategies to share that will take your networking game to the next level.

She believes LinkedIn is underutilized by many sales professionals, who miss the opportunity to make quality connections by interacting authentically on the platform.  Here's how

LinkedIn Is More Than Just a Profile: Janice emphasizes that having a LinkedIn profile isn't enough. To truly leverage the platform, you need to actively engage with your connections, build relationships, and reconnect with past contacts. It's a form of "networking on steroids."

Personalized Outreach Matters: Instead of generic messages, Janice suggests sending personalized, warm messages, especially to existing connections. A simple "How are you doing?" can reignite conversations and open doors to new opportunities.

Breakthrough Messaging with Video: Stand out in a crowded inbox by sending video messages through LinkedIn’s mobile app. It grabs attention and fosters a more personal connection.

Tailor Your Approach to LinkedIn’s Algorithm: Posting from LinkedIn’s mobile app can reach a different audience than the desktop version. Mixing up how you engage on the platform can boost your visibility.

Nurturing Relationships with Value: Building rapport isn’t enough—you need to offer something valuable. Whether it’s a helpful article or a resource, make sure you’ve earned the right to share it by first establishing a genuine connection.

Janice's approach to LinkedIn is all about being strategic, genuine, and thoughtful—proving that relationships are the foundation of business success.

Janice is a returning guest to MTFW.  You can listen to our first conversation 

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

I've been podcasting for 15 years. And in the early days of the show, I experimented with a lot of different formats.. But I have to admit over the last few years, I've kind of fallen into a rut. And when I look at my listener data, it shows.

So it's time to shake it up a little bit with  feedback from you. What would you like to hear? What would get you excited about another episode of more than a few words in your feed?

DM me on any social platform, drop me a note at [email protected] or take a minute to complete this  survey https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

 Many small business owners might think that outdoor ads are only for big brands or political campaigns with massive budgets, but Charlie breaks down how businesses of all sizes can benefit from this often-overlooked channel.

We talked about the creative flexibility of outdoor advertising—it’s not just billboards! From wrapping cars to printing ads on pizza boxes, the opportunities to grab attention in unique ways are endless. And here’s the best part—outdoor advertising is measurable. Gone are the days when you'd throw an ad out into the world and hope for the best. With today’s tools, you can track impact, using methods like mobile IDs and even pixel tracking on websites.

We also dove into the importance of simplicity in outdoor ad creative—sometimes less is more. For a billboard, you've got about five seconds to make an impression, so a concise, punchy message works best. And no, don’t even think about using long URLs or QR codes on highway billboards—Charlie and I agree that’s just dangerous!

Overall, it was a great conversation about thinking outside the digital box and exploring new ways to connect with customers in the real world. If you want to learn more about outdoor advertising, Charlie recommends checking out OneScreen.ai to see how they can help businesses of any size.

I have often been told that I have a strong personality and it kind of came through in my business but I never really thought about the fact that all businesses have personality.

Guest Naomi Gora talks about the  importance of including ourselves in our business strategy. So many business schools teach us to get to know our ideal customers and competitors but none that I’ve seen start the process of looking at ourselves first – how can our businesses thrive based on what works for us as well as our customers.

Yes, your business has a personality, and how you understand and align with it can make a huge difference.  As a self-identified Torchbearer personality type, Naomi spent years in media and advertising, feeling like an outsider until she embraced her own strengths and values to build a business that truly fit her.  

She  begins by explaining that business personalities aren’t always discussed, but they’re crucial. Too often, entrepreneurs build businesses that cater to their ideal clients or competitors, but end up hating their own creations. She urges business owners to first look inward, asking themselves, “Can I do this every day?”

She introduces the concept of business personality types—like her own, the Torchbearer, and others like the Empire Builder or Station Master. These types reveal how you naturally operate. Some people thrive on systems and structure, while others, like Naomi, find those elements exhausting. When entrepreneurs try to mimic personalities that don’t match their own, they often face burnout.

Naomi explains that knowing your business personality helps you work more authentically and reduce stress. She uses a metaphor called the “car model,” where your brain is like a car with a driver, co-pilot, and backseat passengers (a 10-year-old and a 3-year-old). If you let the backseat drivers (stress and overwhelm) take control, your business suffers. By understanding your strengths—your “driver” and “co-pilot”—you can operate in your genius zone, making your business flow more easily.

Naomi’s advice? Don’t fight your nature. Align your business with your true self, and you’ll find running it becomes more enjoyable and sustainable.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscirbe so you never miss another episode https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

If you've been in business for any length of time, what I want you to do is answer a simple question. If you could only work with three clients, who would it be? Go back, look at all of the companies that you've worked with, all the people you've worked with, and pick your top three.

Now what you need to do is figure out how did they become clients and how can you get more customers just like them? If you're ready to start narrowing in on your niche, give me a buzz. We can set up an office hour conversation and figure it out together.

https://morethanafewwords.com/office-hours/

Everybody loves a getaway, and retreats offer the perfect opportunity to renew, refresh, and learn something new. But what if you're a coach or consultant looking to host a retreat? How do you package your knowledge and skills into a transformative experience that draws in your ideal clients?  Michelle Perad, an intuitive guide, consultant, and founder of Multi-Dimensional Leaders (MDL) shared her expert tips on planning a successful retreat that’s not only impactful but also a five-figure opportunity.

Collaborate to Share Costs and Expertise

For example, if you're an educator at heart, you might focus on delivering classroom-style sessions, while a more adventurous partner handles the exploration and experiential activities. This approach can make your retreat more dynamic and engaging for participants.

Know Your Brilliance and Build Around It

If you're an educator, your retreat might lean towards workshops and learning sessions. If you’re an explorer, you might integrate activities like local tours and cultural immersions that tie into your teachings. Designing the retreat around your strengths ensures that you deliver an authentic and enjoyable experience.

Scout Your Location—It’s More Than Just a Venue

For example, maybe the venue has a perfect spot for a fireside chat or an ideal space for a morning yoga session. The location can often dictate how you structure your schedule, so it's essential to understand the logistics and feel of the space before you finalize your plans.

Attracting the Right Audience

Start Small and Scale Up

In this encore episode I sat down with Lewis Dalton, a copywriting pro and co-founder of Pine, to dig into the magic behind writing copy that actually converts. Lewis shares some fantastic, down-to-earth advice about finding the sweet spot between short-term and long-term benefits in your messaging, how to blend emotion and logic to really hook your audience, and why getting specific with your target market matters more than ever. Whether you’re working on sales funnels or just trying to write better emails, you will find some  great tips to help you turn prospects into customers.

ere are 4 key points from the interview with Louis Dalton on copywriting:

Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Benefits: When writing copy, focus on both short-term wins (quick, immediate benefits) and long-term outcomes. Short-term gains help keep potential customers engaged and excited, especially when selling products with delayed results.

Use Both Emotional and Logical Appeals: Effective copywriting taps into emotions to create interest, but it must also provide logical reasons—such as proof or data—to convince people to buy, especially for high-ticket items.

Tailor Copy to Your Audience: Different audiences respond to different tones. For example, engineers might prefer more logical, fact-based copy, while creatives or coaches may engage more with emotional appeals. Understanding your audience helps strike the right balance.

Qualify Prospects: Breaking down larger commitments (like a 16-week course) into smaller, more digestible steps can help qualify the right prospects. It prevents you from trying to "twist arms" to get clients who aren't truly invested, saving time and effort.

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Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/

Check out video versions of these interviews https://www.youtube.com/@MTFWPodcast