Small Business Casual: Content Marketing, Productivity, Customer Experience for Entrepreneurs & Creators

Text Emily!

Today, we’re digging into the wisdom from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book and philosophy, The Four Agreements, and applying it to our modern businesses and creative endeavors. 

Marketing, content creation, client relationships, boundaries, and perhaps most importantly, your relationship with YOURSELF, we’re going to examine what it means to stop making assumptions and how freeing it can be. This is Part III in a four-part series, so make sure you catch each one and enjoy the journaling prompts and self-exploration along the way.

In the episode: 

• What "don't make assumptions" actually means in business
• Where we make assumptions without realizing it
• The cost (time, money, relationships, stress) of making assumptions
• How to start asking instead of guessing
• Why clarity is the kindest thing you can offer (to yourself and others)
• And more! 

Journal Prompt #1) 

Where am I currently making assumptions in my business (with clients, in my marketing, with myself)? Be honest. Where are you guessing instead of asking? Where do you find yourself avoiding clarifying conversations because it feels awkward?

Journal Prompt #2) 

What's one question I can ask this week (to a client, to my audience, or to myself) that would replace an assumption with clarity? Pick ONE thing. Ask the question. See what happens.

Let's Connect! 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

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Text Emily!

Just like I'm always encouraging YOU to do, I'm experimenting here on Small Business Casual!

For the month of February, each Friday I'm going to give a little love note, an extra helping, a brief, to-the-point weekly episode where I'll share something along the lines of: 

• A lesson learned or challenge faced and the outcome 
• A cool new tool or resource
• A podcast episode I loved, was featured on, or just sparked my curiousity
• A fun word device, language tool, or quick copy tip 
• A book to read
• And MORE! 

It might flop. It might fail. It might not be something I want to stick with. We shall see. 

This week, I'm sharing a clip from a recent episode of Melissa Snow's Powerful Women Rising podcast in which she interviewed KJ Blattenbauer and me for her PWR yearly awards for best podcast host and speaker of the year.  

Apple EPISODE LINK: "Borrowed Trust: Using Podcasts, Speaking & PR to Grow Your Business w/Emily Aborn and KJ Blattenbauer" 

Spotify EPISODE LINK:  "Borrowed Trust: Using Podcasts, Speaking & PR to Grow Your Business w/Emily Aborn and KJ Blattenbauer" 

Did You Enjoy This Mini Episode? Contact me and let me know! 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

Today, we’re digging into the wisdom from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book and philosophy, The Four Agreements, and applying it to our modern businesses and creative endeavors. 

Marketing, content creation, client relationships, boundaries, and perhaps most importantly, your relationship with YOURSELF, we’re going to examine what it means to not take things personally and how freeing it can be. This is Part II in a four-part series, so make sure you catch each one and enjoy the journaling prompts and self-exploration along the way.

In the episode: 

• What does it mean to not take anything personally? 
• Why is it so hard NOT to take things personally in business? 
• What to do when clients ghost you, give you feedback, tell you you're too expensive 
• What it means about YOU when your content engagement drops or someone unsubscribes
• The cost of taking things personally in business
• How to stop taking things so personally 
• And more! 

Journal Prompt #1) 

What's one thing in my business that I've been taking personally - and what ELSE could it mean? Pick one thing: A client decision, low engagement, slow business month, etc. Write down the story you've been telling yourself. Then write down 3-5 OTHER possible explanations that have nothing to do with your worth.

Journal Prompt #2) 

If I stopped taking this thing personally, what would change? How would I feel? What would I do differently? Imagine the FREEDOM of not making it about you. What opens up? What becomes possible?

Let's Connect! 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

I'm breaking all the cardinal rules of podcasting and marketing in this one and giving you a grab bag of things that've been on my heart and mind as many of us face what to say, how to help, and what our role is in the world right now. 

In the episode: 

• 3 Resources I've found helpful in navigating the current news climate
• My new PodMatch network member status and what that means for YOU 
• 3 Local events you're invited to join me for
• Oodles of gratitude for YOU 
• And more! 

Resources & Links Mentioned: 

• Karen Kenney's Episode, “What are You Gonna’ Do About it?” 
• Sara J McCord's Post on Instagram on how to use your voice as a business owner/brand 
• Heather Cox Richardson Letters From an American Substack 
• YouTube Channel and Instagram 
• PodMatch Podcast Network! 

Local Events: 

• Candid Content at Hannah Grimes Center on Friday, March 27th 10a-2p
• New England Podcaster's Group -meets 2nd Saturday of each month at Westford CAT in MA
• Lean In at Hannah Grimes Center on Friday, May 1st (SAVE THE DATE) 

About Me & Contact Info: 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

Today, we’re digging into the ancient wisdom from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book and philosophy, The Four Agreements, and applying it to our modern businesses and creative endeavors. 

Marketing, content creation, client relationships, boundaries, and perhaps most importantly, your relationship with YOURSELF, we’re going to examine what it means to not take things personally and how freeing it can be. This is Part I in a four-part series, so make sure you catch each one and enjoy the journaling prompts and self-exploration along the way.

In this episode: 

• What being impeccable with your word means in business
• The hidden costs of broken promises
• Places broken promises hide in business and life 
• 4 Ways to up your impeccability factor 
• 3 Journal prompts for self-reflection 
• And more! 

Journal Prompt #1) 

Am I currently breaking my word (to clients, in my marketing, or to myself)? Be honest, this isn't shaming yourself, it's reviewing for gaps between what you do and what you say, without judgement. 

Journal Prompt #2)

How do I FEEL when someone else breaks their word to me, even in small ways? How do I feel when I break my word to someone else, even in small ways?

Journal Prompt #3) 

What's one promise I can make this week to myself or someone else that I KNOW I can keep - and actually keep it?

Let's Connect! 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

AI is snatching personalities left and right... trends are threatening originality, and uniformity beckons at every turn. 

Ok, so maybe it's not that bleak out there, but personality is a fundamental piece to every piece of content you share. It's the signature and imprint of YOU in your business. It's how you stand out instead of blending in. 

In this episode, we talk about infusing your brand personality into everything you create. Because you can have the clearest message in the world, you can have fantastic head-turning headlines, but if none of it sounds like YOU when you show up... it's most likely going to fall flat.

Learn how to have a business and brand that's personality-packed and reflects YOU. 

Inside the episode, we're going to amplify your message and increase your connection by infusing more you: 

• What is brand personality? 
• How much personality is TOO much? 
• One common mistake people make when approaching brand personality
• How to increase connection and engagement with your content
• Telling stories through the lens of personality
• Harnessing your unique sense of humor
• Saying it like only YOU can
• And more! 

Connect with Me: 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Brand Messaging Guides

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Text Emily!

What makes a good subject line? How do you write podcast titles, website headlines, and taglines that actually work and get people to take action? 

In this episode, we cover simple dos (and dont's) for writing titles, headlines, subject lines, and more without overthinking it. I'll show you why clarity beats cleverness (almost) every time.

You don't need the "perfect" title to create great content. Sometimes "good enough" is perfect, because it gets you creating and sharing instead of being stuck overthinking.

In the episode: 

• Why taglines, subject lines, headers, and titles matter
• Why is it so hard for us to write great titles?
• How to write clear and engaging hooks 
• Opening the curiosity gap in your subject lines 
• To number or not to number your podcast episodes
• AI and tagline generation
• Simple subject line and title formats to try 
• And more! 

Contributor Quotes:

"I love saying something outrageous that makes people stop and go. What did you say? One of my favorite headlines was for a carpet cleaning company, 'How to ruin your carpet in five easy steps.'" -  Lorraine Ball: Podcast Host & Marketing Coach 

"For my blogs, I write the material first, using a working title to direct the content. Often, I let an AI tool suggest a few titles, which I use to give me an idea." -Ralph Bender, Financial Advisor 

"I don't pressure myself to come up with it before I write the post or blog. I find that once I'm fleshing out the topic, those zingers come easier to me." -Beth Knaus, Copywriter

"I use a simple test. Is it a single sentence that would actually come out of my mouth? ...it tells me what the product is, what problem it solves, and it sounds like me." - Chris LaFay, Website Design Agency & Podcast Host 

About Me (Let's Connect!) 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. With over a decade of copywriting experience in 120+ industries, I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

In a world where we're constantly choosing between analog vs. digital experiences, Kelsey Green offers simple practices and habits that help reduce your reliance on tech. 

In this episode, we explore digital minimalism and how going screen-free can help you find focus, build stronger relationships, and create space for what truly matters. 

• What is digital minimalism? 
• How to be more intentional with technology and make impactful changes as we switch from digital to analog MORE often 
• How can entrepreneurs and creators find a balance between "showing up" and marketing themselves online and creating digital boundaries? 
• What are the benefits of a screen-free day? 
• Tips and tricks for your own screen-free challenge 
• Join ME and Kelsey on Sunday, February 1st for the next Sunday Screen-Free Challenge 
• And MORE!

Resources & Links Mentioned

Amy Bolduc's Grounded in Maine Podcast Episode with Kelsey Green

PodMatch Platform (mentioned by Amy Bolduc) 

Cal Newport's Book Digital Minimalism 

Top-Rated Phone Lock Boxes (mentioned by Kelsey) 

About the Guest: Kelsey Green

Speaker | Facilitator | Community Strategist 

Kelsey L. Green works at the intersection of community, strategy, and accountability, helping people stop stalling and start building lives that truly light them up. She’s the creator of Summit in Six, a high-accountability Mastermind, and How to Build Your Circle, a course focused on cultivating meaningful in-person connection. 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

Book Kelsey on YOUR Podcast

Screen-Free Challenge Sign Up (FREE) 

About the Host, Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter 

From hypnosis to wind turbines, I've written it all! With experience in over 120 industries in marketing and copywriting, I help small businesses grow with the words that shape worlds and make a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and craft genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 🧘🏻‍♀️

Email: [email protected]

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Text Emily!

Stop trying to find just the right hook, quippy headline, or witty tagline, and start HERE first! Your Brand Messaging goes a lot deeper than just clever copy and a heaping serving of your personality; it needs to come from the inside out. 

In this episode, I share some of the elements of Brand Messaging so you can start gaining clarity on yours. 

Inside this episode on Brand Messaging: 

• Why we fall into the Tagline Trap 
• What actually is Brand Messaging and why does it matter? 
• How to have more fun with your mission, vision, and values 
• The components of brand voice 
• Messaging pillars that are rinse and repeat for content creation ease 
• What's a brand positioning statement
• And more! 

Links & Resources Mentioned

👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES with Questions & Prompts

Recommended Website Designer Page (NEW) 

Brand Messaging Guide: Service 

About Me & Contact Info

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack

Text Emily!

To Niche or not to Niche? It’s the question more often than we’d probably like it to be. 

That's the case for me anyway (no one puts THIS baby in a corner!) 

In this episode, we’ll get into three unexpected ways to define your niche and, of course, how to do it YOUR way. 

• Is it pronounced, "neesh" or "nitch"? 
• What is a niche, really? 
• What can a niche provide your business with? How can you grow by niching DOWN? 
• How to niche by who you're not for
• Niching by transformation 
• Niching by how you show up 
• 9 More slightly unconventional ways to niche down 
• And more! 

Individuals & Links Mentioned 

Vinnie Potestivo on LinkedIn 

Ande Lyon's Don't Be Caged By Your Age Podcast

Stephanie McLaughlin's The Big Four-Oh! Podcast

Amy Bolduc's Grounded in Maine Podcast

About Me! 

I’m Emily Aborn, a Small Business Copywriter and host of Small Business Casual. I help small businesses grow with marketing that makes a distinct imprint. I take a big picture approach and genuine connection as I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence. 

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Substack