Small Business Casual

Emily Aborn
  • 5.0 (37)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Where small business meets your favorite pair of slippers.  A little quirky, not too buttoned up, one less accessory, ahhh… just right. Welcome to Small Business Casual, where we focus on designing sustainable, cozy, and thriving businesses tailored to your LIFE. Not the other way around!  From general business and marketing to making sense of the behind-the-scenes chaos, I’m Emily Aborn, your host and Small Business Copywriter!  I’m here to walk alongside you as we make running our businesses less of a roller coaster and more like a scenic train ride (don't forget the snacks!). 

  1. Deeper, Not Wider: 3 Unexpected Ways to Niche Down

    1D AGO

    Deeper, Not Wider: 3 Unexpected Ways to Niche Down

    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 forNiching 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    36 min
  2. Decluttering & Deprioritizing: 5 things to leave in the dust

    12/30/2025

    Decluttering & Deprioritizing: 5 things to leave in the dust

    Text Emily! What if the secret to a better life and business is doing LESS? Not less of everything. But less of the wrong things. In this final episode of 2025, we’re not focusing on what everyone else is doing… this isn’t your big goal-setting, vision boarding, new year, new you episode.  Instead, we’re cleaning house! Deprioritizing, decluttering, and getting really honest about what’s NOT coming with us into the New Year.  We’re taking a good, hard look at where you can decide, eliminate, and do LESS to do better.  How visual and digital clutter affects us 3 Quick digital decluttering actions 4 Simple ways to keep a cleaner inbox 4 Tab decluttering actions your browser is begging you for4 Things to unsubscribe from and unfollow 4 Ways to audit your calendar for the coming year Links & Resources Mentioned  👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    28 min
  3. Reclaim Your Brain: Breaking Free from the Algorithm

    12/23/2025

    Reclaim Your Brain: Breaking Free from the Algorithm

    Text Emily! “Our brains are sprinting while clocks stay still.” - Researcher, Helena Grieve In 2024, a Cambridge physics team tracking circadian data noticed the average human day feels 8% shorter than ten years ago—even though atomic time hasn’t changed. The cause: information velocity. The average person now consumes more data in a week than their grandparents did in a year. Each notification triggers a micro-adrenaline spike, speeding up neural clocks. In this episode, we get into leaning more analog in an ever-digitalized world as we examine our habits with all the pings, dings, screens, and scrolling.  3 Ideas for a slower, more peaceful life The myth of the dopamine detox and how to reset yours insteadThe 24-Hour Screen Free Challenge Small habits from digital to analog And more! Links & Resources Mentioned  👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES Facebook post with Cambridge Study on TIME.  Karen Kenney's Podcast Episode: Everything Old is New Again Amy Bolduc's Episode with Kelsey Greene: Digital Minimalism Harvard Health Article: Dopamine Fasting: Misunderstanding Science Spawns a Maladaptive Fad Cleveland Health Article: Dopamine Detoxes Don’t Work: Here’s What To Do Instead Kelsey Greene's Screen-Free Challenges Kelsey Greene's Instagram Post  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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    31 min
  4. Deciding Who You Are

    12/16/2025

    Deciding Who You Are

    Text Emily! Every year teaches us something. (well, probably a lot of somethings).  This year's lessons changed my life and business from the inside out. It was a year of sneaky, quiet, LOUD lessons and hard truths that made me question everything and get clear and grounded on what matters most.  In this special end-of-year episode, I'm sharing my 3 top lessons of the past year and how each changed my approach to business and life.  How you do one thing is how you do everything. Deciding who you are and who you're becomingClear branding inspires confidence in who you are and who you're becoming No one person can be everything (including you)And more! Resources & Links Mentioned Karen Kenney's Episode #338: You Must Be What You Are New England Podcaster's Group  Ande's Don't Be Caged By Your Age Podcast Jess Mercier's Branding Website & Instagram  Small Business Casual Episode on Rebranding vs. Refreshing (with Lindsay Dreyer) Danielle LaPorte's Quote on Branding:  “Your brand is a gateway to your true work. You know you are here to do something – to create something or help others in some way. " Don't Be a Stranger... Let's Connect! 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 believe that sharing your work goes beyond strategies, frameworks, content for content’s sake, more social media posts, more, more, more.  Successful marketing starts with a big picture approach and begins with genuine connection as you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU.  Email: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    26 min
  5. 2025 Podcasting Debrief: Insights & Wisdom to Guide Your New Year

    12/09/2025

    2025 Podcasting Debrief: Insights & Wisdom to Guide Your New Year

    Text Emily! As you will hear in this episode, podcasting can change your life.  Each year, I love the opportunity to reflect and learn from what went WELL, what didn't go so well, and what NEW things I want to experiment with and try in the coming year. In this episode, I share industry reports with data and stats, plus 7 takeaways full of insights and wisdom to provide you with info you can use for your podcasting year ahead.  We get into:  Niching vs. not nichingThe power of experimentation in your podcast and overall marketingWhy it's important to go beyond the downloads and metrics Repurposing in a new way will set you apart Collaborations are the game-changerMicro insights around audio, video, ads, and more The big WHY And so much more!Links & Resources Mentioned:  👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES: including names/quotes/links of podcaster contributors  Here's the Extended Show Notes link for desktop listeners to copy and paste: open.substack.com/pub/smallbusinesscasual/p/2025-podcast-insights-report Collaborative "About Me" post on Instagram  Collaborative "Podcaster Wisdom" post on Instagram One Stone Creative's State of Business Podcasting Report PodMatch's Indie Podcaster's Industry Report  New England Podcaster's Group  PodMatch  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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    46 min
  6. From Depleted to Restored: Which Type of Rest Do You Need Most?

    12/02/2025

    From Depleted to Restored: Which Type of Rest Do You Need Most?

    Text Emily! Feeling tired? Drained? Run-down? Exhausted?  Insert your adjective of choice here, and buckle up as we get into the seven reasons WHY your tank might be empty.  I get into Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith's 7 Types of Rest, why they're so important as business owners, and simple ways to incorporate them into your workday and life.  The goal is to help you move from depleted to restored by listening to what YOU need most.  Inside the episode:  Why you might still feel tired even after getting a good night's sleep Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith's 7 Types of Rest: Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, Social, Physical, Sensory, and Creative How to incorporate rest into your everyday in simple but meaningful waysAnd more! Links & Resources Mentioned She Built This Podcast Episode with Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith The REST Quiz - Which Type Do You Most Need?  Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith's Book: Sacred Rest  Karen Kenney's Storytime Hypnosis (one of my favorite forms of rest!)  👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES  About Me & How to Work Together  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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    39 min
  7. Beyond the Double Tap: 4 Ways to Actually Support Small Businesses & Creators

    11/25/2025

    Beyond the Double Tap: 4 Ways to Actually Support Small Businesses & Creators

    Text Emily! Words of appreciation, thanks, encouragement, and gratitude have been continuously shortened in today's fast-moving world: "I Love You" has become "luv u" "Thanks" has become "thx" or simply "tsm" and many are just double-tapping, dropping a "Congrats!" or "Love it," to the comment thread.  Hearting it doesn't exactly cut it when it comes to showing GENUINE support for other small business owners. Showing up for them takes a little more time, intention, personalization, and thought.  The result of genuine support? A massive tidal wave of a ripple effect changed lives and communities, and outcomes you can't even dream up!  In this episode, I share why supporting fellow business owners and creators matters now more than ever and give you FOUR creative ways to show up beyond just saying thanks.  Why small businesses matter for our communities Why small businesses need support now more than ever 4 Creative ways to show up for small businesses and creatorsExamples of giving them a platform Examples of resharing their content How to write a specific, stunning Google Review or LinkedIn rec (+) Commenting, engaging, and actually showing up because you care A shoutout to some of those who've made my year impeccable And more! Links & Resources Mentioned:  The New England Podcaster's Group  The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast (Re-Air of my episode, "Four Questions to Ask Before Chasing Your Next Shiny Object) Amy Bolduc's Instagram & Grounded in Maine Podcast Barb David's Instagram & Small Business Sweet Spot Podcast Kristy Ouellette's Instagram & Talk Travel to Me Podcast Ande Lyons on Instagram & Don't Be Caged By Your Age Podcast Megan Doughtery's State of Business Podcasting FREE Report 👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES  About Me & How to Work Together  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 believe that sharing your work goes beyond strategies, frameworks, content for content’s sake, more social media posts, more, more, more.  Successful marketing starts with a big picture approach and begins with genuine connection as you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU.  Email: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    34 min
  8. Say "NO" to Awkward Networking with special guest, Ande Lyons

    11/18/2025

    Say "NO" to Awkward Networking with special guest, Ande Lyons

    Text Emily! Join us in kissing those awkward networking situations goodbye in this special guest episode featuring, Ande Lyons.  In this episode, you'll get anything but cookie-cutter networking advice as Ande helps to reframe networking from schmoozing and dead fish handshakes to spaces of curiosity, connection, and community.  We get into:  Why networking can often feel icky, transactional, boring, and scary Where traditional networking advice falls flat and misses the markPowerful reframes that will help you view a room full of people in a different light Tips for before, during, and after the event Practical approaches for various event sizes and introversion levels Shifting gears from small talk to big talk How to protect your energy and boundaries, and say no when you need toAnd more! Resources & Links Mentioned 🎙️ New England Podcasters Group 👉🏻 EXTENDED SHOW NOTES  About my Guest, Ande Lyons At 69 Ande Lyons is a 4x founder, a former global startup mentor, serial podcaster since 2012, founder of the New England Podcasters Group, a monthly in-person event for podcasters, and host of the popular interview-style pro-aging podcast Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, where Ande shatters age-related expectations, helps folks dissolve internalized ageist beliefs, and provides resources, inspiration and ideas so older adults can thrive after 65. Don't Be Caged By Your Age Podcast New England Podcasters Group Website  Ande Lyons Instagram | NEPG Instagram | DBCBYA Instagram  Connect with Ande on LinkedIn Follow her on TikTok  Want to connect and network with 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 believe that sharing your work goes beyond strategies, frameworks, content for content’s sake, more social media posts, more, more, more.  Successful marketing starts with a big picture approach and begins with genuine connection as you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU.  Email: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    51 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Where small business meets your favorite pair of slippers.  A little quirky, not too buttoned up, one less accessory, ahhh… just right. Welcome to Small Business Casual, where we focus on designing sustainable, cozy, and thriving businesses tailored to your LIFE. Not the other way around!  From general business and marketing to making sense of the behind-the-scenes chaos, I’m Emily Aborn, your host and Small Business Copywriter!  I’m here to walk alongside you as we make running our businesses less of a roller coaster and more like a scenic train ride (don't forget the snacks!). 

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Aborn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Business Casual
  • Show Website
    Small Business Casual

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