Small Business Casual

Emily Aborn
  • 5.0 (38)
  • 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!).  Want to be a guest on Small Business Casual? Send Emily Aborn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/smallbusinesscasual

  1. A Matter of "Semantics": Dirty Word or Secret Weapon?

    11H AGO

    A Matter of "Semantics": Dirty Word or Secret Weapon?

    Text Emily! Words aren't neutral. The specific words you choose shape how people perceive you, your business, and your message. Sometimes, it's just a word, and trying to find the exact right one is just overthinking in disguise, and sometimes... the tiniest words matter.  Two words, two different ways of saying the same thing, can feel completely different and set a totally different tone.  Semantics is defined as: the branch of linguistics concerned with meaning. You get into word origins, context, implications, word relations, structures, and  more.  In this episode, we're getting into whether or not it is just a matter of semantics or if it's something to look at more closely.  Real examples of how word choice shifts meaningShould you say "fully booked" "at capacity" or "busy"? Why vague language kills your messageWords that sound professional but mean absolutely nothingA few tips on how to choose words that actually landAnd more Links & References Mentioned:  John McWhorter - articles on the NYT What to Expect in 2026 featuring linguist, John McWhorter Grammar Girl Podcast with Mignon Fogarty  The Karen Kenney Show, hosted by Karen Kenney  "I hate terminological arguments. Nothing important rests on the specific words we use so long as we understand each other.” - Paul Bloom 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    27 min
  2. If it Takes 10, Do it Then! Weekly Love Note with Emily ❤️

    4D AGO

    If it Takes 10, Do it Then! Weekly Love Note with Emily ❤️

    Text Emily! You know what I'm talking about...  That ONE thing that's been sitting on your to-do list for weeks, taking up mental real estate, making you feel behind. I can all but guarantee that the mental weight of NOT doing it takes WAY more energy than just doing the damn thing! In this week's Love Note, I share with you the results of my mini-four-week Love Notes Experiment and challenge you to pick your one 10-minute (or less) task that's been haunting you. Together, let's knock it out. Feel lighter. More accomplished. And wonder why in the Hellsinki we waited so long!  Until next week, keep on experimenting!  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 connections 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

    10 min
  3. Your Best Isn't Perfect: How to lean into your personal best

    FEB 24

    Your Best Isn't Perfect: How to lean into your personal best

    Text Emily! We're wrapping up our series exploring 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 do your best, not to be confused with "be perfect". This is Part the final episode of the 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 doing your best actually is (and isn’t) Why this can be such a hard one for so many of us as business owners How to redefine what YOUR best looks like for you so you can show up sustainablyJournaling prompts for self-reflectionAnd more! Journal Prompt #1)  What does 'my best' look like today - not in an ideal world, but given my ACTUAL capacity right now? What do you ACTUALLY have to give today? What would it look like to show up with integrity at that level? Journal Prompt. #2)  Where am I confusing "doing my best" with "doing MORE"? What would change if I redefined my best to include rest and boundaries? Are you pushing yourself past your limits in the name of "doing your best"? What would it look like to do your best AND protect your capacity? Resources & Associated Episodes  Link to Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements (link is to ThriftBooks) Karen Kenney's Actions are the Voice of the Heart podcast episode Part I) The Hidden Cost of Broken Promises Part II) It's Not About You  Part III) Stop Guessing, Start Asking 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    21 min
  4. Weekly Love Note from Emily! (5 ways to burn brighter vs. burn out)

    FEB 20

    Weekly Love Note from Emily! (5 ways to burn brighter vs. burn out)

    Text Emily! OOPS! I already failed on my ten-minute self-induced time cap for these weekly love notes. Forgive me this once, and I will try not to let it happen again!  I had too much GOOD stuff to share with you this week! I'm sharing five perhaps uncommon things that have been helping me feel happier lately.  Big time happiness boosters sans dopamine crash and without the cost of selling your soul to the social media scroll. Inside the episode:  What it means to be a 2%-erHow texting or reaching out to someone can turn the beat aroundReviving the handwritten letters and cardsWhy I recommend reading a book in a day (and not calling it lazy!) And how looking at things you don't usually see can spark creativity and joy Resources Mentioned:  14-Day "Real Attention" Challenge References: The Waking Up App  Good Life Project: "A Different Take on Excellent that Changes Everything with Brad Stulberg"  Kelsey Green's Episode on Digital Minimalism and the Screen-Free Challenge  Tonya Leigh's School of Self-Image Podcast "Make Any Decision in Under 60 Seconds"  Quotes:  “In a world engineered for comfort, ninety-eight percent of us unconsciously take the easy route.” -Michael Easter “When we perpetually optimize for what’s right in front of us, it doesn’t mean we’re necessarily optimizing for the long term and a life well-lived." -Jonathan Fields 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 connections 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

    17 min
  5. Stop Guessing, Start Asking: The Cost of Making Assumptions

    FEB 17

    Stop Guessing, Start Asking: The Cost of Making Assumptions

    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 businessWhere we make assumptions without realizing itThe cost (time, money, relationships, stress) of making assumptionsHow to start asking instead of guessingWhy 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    36 min
  6. Weekly Love Note from Emily! (like a voice memo, only better)

    FEB 13

    Weekly Love Note from Emily! (like a voice memo, only better)

    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 resourceA podcast episode I loved, was featured on, or just sparked my curiousityA fun word device, language tool, or quick copy tip A book to readAnd 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    9 min
  7. It’s Not About You: The Freedom of Not Taking it Personally

    FEB 10

    It’s Not About You: The Freedom of Not Taking it Personally

    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 unsubscribesThe cost of taking things personally in businessHow 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    31 min
  8. An Extra Helping: Resources & Updates from Emily

    FEB 6

    An Extra Helping: Resources & Updates from Emily

    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 climateMy new PodMatch network member status and what that means for YOU 3 Local events you're invited to join me forOodles 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-2pNew England Podcaster's Group -meets 2nd Saturday of each month at Westford CAT in MALean 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: emily@emilyaborn.com Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Substack

    18 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
38 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!).  Want to be a guest on Small Business Casual? Send Emily Aborn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/smallbusinesscasual

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Aborn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Business Casual
  • Show Website
    Small Business Casual

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