Welcome to Small Business Casual, where we focus on designing a sustainable, cozy, and thriving business tailored to your LIFE. Not the other way around! Here, small business meets your favorite pair of slippers. It's a little quirky, not too buttoned up, one less accessory, ahhh… just right. From customer service, business productivity, and content marketing to making sense-of-the-behind the scenes, chaos, I walk alongside you as we make life and business less of a roller coaster ride and more like a walk in the park (with snacks, of course!). I offer Small Business Copywriting & Content Marketing Consulting to interior designers, home trade professionals, service providers, coaches, consultants, non-profits, and entrepreneurs with a big mission! Want to be a guest on Small Business Casual? Send Emily Aborn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/smallbusinesscasual I do NOT accept pitches outside of PodMatch.
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June 16, 202627 min
Being Intentional Where You Show Up - Both Online & Off!
Text Emily! With limited bandwidth and a desire to reduce digital distraction, all while INFINITE options tug at you... How do you decide where to actually put your time, energy, and efforts? Is social media for the birds at this point? How do you make time for more showing up in real life? How do you choose things that won’t make you completely exhausted? In this episode, we’re going to answer all of those questions (and then some) as we walk through where to show up online and off and how to be intentional with our limited time and energy.The power of showing up in real life Where to show up online and off based on your unique needs and goalsQuestions to ask yourself to gauge time, energy, and interestAnd more! Links & ResourcesNetworking Episode with special guest, Ande Lyons: buzzsprout.com/2160062/episodes/18146270New England Podcasters Group: newenglandpodcasters.groupAbout Me, Emily Aborn 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 a genuine connection as you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. Email: emily@emilyaborn.comWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSubstackSo, You Wanna’ Start a Podcast? Join me and my fellow seasoned podcaster and friend, Karen Kenney, for Part ONE of our Podcast Summer School workshop at the Eleventh Letter in Concord, NH, on Saturday, June 20th, from 1-4 pm. Everything you need to go from idea to action is included in this comprehensive workshop. You’ll walk away with a clear plan, practical
June 9, 202635 min
5 Ways to Connect & Be Seen: How Who You Know Increases Your Visibility
Text Emily! In last week's episode, we talked about how the next person you meet could change your life. Today, we're talking about what happens after you meet them, and more importantly, how other people can help you be MORE VISIBLE.In this special compilation episode, I bring together FOUR guests whom I know, like, love, and trust to share five out-of-the-box ways to increase your visibility. We talk about the power of collaboration, creativity, cohesion, community, and consistency in your marketing and how it can take you places that posting on social media simply can't touch! Quotes: F.O.C.U.S: Follow One Course Until Successful "The Default Answer is No" - Alex Sanfilippo“The real reason people procrastinate is because excellence is boring. The road to remarkable is paved with a whole lot of boring." -John Acuff🎙️ So You Wanna' Start a Podcast Workshop: eventbrite.com/e/so-you-wanna-start-a-podcast-tickets-1990514313896?aff=oddtdtcreatorKaren Kenney Karen Kenney is a writer, speaker, podcaster, certified spiritual mentor, and coach. She’s known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent, and her no-bullshit approach to spirituality, self-development, and transformational work. She's been a yoga teacher for 25+ years and has been a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner since 2008. She's also a Gateless Writing Instructor, the creator of WRITE CLUB, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast.Website & Podcast: karenkenney.comInstagram: instagram.com/karenkenneyliveFacebook: facebook.com/karenkenney.writerWrite Club: karenkenney.com/writeclubKristy OuelletteKristy Ouellette is the owner of Mickey Guru Travel Company, where she and her team of travel-obsessed agents help families and friend groups book Disney, cruise, and all-inclusive vacations they’ll be talking about for years. In an industry where everyone is selling the same destinations, Kristy has built her brand by zigging when everyone else zags, including launching Talk Travel to Me, the podcast where no travel question is too basic, too bold, or too “wait, can I actually ask that?” Fair warning: listening may cause an immediate urge to book something.Website: mickeyguru.comInstagram: instagram.com/mickeygurutravelFacebook: facebook.com/MickeyGuruTravel TikTok: tiktok.com/@mickeygurutravelTalk Travel to Me Podcast: talktraveltome.buzzsprout.comJessica Mercier Jess Malli Mercier is the owner and creative behind JMM Artist Designer. She's a branding strategist, artist, and designer, known for her unique approach that blends artistic vision with intuitive design. Her signature method, focusing on collaboration and deep dives into each brand's essence, crafts identities that are visually stunning and deeply resonant. Fueled by her passion for creativity and a knack for capturing the soul of a business, Jess operates out of her studio, where art and strategy collide to create memorable brands.Website: jmmartistdesigner.comE-mail: jmmartistdesigner@gmail.comFB: facebook.com/jmmartistdesignerIG: instagram.com/jmmartistdesignerAlex SanfilippoAlex Sanfilippo is a podcaster and the founder of PodMatch.com, a platform that automatically matches podcast hosts and guests for interviews. Through PodMatch and his podcast titled Podcasting Made Simple, Alex helps independent podcasters grow their influence and revenue so they can better serve their listeners!PodMatch.com: joinpodmatch.com/emilyaborn Instagram: instagram.com/alexsanfilippo7/Facebook: facebook.com/AlexJSanfilippoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexsanfilippo/So, You Wanna’ Start a Podcast? Join me and my fellow seasoned podcaster and friend, Karen Kenney, for Part ONE of our Podcast Summer School workshop at the Eleventh Letter in Concord, NH, on Saturday, June 20th, from 1-4 pm. Everything you need to go from idea to action is included in this comprehensive workshop. You’ll walk away with a clear plan, practical
June 2, 202628 min
The Next Person You Meet Could Change Your Life
Text Emily! The best advice I ever got was just six words: "Get out there and meet people!"A former business advisor nudged me out of my retail shop and into the community over eight years ago. Her words changed my entire life. And today, I hope they change yours too!No matter what you're seeking: growth, clarity, connection, new friends, next steps, the answer is almost always in the people you meet. We're all just walking ripple effects, creating more ripple effects.In this episode, I'm sharing how meeting people has transformed my life and business. You'll learn how: Meeting just one person can exponentially increase who you know (Alex Sanfilippo & PodMatch)Meeting people creates long-term support systems (Kristy Ouellette of Mickey Guru Travel Company, a decade-long friendship)Meeting people transforms who you are and who you're becoming (Karen Kenney, a life-changing podcast guest and now a long-time collaborator and friend) Meeting people helps your business grow (Jessica Mercier, mutual collaboration that elevated both our brands)Meeting people opens doors you didn't know existed (Melissa Snow of Powerful Women Rising shows how connections can led to unexpected opportunities)You'll also hear:Why we avoid meeting people5 Simple ways to start connecting and building real relationshipsWhy showing up is always worth it, even when it's uncomfortableNext week: You'll hear from all five of these incredible people sharing their insights on increasing visibility through consistency, creativity, collaboration, cohesion, and connection.The next person you meet could change your life. But you have to meet them to know HOW. About Me & Let's Connect: Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Website: Emilyaborn.comFacebook: Facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace/LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/EmilyAbornSubstack: Smallbusinesscasual.substack.com/If you loved this episode, I welcome you to share your thoughts and aha’s with me at emily@emilyaborn.com AND I also would love for you to give me five stars and write me a review on the Apple podcasts app. Go to the show, scroll down a little, and find the little pencily thing where it says “Write a Review”.
May 26, 202616 min
Offering "Value" Isn't What it Seems: 5 Unexpected Ways to Deliver Value
Text Emily! "I can't post unless I'm adding value."Sound familiar?We've all said it (or thought it) at least once or twice. "Delivering value" has become a silent gatekeeper for our content, and the idea of what "value" means can stop us cold. We hold off on emailing our list, posting on social, or pitching that podcast until we have the perfect freebie, tip, how-to... something valuable to offer before we're allowed to show up.Value isn't only found in a commodity.It's not always educational, and it doesn't have to come in the form of a template, swipe copy, or prompts. Sometimes value is making someone laugh or showing up consistently. It could look as simple as sharing your way of thinking. And sometimes, it's just being YOU.In this episode, I'm breaking down what value actually means and five ways you might already be offering it, even without realizing it! We cover:Why "value" has become a gatekeeping wordWhat value actually is5 Ways you're already adding value+1 Bonus way of offering that doesn't get nearly enough air timeWhy your presence and connection matter more than informationAnd more About Me & Let's Connect: Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Website: Emilyaborn.comFacebook: Facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace/LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/EmilyAbornSubstack: Smallbusinesscasual.substack.com/If you loved this episode, I welcome you to share your thoughts and aha’s with me at emily@emilyaborn.com AND I also would love for you to give me five stars and write me a review on the Apple podcasts app. Go to the show, scroll down a little, and find the little pencily thing where it says “Write a Review”.
May 19, 202624 min
Is Authenticity Dead? Bringing Fresh Life to Overused Buzzwords
Text Emily! "Authenticity" used to be one of my favorite words of all time! It meant something real, genuine, original, of the utmost quality. It offered permission to show up as yourself, not perform or pretend!Then... #internet.Suddenly, everyone was "stepping into their authentic self." From every coach, in every caption, selling every course, the word was everywhere. And when a word is everywhere, it becomes a bit generic and loses its intended depth. In this episode, I'm questioning this buzzword (and a few others) to figure out what we're actually trying to say, and by doing so, showing how to bring the real meaning back.We cover:What "authenticity" means to me When and how it lost its meaningOther words/phrases that have suffered the same fate (hustle, community, vulnerable, curated, human-centered)What people are actually looking for when they say they want authenticityWhat it looks like to show up authentically without needing the wordWhether we should retire "authentic" entirely (or just stop using it as a placeholder)We don't need more people talking about authenticity. We need more people actually showing up authentically. Resources & Links Mentioned: Karen Salmansohn on Instagram @NotSalmon: https://www.instagram.com/p/DW_4gttDibS/Quote by Sue Fitzmaurice: “What it means to be authentic:To be more concerned with truth than opinions. To be sincere and not pretend. To be free from hypocrisy: "walk your talk". To know who you are and to be that person. To not fear others seeing your vulnerabilities. To being confident to walk away from situations where you can't be yourself. To being awake to your own feelings. To being free from others' opinions of you. To being accepting and loving yourself”. About Me & Let's ConnectEmily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.comWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substackemilyaborn.comfacebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace/linkedin.com/in/EmilyAbornsmallbusinesscasual.substack.com/If you loved this episode, I welcome you to share your thoughts and aha’s with me at emily@emilyaborn.com AND I also would love for you to give me five stars and write me a review on the Apple podcasts app. Go to the show, scroll down a little and find the little pencily thing where it says “Write a Review”.
May 12, 202628 min
Going 100% in on YOU: How "all-in" changes everything
Text Emily! 3 Years ago, when I started this podcast, I decided to go 100% in on myself. The first of many times I would show up for ME. I’ve learned since that when you take a bet on yourself, when you’re willing to go “all in”, you end up showing up even more fully for others. Today, to celebrate the 3-Year Podiversary of Small Business Casual (previously named “Content with Character”) and my 40th bday, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing behind-the-scenes truths, learnings, and fun factoids about running the show and SO much more. I share honestly what it’s like to start a podcast, share consistently, and wonder whether or not anyone is actually even out there… You’ll hear:Why I started a podcast (and what others had to say about it) My favorite podcast resourcesHow I deal with creative blocks and self-doubtWhat to do when you have to pivot drastically What I’d do differently if I started over today Why I keep showing up week after weekThe weird ingredient I add to my Yerba MatéAnd more!Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this journey with me! Let’s celebrate OUR milestone, together! Resources & Links Mentioned: PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/emilyabornNew England Podcasters Group (NEPG): https://newenglandpodcasters.group/Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2129309Episode that Flopped: "Are You Running Your Marketing, or is it Running You?" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2160062/episodes/14219002Good Hang Podcast with Amy Poehler (on all major listening apps) The Big Four Oh with Stephanie McLaughlin: https://thebigfouroh.com/The Karen Kenney Show: https://www.karenkenney.com/podcastAbout Me & Let's Connect: Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Website: Emilyaborn.comFacebook: Facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace/LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/EmilyAbornSubstack: Smallbusinesscasual.substack.com/If you loved this episode, I welcome you to share your thoughts and aha’s with me at emily@emilyaborn.com AND I also would love for you to give me five stars and write me a review on the Apple podcasts app. Go to the show, scroll down a little, and find the little pencily thing where it says “Write a Review”.
May 5, 202632 min
What if You Just Tried It? The Power of Experimentation
Text Emily! Instead of overthinking, what if you experimented about it instead!? “Don’t get stuck with where you have not succeeded. Go on to something else. You don’t know what will unfold.” - Natalie GoldbergIn this episode, we get into where experimentation and "just trying it" fits into life and business, and how a try-before-you buy mentality can end up being a winning strategy for success and happiness. In the episode: What does experimentation look like in business? Why it might be worth giving a whirlHow experimentation improves revenue, happiness, and chances of success Why failing faster is a winning strategy How experimentation helps make better decisions Examples of experiments in life and business5 Steps to experimentingAnd more! Links & Resources MentionedKaren Kenney's Podcast Episode: Find Out For Yourself My Pinterest Experiment My Substack: 104 Experiments Link to Stats Source: "According to Booz & Company's 2011 Global Innovation 1000 report, more innovative companies showed 11% higher revenue growth and 22% higher EBITDA growth compared to less innovative companies."https://www.viima.com/blog/innovation-statsHow to Undergo YOUR Next Experiment: 1. Identify: What are you curious about? What haven't you tried but want to? 2. Keep the Stakes Low: Don't commit forever, set a time limit, and try it for a given period 3. Pick a Metric to Track: What would success look like for this? What do you want out of it? 4. Debrief: Did you like it? What did you learn? Would you do it again/keep going? What would you change? 5. Decide: Keep, pivot, or quitAbout Me: Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.comWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack
April 28, 202625 min
When to Throw in the Towel (and When to Push Through)
Text Emily! When to hold em’ and when to fold em’... THAT is the question. And in creative ventures and businesses, it’s one of the hardest things to answer when it comes up. When do you quit, stop pushing, throw in the towel, and when do you keep going?While there’s no clear answer, magical checklist, or formula, there are some questions you can ask yourself and some gut checks that can help give you a lot of clarity on whether or not to keep going and when to throw in the towel on tools, platforms, services, collaborations, products, and… maybe even your business entirely! Inside the episode: When to throw in the towel on tools and platforms, and when to push through When to give up on memberships, courses, or groups, and when to keep on going When to stop offering products or services and when to give them a fair shake When to stop running your business or pivot entirely, and when to reconsider Questions to ask yourself before ditching everything And more! Key Reminders & Takeaways Quitting isn't good nor bad. It’s redirection. Pushing through isn’t always the right answer. You're allowed to change your mind. Always. Full stop. Quitting doesn't erase what you built. Walking away isn't an indication of failure. Sometimes the most courageous step is walking away, and sometimes the bravest one is to stay. Only YOU can know which is your step towards COURAGE.Throwing in the towel, walking away, or saying bye-bye isn’t giving up. It’s making space for bigger, better, more aligned. Reflection Questions: Am I quitting because it's hard, or because it's wrong?Have I actually given this a fair shot?What would I do if I stopped?What does my gut/inner voice/quieted mind say when I'm not panicking?What would I tell a friend in this exact situation?Am I staying because I believe in it, or because I'm afraid of what people will think?Is this MY dream, or someone else's dream for me?About Me & Let's ConnectEmily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.comWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack
April 21, 202625 min
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen: When Serial Help Becomes a Recipe for Disaster
Text Emily! Have you ever seen a business owner pay for help and then get all a gazillion different opinions from Mary, Larry, Harry, Tom, Billy, and Sally? Maybe it's been YOU seeking helper after helper whose help isn't "working"?It can be really frustrating and entirely unhelpful when we poll everyone and anyone for help on how to move forward and proceed. Too many cooks in the kitchen can cause you to be forever catching up. It can create chaos, endless pivots and updates, and unwarranted or unnecessary strategy. In today’s episode, we’re going to get into the issue of hiring serial help to fix problems that sometimes don’t even exist, and what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen.In the Episode: 3 Ways I see "too many cooks in the kitchen" play out in businesses What's at risk when we look to anyone and everyone to weigh in 4 Things that go wrong when seeking serial help What to do before asking for help And more! Key Takeaways: 1. Get clear FIRST before asking for help 2. Look for help strategically, not reactively3. Trust the process (and the person you hired)4. Ask fewer people for advice5. Don’t forget to listen to YOUR voice too!6. AI is NOT your business strategist Quotes: “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.” - Jim RohnAbout Me: Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. 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. Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.comWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack
April 14, 202642 min
Leaving the Casino: Building a Business that Actually Works for YOU with Jessica Lackey
Text Emily! Have you been burned by bro marketing? Exhausted by all the social media hacks? Underwhelmed with the "just manifest it" advice? If so, you're going to LOVE the wisdom of my guest, Jessica Lackey. Jessica reminds us that when you play by their rules, the house always wins in the entrepreneurial casino. We discuss how to stop betting on tactics and build a business that actually works for YOU as we tackle some of the bigger, better questions. In our conversation about Leaving the Casino: What does being in a casino have to do with entrepreneurship? How to identify which type of business you're running and what that might mean for your marketing How to determine your stage of growth and use it as a filter for focus and the actions that matter most What is ENOUGH? The myth of passive income Why more isn't always a good thingAnd more (despite having said more isn't always a good thing in my previous bullet point 🤪 but if you're reading the show notes, at least you'll get a chuckle) About Jessica - Links & Resources Jessica Lackey is a business systems consultant and guide. She brings both corporate sophistication and soulful wisdom to the table to help established service providers build sustainable businesses. She’s worked with over 60 entrepreneurs 1:1, served as a fractional COO for multiple 7-figure organizations, and helped hundreds of business owners through her memberships and programs. She brings an exceptional depth of business knowledge, a genuine care for her client’s success, and the ability to make complex business concepts practical and actionable.BookWebsiteLinkedInYouTubeAbout the Host, Emily Aborn Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 121+ industries. 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. Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.comWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack
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