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Small Business Casual

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!).

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Small Business Casual

Stop Guessing, Start Asking: The Cost of Making Assumptions

February 17, 2026 • Emily Aborn

0:00 | 35:36

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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: emily@emilyaborn.com