The Hidden Cost of Broken Promises: Being Impeccable with Your Word Artwork

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!).

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

All Episodes

Small Business Casual

The Hidden Cost of Broken Promises: Being Impeccable with Your Word

February 03, 2026 • Emily Aborn

0:00 | 26:43

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: emily@emilyaborn.com