Mistakes That Made Me

Eman Ismail
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Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 35min

"Ignoring my cash flow almost cost me my business" with Sandra Booker [OBG]

Sandra Booker is a fractional COO and right-hand woman to some of the top 7-figure business owners I know.  In this episode (an Oldie But Goodie), she shares her near-catastrophic business mistake of losing track of her cash flow, and she walks us through her strategies for managing finances, the lessons she’s learned, and money management advice for small business owners.We also get into the difference between a virtual assistant and an online business manager, common hiring mistakes, and what to look out for when spending money on tools.Links from the show:https://sidekickcoo.com https://sidekickcoo.com/great-big-list-of-kpis https://emancopyco.com/627 (This is an affiliate link for The 627 Advisory Board)Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcastIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopycoLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 22min

“My Business Became My Entire Identity” with Laura Jane Barnes (TikTok & IG viral sensation!) [OBG]

Laura Jane Barnes is an entrepreneur, creator, musician, and social media savant who also happens to be a TikTok & IG viral sensation. (You’ve probably heard one of her songs!)In this interview, Laura shares her biggest business mistake: the inability to separate her personal identity from her business. (It's an Oldie But Goodie!)I talk about my own personal loss and Laura recounts her journey from viral music creation on social media to redefining her business approach after a critical injury.Together, we examine how tying your identity too closely to business successes can often be disastrous. Laura’s website: https://www.laurajanebarnes.com/Laura on Instagram: @heyitslaurajaneLaura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyitslaurajane/“It Costs That Much” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4nu49nwy5BZ2OVGQlWVLea?si=16b40becd4064778“We Don’t Owe You Affordability” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4PmbzVBboRLPKzSAxn0RGG?si=3ed4fcdd30234e34Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcastIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco.Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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4 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 59min

The 4 ingredients that turn a newsletter into a sales tool with Eman Ismail & Anja Lordanić on Freelance Business Unlocked

Eman Ismail, an email strategist and founder of Iman Copy Co., joins Anja Lordanić to discuss transforming newsletters into powerful sales tools. They highlight four crucial ingredients: connection, storytelling, direct address, and social proof. Eman emphasizes the importance of knowing subscribers, practical segmentation, and the benefits of experimentation over perfection. With insights on values-led marketing and consistent emailing, listeners gain actionable strategies to craft engaging emails that resonate and drive sales.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 15min

Launching without a plan with Amy Posner & Kirsty Fanton [OBG]

Amy Posner and Kirsty Fanton have been (highly successful) lone wolves in the online business world for years. So when they teamed up to launch a new group coaching programme, they were so excited to be working together they forgot to create a launch strategy.Without a plan, their launch totally flopped. They sold just 2 spots.On this episode of Mistakes That Made Me, Amy and Kirsty join me for a conversation about how us business owners sometimes preach one thing for our clients and but then don't do the same thing for ourselves. As Amy puts it, "It’s difficult to do for yourself what you do naturally for your clients".Listen to this episode to understand how they bounced back from their launch failure.Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcastLinks from this episode:Business Badassery podcastMore on Kirsty Fanton: https://kirstyfanton.comMore on Amy Posner: https://amyposner.comAmy Posner on YouTube: @amyposner7096On Instagram: @kirsty.fanton and @amyrposnerLink to Kirsty's Instagram announcementEman’s Email RulesIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopycoAnd if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contactLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 29min

Overhiring (and firing) with Jordan Gill [OBG]

Self-made millionaire Jordan Gill opens up about her biggest mistake — overhiring for her coaching programme. (This episode is an oldie but goodie!)Jordan tells us how overhiring meant she had to lay off the majority of her employees, how it caused clients to call her reputation into question, and how it led to her shutting down her Done in a Day programme – a programme that brought in 90% of her company’s revenue.Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcastLinks from this episode:Jordan Gill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemssavedme/Jordan’s podcast Systems Saved Me: https://pod.link/1132277855Get the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopycoLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Jul 22, 2025 • 51min

The micro-agency model: Freedom, flexibility, and family with Eman, Jess & Cindy on the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast

This is one of the most honest, detailed conversations I’ve had about what it really looked like to evolve from a solo email strategist to building a micro-agency. (Originally published on the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast).Jess, Cindy, and I talk about:Why I don’t want employees (at least for now), and how I intentionally built a team of contractorsHow I manage client relationships and quality control with multiple writersThe real numbers behind how I price our services and pay my teamWhat launching the agency actually looked like (spoiler: it wasn’t an overnight success)And the surprising offer that’s quietly become a bestsellerIf you’ve ever thought about expanding your business beyond just you, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the why, the how, and the very real challenges that come with it.Huge thank you to Jess and Cindy for having me – and for asking the questions that really pulled back the curtain on this next chapter of my business.Listen to my other, email marketing-related interview with Jess & Cindy here >> "A $35,000 from a 400-person email list with Eman Ismail"Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Jul 7, 2025 • 44min

How to plan more inclusive business events with Eman Ismail & Sonia Thompson on the Inclusion and Marketing podcast

Today’s episode is a little different because the mic’s turned on me.This conversation was originally recorded for Sonia Thompson’s Inclusion and Marketing podcast, and it was such an important one, I wanted to share it with you here too.Sonia and I talk about what it really means to plan inclusive business events – especially for people who identify as being underrepresented or underserved communities.I share my personal experiences as a visibly Muslim woman who doesn’t drink alcohol or engage in physical contact with men, and how that’s often made it difficult to fully participate in professional events.From dodging hugs and skipping networking sessions at bars… to sparking an accidental ice cream social that everyone wanted to join… this episode is full of honest reflections, lightbulb moments, and actionable ideas for making your events (and your business) more inclusive for everyone.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in at a business event – or you’re someone who wants to create safer, more welcoming spaces for all your attendees – this one’s for you.Thank you to Sonia for hosting such a thoughtful conversation, and for letting me share it with you here.Listen and subscribe to the Inclusion and Marketing podcast here >> https://inclusionandmarketing.com/category/podcast/Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Jun 17, 2025 • 51min

Getting Fired with Claire Pelletreau [OBG]

Getting fired hurts.But getting fired for the thing you’re actually an expert at is another level of pain.My guest is Claire Pelletreau, conversion expert and host of the Get Paid Podcast. (This is an Oldie But Goodie epsiode!)In this episode, Claire shares the painful moment when she was fired for making a huge mistake in her job. She explains how being fired forced her to focus on the most important aspect of her job: the results. And how it's that focus that propelled her to the tremendous success that came afterwards.Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast.Links from this episode:Claire Pelletreau’s websiteClaire Pelletreau on Instagram: @clairepellsClaire’s podcast: The Get Paid PodcastEman’s Email RulesIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco.And if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contactLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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Jun 3, 2025 • 34min

When to create a paid product, the 'freelancer' debate & subcontracting with Steve Folland – Extended Interview

Today, Steve's answering questions about –When a podcaster can take the leap and build a paid product/serviceThe calling yourself a 'freelancer' vs 'business owner' debateSteve's process around subcontracting and hiring other freelancers to work on projects with himLinks:Get the transcript hereListen to Steve's Mistakes That Made Me interview: Putting All Your (Client) Eggs in One BasketLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit
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May 22, 2025 • 1h 45min

Putting all your (client) eggs in one basket with Steve Folland [OBG]

When Steve Folland’s *only* client let him go, he’d just quit his full-time job to go all in on his audio and video editing business. Being jobless and clientless couldn’t have come at a worse time. Steve’s wife had just gone on maternity leave and they had a brand new (4-month-old) baby – plus an older child too!In this Oldie But Goodie convo, Steve – also the host of the ‘Being Freelance' podcast – shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he diversified his skills and services, and what he learned from his biggest business mistake.Find the transcript of this episode on my website emancopyco.com/podcastLinks for this episode:Being Freelance - https://www.beingfreelance.comSteve Folland’s website - https://stevefolland.comSteve Folland on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beingfreelance/If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopycoLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

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