Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love storytelling! But there’s one type of story I’ve always been a little more apprehensive to tell. My own!
So often, we don’t like to tell our own story. Sure, we might like to tell stories that we’re in, but I’m talking about our true, “this is me” story of how we came to be where we are. We often feel that it’s braggy, arrogant, inauthentic, or maybe even a bit intrusive.
While you may not recognize all the occasions that have arisen to tell your story, they can come in all kinds of subtle forms. Sometimes this comes as an opening statement at an important meeting, an introduction at a networking event, being connected with a new person that is particularly interested in some part of your journey, and so much more.
It’s important to be able to tell our stories as individuals (which is a whole separate topic), but it’s equally, if not more, important to be able to tell your story as a business. Here’s why:
Storytelling was the original social media
Before social media, computers and television, and even pen and paper, storytelling was the mechanism that was used to transmit and maintain information. Storytelling wasn’t just a form of entertainment. It was a way to carry on traditions and culture, a way to communicate new information and information important to survival, and a way to create a history of events.
Conversational storytelling was the only option before the advent of pen and paper, and since pen and paper, society has been continuously evolving the way that information is transmitted and communicated. BUT… that doesn’t mean that storytelling isn’t an integral part to each of those methods of communication.
Even in today’s age of quick bursts of information, such as 7-second reels, you will often find a story in the most successful forms of media. And if you don’t see it in the picture or video, you’ll likely find it in the caption. And aside from social media, storytelling is also prevalent in television, text messaging, and phone calls.
All about authenticity
While you may be worried about tooting your own horn, sharing your story is actually one of the most authentic things you can do. It’s a clear and direct way to share your origin story and where you are today.
You may be wondering what the point is and why people care about your story. It’s because of the deeper meaning that comes from the story. The story conveys your core values, your mission, and your principles in an entertaining and engaging way that will resonate with the audience and potential consumers.
It’s easy to say what your values are; it’s another level of credibility to demonstrate those values through story.
Words are one thing, but action is a whole different level. Your story helps you to gain credibility with your audience and ideal customer by demonstrating how your actions have aligned with your values in the past and how they will align with those values going forward.
Not to mention that, while the audience is gaining insight into you and your values, stories have the power to inspire and more deeply resonate with the audience than a more standard presentation format. Your story may inspire those around you in ways that you couldn’t have imagined.
Broadcast your brand
“Broadcasting your brand” may feel a lot like marketing. And it is. However, marketing doesn’t need to feel salesy.
By telling your story and telling it well, your ideal client will be naturally inclined to learn more about you because the values that you demonstrate in your storytelling will align with the values and needs of your ideal client or consumer. The story helps to establish trust and opens the lines for communication.
By not broadcasting your brand, you leave the door open for interpretation. Potential consumers may make assumptions about your company. Other patrons or members of the community may try to tell your story for you, leaving room for miscommunication or lack of focus on the key priorities. Furthermore, you leave the door open for both negative and positive storytelling.
When your ideal customer can go straight to the source and see the story, they are able to see your perspective directly before weighing other opinions.
Patrons and community members will still tell your story, and for the most part, it’s because they love what you have to offer and what you stand for and they want to share it to the world as well. And often, people will do this because they want to make it super clear what all the value is that a potential consumer may get from the brand. Telling your own story can help get the ball rolling on this.
Broadcasting your brand helps you to tell the world what you already know and may take for granted: the immense value and good that you have to offer to help those around you!
Human connection
In an age of artificial intelligence and rapidly evolving technology, we as humans crave other human connection. While there is definitely a place and purpose for this technology, many times when we are looking for goods and services, we look for human connection whether we realize it or not.
We want to know who will be taking care of us, look for a way to establish even a small level of trust, and maybe we’re also looking for the values of the company before we purchase.
If I’m shopping between two nearly identical products, and I see that one of the brands values sustainably sourced goods and is women owned, I’m likely to go with that brand. Those two factors weren’t something that I was seeking out, but having seen their story and comparing it to a brand where I don’t know the face behind the brand, I’m more likely than not going to go with the story.
As my coach was trying to convince me to put my face on camera and on my business Instagram account, she told me the story of her search for a particular type of coach. She said she was on the fence between two coaches. One was closer but their Instagram consisted of some pictures of nature. The other coach was further away, but he did a great job putting himself at the forefront of his business account, which helped my coach to get to know him better, establish a level of trust, and understand his values. She went with the latter coach.
That story hit me and really resonated, and I hope it resonates with you as well.
While storytelling is so crucial, I totally understand that it can be difficult! Even when you know you should, it can be challenging to tell your story to it’s fullest potential without making it smaller to not seem boastful. Furthermore, as a business owner, you’re SUPER busy! It’s difficult to find time to take care of these activities outside of your core competency, and you may not even enjoy the brand development activities.
That’s where I come into play!
As a copywriter, I love to help you tell your story, helping you and others in the process! I make the broadcasting of your brand easy for you and engaging for your audience. I allow you to focus on your passions, while leaving the words up to me!
Interested in chatting further? Book a free discovery session using the button below.
Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide, professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences for those that may find them relatable and helpful.