When was the last time you learned a lesson from binge-watching a TV show or binge-reading a book? Well… other than the lesson that maybe you should’ve prioritized sleep instead…
I got to thinking about this a few weeks ago after I finally finished the Harry Potter series (no, I had not read it or seen the movies before). Over the holidays, I read a lot of Harry Potter because I just couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen next, which culminated in reading 450 pages on the last day to finish the series. By my standards, that was a lot of ground to cover.
As humans, we crave story. It’s why we get so engrossed in our TV shows, books, or movie series. So if there is a lesson to be learned from binge-watching or binge-reading, it’s that this power of story can and should be used to benefit your business.
Story is all around us
When we think of stories, our minds might go straight to books, television shows, and movies, but story is truly all around us. Story is in the posts we see on social media, the websites we peruse, the podcasts that we listen to, and in the news to keep viewers engaged. The power of story is even woven into our daily conversations, whether or not we’re talking about what we had for breakfast or some epic moment.
How powerful story must be for it to be so ingrained in so many parts of our daily lives. We’re all storytellers, but this ability that we have manifests itself in different ways for different individuals. People love to tell stories through writing, speaking, painting, music, and so many other ways.
It’s no accident that we’re surrounded by story. Storytelling has been with us since the beginning of time. It’s how information has always been passed down through time; it’s just that it used to be limited to word of mouth.
And why has storytelling stood the test of time? Because we just can’t get enough of a good story!
The personal touch
In a world of artificial intelligence, social media, and shopping at the click of a button, many of us crave the human and personal connection aspect of the world.
By telling your story as a business owner, you allow your consumers to connect with you in a more meaningful way, which makes them more likely to purchase from you. Your story develops devoted customers and creates fans who will continue to spread your story and mission.
And your story doesn’t just attract your ideal customer. It also attracts your ideal hire, your ideal investor, or your ideal co-creator.
Telling your story is the most powerful and engaging way that you can get your message and the transformation that you can provide out into the world. Your story is what is going to make people stop scrolling, clicking, or browsing to learn more about you and what you provide.
How to tell your story
Your story should not just be in the About section of your website. I mean, don’t get me wrong, that’s a great place to start, and your story should definitely be there. But people should also be able to find your story almost anywhere they find your business.
Your story can be on your social media, woven into your marketing campaigns, exemplified in the way you communicate, and evident in your actions. This doesn’t mean repeating the same message over and over again, but it means highlighting different aspects of your story, your “why,” your mission, and your values in each of these types of communication so that it becomes synonymous with your business.
This is why strategic communication and storytelling is so important. Being intentional with your storytelling makes it so your story seamlessly flows through your communications. It becomes so intertwined that your audience becomes engaged in the effortless flow.
While I’m a writer and storyteller at heart, I’m also passionate about empowering others to further elevate their businesses through strategic communication and storytelling. If you’re looking for someone to help you refine your strategy and then craft those communications for you, book a free strategy session with me!
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 with those who may find them relatable and helpful.