Margaret Wheatley famously said, "You can't hate someone whose story you know." This applies to business, as well as personal stories. A great way to communicate your passion is to tell your story. This can be done through your website, social media and with presentations,
Think about the last time you saw someone give a presentation. What interests you more - a story or a list of bullet points? The story, of course! Storytelling is an extremely effective way to get people interested and connected to you. And, a good story is often memorable and differentiating.
So, how can you tell an effective story? Here are some tips:
First, tell a meaningful story. This can be done by showing a vulnerability, an irony or a redemption. We have all had successes and failures in life. Our ability to share a failure shows that we are brave enough to show our entire journey, not just the successes. A part of the story may be how your experience made you realize a deeper truth or a path you needed to explore.
Second, be authentic in your story. If you know of a great story, but it's not your own, it will not resonate, no matter how effectively it's told. An authentic and heartfelt story should be about your unique journey or your specific experience.
Lastly, connect your story to the goal you have in telling it. For instance, if you have a decorating business, you may tell a story about how important it is for you to create a beautiful living environment. You can end the story with, ".. and that's why I decided to start my business." Believe me, it will resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
If you need help crafting a story or creating other marketing content, please reach out. I'm rooting for a happy outcome for your story - no matter what it is!