Today it is often said it is hard to stand out from the crowd and attract customers to your business. Many look at making offers, offering extras or dazzling with a list of clients and capability. These are not truly sustainable ways to grow your business, keep customers and bring in new clients. There is a very simple and powerful method to help? Tell the story of your business…
Every business has a story of how it got started to where you are today, just like every person does. Crafting those stories for your business can be done in so many ways that go beyond just facts or figures. Think of it this way: "Facts tell, stories sell."
The story of your business is unique, it gives an insight into the vision and culture and values that any potential customer will get more from than a list of approvals, technical capabilities and references. When you are networking share your story, doing this gets to the heart of how you do business and will set you a part from your competition. Tell the story of your business!
5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR STORY BRILLIANT!
1. Make the Story Powerful. Make the sum of your story bigger than the parts. You are not just telling your story to tell a story. You are telling your story with a purpose in mind: You want people to believe in you. It should all add up into one powerful message.
2. Engage your Stakeholders. Add to your words by talking to your employees, board members or anyone invested in your story. Reach out to a current customer that was exceptionally pleased with your service or product. Use their stories to paint a more multidimensional picture of how you and your brand are different than others.
3. Bring Clarity to your Story. Think back to when you started with the company. What inspired you to work for that company? What key motivators have brought you to where you are today? Chronological clarity will help people understand and appreciate your story.
4. Be Philosophical. Your story is more than dates. Go deeper than what and when with your story. Talk about why and how. People want to know who you are and what you stand for. Your passion, tone and the words you use will bring out the uniqueness of you and your company.
5. Tell the Whole Story. Tap into the events that created who you are and what you do. Use unique details incorporating all five senses to make your stories come alive.
WHAT NOT TO DO
· Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be sincere and authentic.
· Don’t preach. Be friendly, professional, and have an approachable tone.
· Don’t take on the competition. Be proud of your story.
· Don’t sell. Be engaging, and make connections.
· Don’t use buzz words or jargon. Be conversational, show your personality.
· Don’t make things up. Be factual and real, use your emotions to make it interesting.
YOUR STORY BELONGS TO YOU AND YOU ALONE
Take control of your story. Use your story as the foundation for your business marketing. Your story is who you are; it’s at the heart of what you do, how you do it, and why you do it. It’s key to your success.
Every business has a story of how it got started to where you are today, just like every person does. Crafting those stories for your business can be done in so many ways that go beyond just facts or figures. Think of it this way: "Facts tell, stories sell."
The story of your business is unique, it gives an insight into the vision and culture and values that any potential customer will get more from than a list of approvals, technical capabilities and references. When you are networking share your story, doing this gets to the heart of how you do business and will set you a part from your competition. Tell the story of your business!
5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR STORY BRILLIANT!
1. Make the Story Powerful. Make the sum of your story bigger than the parts. You are not just telling your story to tell a story. You are telling your story with a purpose in mind: You want people to believe in you. It should all add up into one powerful message.
2. Engage your Stakeholders. Add to your words by talking to your employees, board members or anyone invested in your story. Reach out to a current customer that was exceptionally pleased with your service or product. Use their stories to paint a more multidimensional picture of how you and your brand are different than others.
3. Bring Clarity to your Story. Think back to when you started with the company. What inspired you to work for that company? What key motivators have brought you to where you are today? Chronological clarity will help people understand and appreciate your story.
4. Be Philosophical. Your story is more than dates. Go deeper than what and when with your story. Talk about why and how. People want to know who you are and what you stand for. Your passion, tone and the words you use will bring out the uniqueness of you and your company.
5. Tell the Whole Story. Tap into the events that created who you are and what you do. Use unique details incorporating all five senses to make your stories come alive.
WHAT NOT TO DO
· Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be sincere and authentic.
· Don’t preach. Be friendly, professional, and have an approachable tone.
· Don’t take on the competition. Be proud of your story.
· Don’t sell. Be engaging, and make connections.
· Don’t use buzz words or jargon. Be conversational, show your personality.
· Don’t make things up. Be factual and real, use your emotions to make it interesting.
YOUR STORY BELONGS TO YOU AND YOU ALONE
Take control of your story. Use your story as the foundation for your business marketing. Your story is who you are; it’s at the heart of what you do, how you do it, and why you do it. It’s key to your success.