Storytelling is a very powerful business tool for all businesses, but especially for the small business. It’s something we should all be doing.  

From a very early age, we are brought up on stories. I remember my dad making up stories at bedtime, full of action and adventure, and I was always in there somewhere. Why do we tell stories to our kids? It brings us closer to them, it’s something we can share and it’s something they look forward to.

It’s no different to telling stories as an adult to help your business. It can help create a good marketing strategy, generate sales, and win the loyalty and affection of your audience. There are so many small businesses who don’t realise how telling their story communicates their business brand, vision, and values.

Why is storytelling so powerful for business?

Stories have been used throughout history to give messages to future generations. They convey culture and values that both unite and divide people. History books are full of stories and legends…there are even stories in the bible. And what makes them so powerful? They connect people with fact, ideas, spiritual growth and develop a sense of community. The stories we have in common are what ties families together.

The same can be said about business. Stories not only connect the reader with the writer, they build relationships and familiarity in a way that factual articles and bullet points don’t. Good stories draw the reader in and make a point, which other forms of communication can’t. They enable your reader to learn about you and your business on their own, so it’s important when you decide to tell a story, that it matches the message you want to get across to your audience.

Make it unforgettable and meaningful     

The reason your audience remember a story is because it strikes a particular chord with them. So, if you know about a certain problem that your target audience has, try and write about it in an engaging way that talks to that audience, so it speaks to them, and they have that ‘aha’ moment. Use words and examples that help your audience remember what you have to say, using persuasive language, whilst being friendly and helpful. It isn’t easy, but just takes a bit of practice – looking at the issue from different angles will help people remember your message.

Emotion plays a part

Emotion also plays its part in storytelling. I’ve laughed and cried when reading a book or watching a film on TV. This is because the writers of those kind of scripts know how to tap into the part of us that makes us human. Getting inside the heads of your target audience, and working out what they feel passionate about, will help you influence them with your writing. This, in turn builds a bond or a rapport between you and your readers.

The most powerful stories I’ve ever heard have come from motivational speakers at conferences at the company I worked with in the UK. Stories that tell about a struggle the speaker has overcome…very personal information that they shared and held captive an audience of hundreds of people. The most powerful stories you can tell will be life experiences…maybe a time when you failed at something and how you got back up, dusted yourself down and started again. It could be about a mistake you made that you managed to eventually find a solution to. These stories build connections with your audience and get them on your side, and often it’s something they can relate to. And even better if you can relate or link that life experience to your business. You will get your readers on your side.  

I’m not saying you must open your heart and talk about the most painful experiences or deeply personal experiences you’ve had but pick on something that you know your target audience can relate to – and that may contain something personal or painful. It’s up to you what you share and how comfortable you are with that.  

How to tell your story?

Once you have decided on your message or the important point you want to get across, it’s largely up to you how you write it. But it’s important to think about how you are going to present it to your target audience. If you know your target audience well, you will know what kind of media they prefer. 

They might like to read your stories; they might like to watch you on video or listen to you speaking animatedly on a podcast. You might want to tell your story through a presentation, combining all three elements. It’s up to you. Whichever way you choose, you will be engaging with your audience on a personal level, influencing them to your way of thinking, connecting with them to gain their trust and giving them inspiration.    

If you post on social media, I’m sure that you’ve used quotes from famous people. These are used to make us laugh, cry, entertain, educate, and always have a moral in the story or a meaning that resonates in the quote. Quotes are a form of a short story and that’s why they can be so powerful. Often when I post a quote, people will say that it speaks to them. Some might say ‘I really needed to hear this today’ if it’s motivational or addressing a common issue. What I’m getting at here is that to tell a story, it doesn’t have to a long rambling tale, it can be short and snappy and to the point.

Storytelling is what connects us as human beings, stories help us make sense of what’s going on around us and in the world, and it’s what communicates our values and our beliefs. A good story will make your audience think and feel – and will speak to them in a way that numbers, data analysis or presentations never can. Your stories are what stand out to your audience, what makes that connection with your brand and helps build relationships and loyalty.  

I appreciate that this is not always an easy thing to get your head around. You may think that your story is trivial or not powerful enough, but believe me, it will be.

If you’d like a one-off coaching session on storytelling for your particular business, email me – cindymobey@outlook.com or message me on Facebook. I can teach you the skills you need to tell your story in the most effective way.