By Erik Evans
In an article from the Harvard Business Review Titled Storytelling that Moves People, “Most executives struggle to communicate, let alone inspire. Too often, they get lost in the accoutrements of company speak: PowerPoint slides, dry memos, and hyperbolic missives from the corporate communications departments. Even the most carefully researched and considered efforts are routinely greeted with cynicism, lassitude, or outright dismissal (HBR Fryer, 2003).”
“The most powerful person in the world is the storytelling. The storyteller sets the vision, values and agenda of the entire generation that is to come.” – Steve Jobs
“Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make but about the stories you tell.” – Seth Godin
WHY STORYTELLING? Nothing sticks in your head or tugs at your heart better than a good story. Done right, storytelling can help you form a deeper connection with your audience and drive results for your marketing efforts.
Here are some easy-to-follow tips that we follow at Affinity Connection in our story telling for clients.
You started a business to solve a pain point for a customer. Solving problems is the core value at the start of every business.
The traditional corporate spiel fails to inspire; instead, embrace the power of authentic storytelling. As Harvard Business Review notes, persuasion is key in business, and storytelling is its centerpiece. (HBR Fryer, 2003).”
Think about your favorite story and why it is so captivating to you. There was a balance, followed by a conflict and a series of antagonists, and ultimately a resolution. Throughout the story, there was a great deal of suspense which motivated you to continue to give your attention.
Cinema successes ranging from: Forrest Gump, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Toy Story, and more alike have all followed this pattern. If there was no conflict and the movie began at the resolution, there would be no point in watching them because there was no story. “All of these films came from students of Robert McKee, a University of Michigan graduate and one of the world’s most well-known and esteemed screenwriting lecturers (HBR Fryer, 2003).”
It is no secret that enthralling stories are the key to enchanting an audience. If you want the attention of your audience, persuade them. This does not mean manipulation, it means genuinely sparking their interest into why your company exists, why you solve problems, how you solve those problems, and how you can solve a problem that they are currently facing.
Happy Valley Industry implements storytelling as the heart of our business. HappyValley Industry wants to share your company story and amplify your genuine value to your stakeholders.
Do you want to be part of this regional co-op to amplify the problems you are solving? Do you want to start by answering this 2-minute survey? Want us to tell your story on the drama of your story and how you are solving problems for customers?
We want to know your 2023 highlights, hopes, dreams, and goals for 2024. Give us your best moments and what you’re looking forward to in the New Year. Please consider taking this short 2-minute survey.
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