I love to listen to stories, don’t you? – I especially love to listen to stories of people who have achieved success in life and business.

I get inspired when I read of how the trial and tribulations that individuals face have been overcome – A real zero to hero story always gets me right in the throat. [I’m a real softy at the core, ps: don’t tell anyone ]

In coaching I often use metaphors to move my client from a place of limitation to a place of opportunity. Seeing them experience breakthroughs as a result of identifying with the hero’s journey in any good story is a tremendous reward and almost payment in its own way.

Now what do metaphors and story telling have to do with this.

A while ago I decided to take on a small challenge to send a daily email broadcast, using a life story with a message to my current email list. (I am testing bulk email marketing at the moment and am really excited to see what the outcome of this exercise will be.)

Now, firstly I don’t have a huge list, as a matter of fact I have a teeny weeny list that I only started to build a month or 3 ago.  Still I decided to go ahead with this challenge more so to determine whether I could write a personal email a day and also to test whether I could actually write an email using a story from my life and add a special meaning or message or lesson too it.

So why is story telling so important.

People do not like to be sold to.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage, “ Facts tell and Stories Sell”

It’s true – I hate been sold to, and I am sure that If I could ask you you would possible say the same. Even though we might be out looking for something to purchase we do not want to feel pressured into having to purchase something.

This is where story telling is so powerful.

Story telling relies on you connecting on an emotional level with your prospect.

In doing so your prospect gets a feel for the real you. No pretense, No fake made up persona, just you and strangely the prospects seems to see right through the email and sense whether there is a genuineness there or not and whether you just see $$$ on their foreheads and are out for a quick buck or whether you really want to build a relationship with them (and yes, ultimately sell to them when the time is right after all we are in business to make money.)

So how can you use story telling when writing articles, blogging or in emails?

Story telling is an art and captures the hearts and minds of your prospects.

Story telling can be delivered successfully using 3 parts

Adapt your story to your audience

• Make sure you understand who your target market is – Are you marketing to women, men, both, children, stay at home moms etc..
• Take the story as close to them as you can.
• Keep it brief and simple- especially for younger children – pare down to the heart of the story.
• Stimulate their senses so they feel, smell, touch and listen and see vivid pictures.
• Describe the characters and settings, and help them sympathize with the character’s feelings.

Prepare the story that you want to deliver –

• Read the story several times, first for pleasure, then with concentration.
• Analyse its appeal, the word pictures you want your listeners to see, and the mood you wish to create.
• Visualize it! Imagine sounds, tastes, scents, colors. Only when you see the story vividly yourself can you make your audience see it!

Deliver your message with

Sincerity and whole heartedness (Be earnest!),

Enthusiasm

Not only can story telling be used in the written format but it can also be used when delivering a presentation.

Interacting with your clients or prospects on a level that connects their hearts to you is a great way in which to build rapport, loyalty, and also to grow your business.

To great story telling

 

 

 

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