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 get me right in the throat.
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 post. Well, basically everything.
Story telling so important. People do not like to be sold to. Even though they might be out looking for something to purchase most people 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. Prospects will see right through inauthenticity 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 email marketing?
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 sympathise with the character’s feelings.
Prepare the story that you want to deliver
- Read the story several times, first for pleasure, then with concentration.
- Analyze 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!
Deliverability
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
Brenda Tsiaousis
Hi Brenda
Love your new blog Brenda, very refreshing!
Very well written Post ! and great list of tips you’ve got there! I think I have to start on my email marketing. Thanks for the reminder Brenda!
all the best
Easther
Hey Brenda
Great Post!
Listen, Speak, Engage. That’s pretty much the long and short of reching your audience.
I better start on my email marketing. thanks for the reminder Brenda
all the best
Easther
Yes Brenda, Another great post and very well written on email marketing. Well done! Warmest Regards Shirley
Thanks Shirley.
That’s great Brenda! People love to hear stories, especially if they can relate. I look forward to hearing your outcome! Best of luck!
Tonya
Thanks Tonya – this is an exciting new strategy that I am adding and love engaging with my prospects in this manner.
A powerful marketing strategy Brenda.
Honesty is the key to success when using this email marketing strategy.
Great post!!
Its sure is – one that I will be using more often in the future. Thanks for your positive comments Sandy
Hey Brenda,
You have given us some really good E-Mail marketing strategies there which is relevant for all network marketers and business people. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Elizabeth, for those who are still a little afraid of picking up the phone to talk to prospect, email marketing is a great way to engage and build rapport.
Brenda
Great post Brenda,
Email marketing and communication with your list is very important to your success after all “the money is in the list”. Thanks for sharing,
Julie
Yes, I agree Julie.. and it has become so important to build a good, steady relationship with your list.
Hi Brenda,
The more people I listen too the more I hear that story telling is such a powerful way to get people to listen to you. People love hearing stories about other people. Thanks for sharing those 3 tips.
Tristram Lodge
I love stories too, especially ones that tug at my heartstrings.. And its a great way to connect with your audience
Hey Brenda, I’m a huge fan of Daegan and I’ve learned so much from this post. Thanks for sharing.
Brenda, thanks for sharing Daegan’s challenge. He has a great story to share and has made millions sharing it … a good mentor and coach to follow.
He sure has Susan.. and only recently got to hear his story. I Love that he has such a fear of mediocrity and uses this as his driving forces to achieve his dreams, He really is a servant leader and is one of the best Internet Marketing teachers out there..
Brenda
Brenda,
Great tips on presenting your posts as a story. People are able to understand it better and can relate better to stories, especially when you gear it towards them. Thanks for such great tips.
Wendy
Great tips, the more specific you can be, the better. I still have a hard time doing this.