“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.”
— Steve Jobs
On a recent call during one of my business development workshops, participants shared success stories—real examples they could use when talking to prospects. These stories are powerful tools. They help personalize your message and move beyond simply listing what you do.
But here’s the catch: your story must lead your listener to the action you want them to take.
One participant told an incredible story that had us all engaged. By the end, we were ready to crawl under our homes and start winterizing! It was vivid, compelling, and memorable. There was just one problem…
Winterizing crawl spaces wasn’t what he was selling.
This happens more often than you’d think. We get caught up in stories that mean something to us, and we forget to check whether they lead others to the result we’re aiming for.
So here’s a simple tip:
Before you tell a story—or write any marketing message—ask yourself, What do I want people to do after hearing this? Then, make sure your words support that specific action.
Test your message on a few people. Ask them, “What are you inspired to do after hearing this?” You might be surprised—what feels obvious to you may not be as obvious to others.
This week, try crafting a new story. One that clearly shows:
What you do
Who you do it for
And the outcome they can expect
Then test it. Refine it. And when it clicks, use it in your conversations with prospects.
Wishing you clarity and ease in sharing what you do,
— Cheri