Storytelling is woven into everything we do, from the stories that we grew up hearing and internalizing about life and about ourselves, to the stories we create for ourselves, it’s an integral part of our culture. The power of storytelling is profound; it’s how we make sense of the world around us and how we connect and relate to others. In terms of business, the power of storytelling is beyond measure.
The Power of Storytelling in Business
When you’re working to build and grow a business, using the power of storytelling can help you move that needle a little bit more quickly, and grow faster, because your story is what is going to bring your exact audience to you. Your community wants to know you and what you stand for. They want a true connection; it is up to you to use your platform to show your audience – as much as you’re comfortable showing – what you are truly about.
Storytelling appeals to our emotions and it is well known that people generally buy from a place of emotion, so using the power of storytelling in business to your advantage is a great way to grow. If you let your audience into your world and show them the behind-the-scenes; your growth, and your ups, and downs; you will create a community that always wants more from you, and ultimately, a community that buys from you.
How to Incorporate Storytelling into Your Business
With the vast amount of social media options available to us now, incorporating storytelling into your business is easier than ever. Whether you choose to share your process or behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok and Instagram or opt to create long-form videos for YouTube, the potential to reach a wide audience looking for your exact offering increases exponentially. But, social media isn’t the only way to share your story.
Another way to share your authentic story is by actually getting out into the community and interacting with people. Now for introverts, that can be a challenge, but attending networking events, renting a booth at a conference or just attending a fair or conference and chatting and sharing information with the attendees is another important way to harness the power of storytelling in business.
Promote Your Business With Your Story
So, how can we, as business owners use storytelling in business? There are many options, depending on your actual business and of course your comfort level. One way is to share what it is that inspired you to start your business. Do you enjoy helping others grow their businesses, and that’s why you decided to offer photography services to business owners? Are you a master at branding because you saw in your own business, how it helped you to expand and grow your bottom line? If so, share those stories. People love to hear what inspired others to do what they do, and when it’s a win-win for everyone, the story is that much sweeter.
Of course, in business, there are always ups and downs. It’s important to share those as well because what may seem like an overnight success story, in many cases, is actually a result of years of hard work, fails, pivots, and perseverance. People need to see that too, and if you share those ups and downs and origin stories, your authenticity shines through; and we know that customers and clients love authenticity.
Storytelling Ensures Future Business
Storytelling in business is not just about who you are, where you’ve come from, and the challenges you’ve faced. It’s also about the products and services that you offer. One of the easiest ways to grow your business is to share how your offerings can affect and change people’s lives. Testimonials are a great way to do this. But, when you also share the day-to-day benefits of your offerings, your brand begins to stick in your audience’s mind. When this happens, while they may not need your product or service right now, you can guarantee that they’ll contact you first, when that time comes.
