How To Apply Storytelling To Your Small Business


Storytelling is a term we hear every day.  But how does it apply to business?  

This is a question I get asked often.

The answer seems obvious, but when some business owners attempt to apply this concept to their business, crazy things happen.  The negative voices emerge and the mind draws blanks.  

“How do I tell stories about boring products?  My business isn’t interesting. I can’t think of any stories. I’m not a talented storyteller.” Sound familiar?  I’ve been there too.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is good storytelling is as much about the content as the way you tell it.  It’s an art, and everybody can do it.  Pssst…You probably tell them to your friends and family everyday.

Before I get into it, you may wonder why we need storytelling at all.      

Let me explain.

Humans are wired to connect to stories.  

Jonathan Gottschall, the author of The Storytelling Animal, said, “We are, as a species, addicted to the story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories.” 

From early childhood we crave and rely on them to help us sleep, inspire, educate, and deepen our connection to each other.  This is the part that you should note.  The deeper your connection is with your customers, the more they will buy, remember, and share your product or service with their friends.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate a story in social posts is sharing my perspective. It’s the one thing that sets you apart from others in your industry and positions you as a thought leader. Your experience and ability to provide a unique experience draws your customers in.

You’ll see a never ending supply of stories to share.  There’s a story you could tell!

Here are a few of the best ways to share stories:

  1. Success stories from the field, the ugly too, and with how you prevailed. Your experience will educate and inspire customers entering the marketplace.
  2. Tell your customer’s story. How has your product or service transformed their lives?  We buy transformation, not products.  
  3. Your beliefs, mindset, and thoughts on topics related to your industry. Thought leadership is one of the best ways to build your credibility and community around your content. 
  4. Tell your story.  Invite people into your world (as much as you want to) and help them get to know the person they are considering hiring.

Remember, every story has a beginning, middle, and an end.  Apply what you already know and guide your customer down a slippery slope to the end.  

Insanely Useful Gifts for Real Estate Agents and Small Business Owners (or You) Updated 2022

Here’s the Pagli insanely useful gift guide for the real estate agent or small business owner in your life. 

Small business is big work and every business owner needs practical tools to succeed. These gifts are tested by me, and Above and Beyond approved. 

Bookmark this post for future reference.

 

Essential Reading Gifts

Everybody Writes 2 By Anne Handley “The new and improved go-to guide for writing ridiculously good content” – Anne Handley – If you write anything, this book is a must read. Times have changed from what we were taught in elementary school. Anne helps us write for today’s online world.

The Experience Maker – By Dan Gingiss (Foreward by Ann Handley) – The customer experience defines a successful business. Dan shares how to create remarkable experiences that help you stand out in the marketp[lace and build lasting relationships with your customers.

Entrepreneur Magazine Subscription – Each month you’ll get inspiration from industry leaders and hear success/failure stories from other entrepreneurs. We’re all in this together.

The Go-Giver By Bob Berg and John David Mann  – Every business owners needs this concept in their life.

Contagious By Jonah Berger – Take a deep dive into why things catch on.

Practical Work Gifts

Bosch Blaze GLM50C Laser Distance Measurer  – The real estate agents best friend. Whether you’re working with home buyers or sellers this tool is essential.

Canva Pro Membership – Most small business owners don’t have the time or the capacity to learn design. Canva takes the guesswork and frustration out of creating digital and printable projects. They offer printing services for anything from mugs to t-shirts and fliers (brilliant if you ask me, keep it all in house).

Laptop Desk  –  If you work from this desk will increase your productivity and happiness from the comfort of your couch.  Everyone should look forward to going to the couch-office.

5-in-1 Laptop Stand  – You’ve probably heard that sitting is the new smoking. If you spend too much time working from the couch, this adjustable 5-in-1 stand will help you quit your nasty habit. Plus you’ll help support the MOMA in NYC, a win for all.

Pro Writing Aid – This tool is a super-charged editor for your writing. I used Grammarly for a long time and ProWritingAid lured me over with many heartfelt email offers. Saving $70 bucks on a year’s subscription was also enticing (they have a 25% off sale a few times a year). Whether you’re writing an email or creating social media posts, web pages, real estate listing remarks, blog posts, you’ll sound better and feel smarter.

Titita Portable Charger and Power Bank – This charger saved my life multiple times. It works great on smart phones and iPads/tablets.

WD 2T Elements Portable External Hard Drive – Finding a good external hard drive requires a lot of patience. There are so many options and just as many conflicting reviews. This one consistently ranked high and it’s easy to use. Compatible with MAC and PC.

Blue Yeti USB Mic When the pandemic hit these mics flew off the shelf. Why? Because they are one of the best at an affordable price.  If you’re zooming, presenting, or podcasting this mic is essential for crystal clear audio.

Inkletech Ring Light  – Good lighting is everything when you are making videos.  This light ring is the perfect tool for bringing your bright ideas forward.  It comes with a mount for mobile devices or DSLR cameras, a travel bag, a six foot stand, and a remote control for the light and your phone.

Skillshare Membership – Wouldn’t it be cool to have access to thousands of classes ranging from entrepreneurship to marketing and design for a small price? You can! Skillshare has you covered. An hour a day goes a long way.

Udemy Membership – Another learning wonderland.

iPhone Video Bundle Gifts:  

If you want to make professional looking videos from your smartphone, these tools are essential.

Pop Voice Lavalier Lapel Mic – This lapel mic plugs into the microphone jack on your phone and makes your videos sound professional. Your viewers will feel more connected to you. If you have an iPhone 7 or newer, you’ll need an adapter for the headphone jack (I’ve got you covered, that’s next on the list).  

Apple Lightning Headphone Jack Adaptor  – There are many adaptors out there but this is the only one that I found that works with the Lavalier mic. Buy it direct from Apple for only 

Victiv 72” Camera Tripod – It’s compact and easy to use with smartphones or DSLR cameras. Place it on your desktop. Go full length. Take it with you wherever you go for more stable videos. 

Tip – Download the ProMovie app for $2.99 – It’s easy to ease turns your phone into a professional video camera.

Fun Gifts

Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad – Once the water gets goin’ the ideas start flowin’. Some of the best ideas are born in the shower. Now you can write them down mid-lather.

GoSports 3 Ft. Wide Four In A Row Game – If you love Connect Four then you’ll love this jumbo version for the backyard or anywhere else it’ll fit.

9 in 1 Multitool Pen

 

Have a gift idea I should know about? Send me an email [email protected] and I’ll consider it for my next post. Happy Holidays!

 

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