…to the success of any company or professional.
When done right, storytelling is a powerful tool for any company looking to make a positive impression. But what exactly is storytelling, and why should it matter to CEOs and corporations?
Humans are innately drawn to stories. For centuries, it’s how we’ve passed down information, shared experiences, and made connections with other humans. Apply that to the business world, and storytelling becomes the bridge you build to connect with your audience, influence change, add value to your products or services, and even shape company culture.
When a business integrates brilliant storytelling into its strategy, it first and foremost attracts the right people. Using a voice tone that is authentic to your industry and audience can immediately filter through the noise to reach your target demographic. For example, an audience of middle-aged financial advisors will speak and listen differently than twenty-something web developers.
No matter how great, a story won’t be heard if it’s not being told in a way that captures your market’s attention.
Strong storytelling can drive action and influence decisions. Stories are compelling because of the emotional factor. We are attracted by what feels humanized and approachable, which is why storytelling can significantly affect how a company is perceived and received. Remaining unique and authentic builds interest and trust and allows you to establish yourself as a leader in the industry.
Corporate storytelling often overlooks the impactful way of introducing products or services to the audience. A good story opens up the opportunity to create a relatable narrative that makes people realize they are looking for a solution to a problem, and your company can provide it. Also, the right tone of voice can help make your audience more open to engaging with you, allowing you to learn crucial knowledge that could help shape future products and services.
What’s also interesting is that storytelling isn’t just about the external impact; internal storytelling can significantly affect and change company culture. A straightforward story that weaves into the company’s vision and is easy to understand and memorable will go a long way for leaders and employees. It creates a sense of unity and connection and can help determine the type of people hired and how work gets done.
This is the power of a good story.
Storytelling has always been important to me, and throughout my career, I’ve understood its importance. My first book over two decades ago focused on getting people to share their stories.
The opportunities I’ve had working with world-renowned personalities, extraordinary professionals, and exceptional business people have all shown me how storytelling could impact the world.
I remember writing a story and helping a company win two prestigious awards, including the Company of the Year. It was their powerful story that helped position them to achieve those accolades.
When a story is told authentically and in line with a vision, it has the most impact on any company. The power of a great story is how it allows a company to connect with its audience.
I’ve developed the skills and learned how to tell compelling stories throughout my career. While I’ve applied these skills in various ways, today, I help companies and organizations position themselves as industry leaders, which results in new opportunities and opens doors to more customers or clients and new partnerships.
However, I’ve discovered that it always comes back to having a great story and vision, whether as an employee, a consultant, or a media coach. These are the things that are the differentiators and determine the success of companies. I’m not referring to good companies, but iconic ones — those who have earned recognition because of their story and how they understand and engage their customers and clients.
People are looking for something to give them an edge, something they don’t have, and feel they need to improve their business, profession, or life. That’s what you are communicating in your story.
Whether you’re (1) a CEO of an existing corporation or transitioning to a new company, (2) a new entrepreneur or someone who runs a mid-size company, or (3) a public figure seeking to create more awareness or rebrand yourself, sharing your brand narrative helps you establish a bond that no other form of advertising can.
I want to challenge you to think about what your story is and the kind of impact it could have if told in its most powerful version.
If you’d like to take your business or life to the next level through the power of storytelling, let’s connect so we can discuss the possibilities and map out the best strategy for you.
