The beauty of storytelling
I would say that storytelling isn’t just about who we are, but it is actually the reason why we are here. Through storytelling, ancient tribes were able to share useful information, key to their survival. Myths, stories, legends, tales passed down from generation to the next around the community fire. Even looking at fairytales are shared with a learnable message; you learn vicariously through these stories.
Down through the years, great epic poems and prose were written in verse. The idea being that the rhyme and the rhythm would guide the reciter through, so they could link the lines together and be sure not to forget anything. Poems and rhymes last from the ancient ages right through to the written word. In fact, many scholars lamented the arrival of the printing press as it meant students would memorize their work as well, as they could refer back to it. I digress, but it seems we have always struggled with new technology and its effects on the young person's brains.
Today, storytelling is key in the success of our businesses, in building our communities and even in how we present ourselves. When you start your company, you start with an idea, a passion, a solution that you wished existed - so you created it.
Tell that story!
By creating and sharing a clear story of your business you help your customers to get to know you, who you are, why you are doing what you do. By establishing this trust even before they make a purchase from you, you are setting up an amazing relationship with them. You can share the story of who you are, why you set up your business, maybe even some of the struggles that have made you who you are today. You can share the mission of your company, or the purpose of your business and why it means so much to you in all that you do.
A good story makes you memorable to your customers. Instead of being one of a dozen businesses or services that they have inquired on, yours is the one that had a story, that showed a little bit more, that had a heart beating behind the storefront. Having a really memorable story will ensure that you stay in your customers mind. Sharing case studies, customer feedback and success stories that all tie into your overall narrative are a great and effective way to do this.
By having good storytelling as part of your business, and living that message, your customers will keep coming back. Not only have you an amazing product or service that they need, but you also created an experience that they also take away with them. When you live your truth, and customers get to experience that, you can build a deeper and more loyal relationship with them.
Storytelling is a part of who we are, a part of our everyday lives.
If you want to make it a part of your business too, get in touch and I would love to help you with it.