Are you sitting comfortably?
Hello there,
If the next words in your head after reading the subject line were "and then I'll begin", you win!
You don't win an actual prize but you win at being human.
We tell stories all the time. It's part of what makes us human. Our brains will fill in the blanks without us realising. It's why we gossip or decide that secretly everyone hates us and only pretending to be our friends. (Just me?)
We make up stories in our heads every single day without thinking about it. And it's why we read the news, magazines, look at social media. We want to hear more stories. They help make sense of our world and make us feel safe.
And stories are how we connect with one another.
So story-telling should really come natural to us, right? If we do it without thinking? We should be able to tell our brand story to our future customers and job done.
Except it's not always that easy.
Years ago, I worked for a record label. I met lots of musicians during my 20s. And I get asked if I met anyone famous. Yet, I can never remember my famous people stories on the spot. So I say no and that the bands I worked with are the kind you've probably not heard about unless you like your music heavy, dark and challenging. Plus, I don't want to risk sounding like a bit of a Saxondale.
Plus, my kids tell me how boring my stories are all the time.
But get the storytelling right and you can make a real connection with people. And that's what this week's podcast is all about. My guests, Lisa and Deevo are from the States. They connected with me because one of my Instagram posts resonated with them. And they are hugely insightful on the deep connection small businesses should be making with their content.
They also have some very smart things to say about using stock photography AND how you can better use visual storytelling to reach more people.
There is no workbook this week but if you want something to do, try to spend some thinking time on how you can create more unique images for your business. Or go reach out to someone online whose values align with your own.
In fact, do this second one first because I bet you'll meet someone lovely.
Next week I'm chatting about green data and why you should consider measuring this in your business (if you don't already).
See you next Thursday!
Fiona