People Buy You First
Whilst walking, driving, and rowing, I listen to books.
During April, this one stayed in my ears, longer than others.
I hung onto every word.
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons provides the history, science, reasoning, and notable examples of stories used in business communication.
In two recent leadership workshops, the readjusted agenda added storytelling – which illuminates the desire to understand more effective and efficient ways to influence.
Storytelling is a narrative account of a significant event/s that demonstrates relational truths.
Stories are a roadmap to influence behaviours in your business.
A story can connect your team to your desired future, faster than your powerpoint or even your one-page document.
I continue to learn and practise this skill and recommend that you add it to your repertoire of relationship-building skills.
Three key take-outs from The Story Factor:
1. We grew up on stories and can recount (as adults) all the children’s fables based on life’s morals – imagine if people were able to recount your stories.
2. People buy you first; they seek out an emotional connection with you and your life experiences. These experiences (positive or negative) fuel your work and leadership.
3. Our brains are wired to feel all the emotions as well as be informed and entertained – all of which can be done by a short, succinct story.
In my workshop today, we’re mining for personal and business experiences to craft into stories.
What significant experience do you share in a story?