Become your prospect’s sage who knows exactly what they want to hear.
Good old Zuker had a secret.
And let it out once that he built Facebook for people to share stories.
The reason why Steve Jobs could sell so many iPhones was through the story of transformation with innovation and simplicity.
And for you non-tech fans… Oprah Winfrey turned her talk show into an empire.
How?
By letting people narrate their life stories, connecting deeply with her audience.
If someone tells you that storytelling is a trend, slap them in the face.
Storytelling isn’t just powerful—it’s essential.
Think of it like the blood in your veins, the blood of your business, keeping it alive.
Unless you’re talking with Mr. Scrooge, don’t bore prospects with the fact your product could save them $10,000 a month. Yada, yada, yawn.
Instead, show them the impact of a story, because seeing is believing, right?
Here’s how:
1. Be real with prospects
Don’t make stories up.
Give your prospects the real deal, and tell them about what really happened.
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t crave authentic experiences. They want to feel the pain, the love, transformations. Being human and social creatures this just helps us connect – Man to man, woman to woman, and human to human.
For all you life coaches up there, skip the fluffy promises.
Instead, talk about a real client whom you helped transform from a boring cubicle worker to a gold making solopreneur.
It’s about making your story relatable and tangible to your target audience.
Selling health insurance? Share a heart-tugging story about someone who lost their job due to illness and struggled with medical bills.
Financial services? Narrate how you helped a young family escape the clutches of overwhelming debt.
Truth be told, people don’t want products or services.
People live in the trenches of real life and have real problems.
The power of a true story is its ability to make the listener think, “That could be me.”
I know from experience; by working on narratives based on genuine experiences, you transform abstract benefits into tangible lifesavers.
2. Use layers in your stories
Damn, I love a good burger. Every bite hits the heart.
Good stories are like my favorite burger—they’re packed with everything I love, no fluff.
Now think of yourself as that burger; all goodness, fresh lettuce, a juicy patty, and well-toasted buns.
You show who you are, and what you stand for, and build a bridge straight to your listener’s heart.
Use juicy details to paint a vivid picture. Describe the expressions, the setting, the palpable tension or relief—every element that makes the story come alive.
And if you’re struggling to tell a story, don’t.
Change your perspective, look at it from a different angle.
I can tell you, every story can be told in 1000 ways.
For instance, if you’re talking about a software solution, don’t just mention it has this and that.
What you should be doing is telling a story of how it turned an afternoon of hell into an afternoon of joy.
Get creative and dive deep into how their relief was almost tangible, transforming their afternoon.
Checking out different perspectives adds different layers to your story. On top of that, your prospects can see the full value of your offer.
Another way to look at it is that each layer is a stepping stone towards solving the problem of your prospect.
Simply put, solving the problem gains your prospect’s trust, and that’s how you become unforgettable (and hopefully with a few more dollars in your bank account).
3. Be honest for heaven’s sake
Let’s face it, no one likes a bullshitter.
You know the best stories don’t need too much dressing up.
Those cool stories you hear from people, salespeople, and others are simple and straight from the heart.
My advice is just to keep it neat and genuine.
Trust me, your listeners will tune in.
Authenticity resonates because it reflects truth in a way that polished, perfect stories often can’t.
Man, if you share true embellished stories, what you are doing is connecting on a human level.
I have a client whose app manages inventory for restaurants.
Yes, they can talk features and all that. Yada, yada.
Instead, they share firsthand accounts of users rising up from the brink of shutdown. It’s so cool how they show the transformation. Chaos to peace of mind.
When you use such stories, they strike a cord because there’s no bullshit.
They’re real and relatable—they show the practical impact of the product in everyday application.
By focusing on honesty, you foster trust and credibility with your audience.
And with that credibility, you’ve got a relationship based on integrity.
Your non-BS story opens the door to the confidence of you, your product, or your service from your audience.
4. Add some spice for some extra spark
Any story needs some energy behind it, some spark.
That spark needs to lead to a fire and causes your audience to act because they feel something.
Use vivid details that resonate with your listeners’ fears, hopes, and dreams.
Create a narrative that’s as gripping as your favorite movie.
How?
You can almost imagine yourself writing a thriller. Grab their emotions.
For instance, imagine you’re selling fire extinguishers.
Don’t be lame and just talk about how they put out fires. Tell a story about a mother cooking fried chicken, who set the kitchen on fire!
Your product didn’t just put out the fire, it saved the family from living on the streets. Highlight the family’s sense of relief and love of life.
I tell you, it’s these heart-wrenching emotions that can transform your simple pitch into an attention-grabbing narrative.
And that’s what you need to captivate your audience to act, and hit that CTA button.
Final thoughts
Storytelling is the most powerful tool for ESG.
When done well it’s curiosity and builds bridges with your prospects.
You can tell him that no more years those bridges are crucial to making money, And lots of it.
Think of storytelling as an investment strategy for your business or endeavor.
You’d be a crazy person if you haven’t already incorporated storytelling into your sales strategy.
If this is you, now is the time to start.
I feel that you want attention from your audience and prospects.
Remember, In the world of salesmanship, a well-told story is not just memorable; it’s influential.
It’s about making your customers see themselves in the story—a journey they can embark on with you as their sage (and pay you at the same time!).
Unlock the power of your story—Free discovery call available!
Looking to enhance your ESG story?
Storytelling can elevate your message, and I’m here to help weave that narrative.
Plus, mastering your body language can make your stories resonate even more. Ready to craft the right message for every situation?
Let’s chat about your communication goals.
Contact me for a free discovery call today and start your journey to impactful storytelling!
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