One thing I’ve learned in my years of entrepreneurship is that numbers and facts simply don’t do it for people anymore. This used to frustrate me greatly. I used to wish that my business and my ideas would speak for themselves, but the truth is that communication is important. You don’t just build a vision, you’d have to get people on board, and to successfully do this, the narrative you create and share has to attract people to your community.
If you’re the type of person as how I used to be, then you can probably relate to this. You’re probably wondering why storytelling matters, and why your business can’t just live on its own. The reality is that your business doesn’t matter without sales, and sales don’t happen without customers sold on an authentic, compelling story.
How and why is this true? Read on and find out how business storytelling can significantly improve not just your sales, but also your credibility as an entrepreneur and leader:
Stories Pass Leaders’ Torches
Stories have been around since the beginning of time, and when it comes to leadership, this used to be the only thing that mattered. Why do you think that we continue to hear great stories like Greek myths and Aesop’s fables? It’s because these are the lesson-laced kinds of stories that have always evoked emotions and spoken of truths people need to live by.
The same thing goes for business. People care about what leaders have to say, purely by virtue of them being leaders. I know I’ve certainly heard stories from my favourite entrepreneurs that have made a difference in the way I’ve approached business. I’ve also heard many great personal stories from peers and mentors that have shown me what hard work and dedication can do for growth. As a leader, you’re presented with a platform to be heard – perhaps more so than the average person – so leverage this to get your story out and build a following around your personal and brand narrative.
For others to take you seriously, you have to be able to tell your story, clearly and convincingly. These are the things that people look for, and these are the things that stick. There’s no credibility without good stories.
Stories Matter for Diversity
When people say the world is becoming diverse, I always like to argue that the world isn’t becoming diverse, but that it’s always been diverse, and people are starting to realise its importance. This is why you see so many companies fighting for more diversity, and stressing affirmative action for people of all kinds of race, gender, and beliefs.
When recruiting the best employees for your business, they want to know that their story is included and that it’s heard. No one wants to work for a company that excludes, and they rightfully shouldn’t!
This is why learning how to tell stories matters, because you can show the best prospects that their stories matter too. Once you communicate a culture of inclusion, you’ll also inspire a stronger sense of belonging and higher levels of motivation – this will significantly encourage the team to continue building your business to the heights that it can reach.
People Love Stories
Ultimately, the biggest reason for business storytelling is that people are just drawn to good stories. The importance of art – whether it’s video games, movies, books, music – has become increasingly apparent during this pandemic, with everybody staying at home. Art matters and art is only ever as good as the stories it tells.
Just consider how much money Disney is making with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Superhero movies have made over $18 billion for Disney, and that’s just a portion in the worldwide box office market worth over $50 billion.
This is why while I’m sure your business is great, it doesn’t mean anything unless backed by a solid narrative and good storytelling. As an entrepreneur, I’m sure your ideas are worth sharing with the world. But getting the world behind your brand? That’s where you need to make your story count.
To your success,
Mario
[Visit www.mariosingh.com now to enjoy a FREE e-book of my latest “37 Essential Principles for Massive Success” when you subscribe!]
