The Story You Stopped Telling
In a recent invitation-only event attended by around 1,000 top-tier business owners and sales leaders, an intriguing pattern emerged from my conversations with these industry elites. Despite their success, many shared a common realization: they had stopped telling their stories. This wasn't the first time I'd heard this sentiment, but it resonated deeply, prompting me to share some insights on the power of storytelling in business.
The Story You Used to Tell
When you're starting in your career or venture, your story often serves as a bridge between your burgeoning passion and your then-limited experience. This narrative isn't just a recounting of events; it's a tool that connects you to your audience, be it clients, colleagues, or the broader market. However, as time passes and your journey evolves, two significant shifts tend to occur.
1. You Change, But Your Audience Doesn't
It's natural for you to evolve. With each year, you amass more knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of your industry's nuances, and develop new passions. This growth is essential and valuable. Yet, it's crucial to remember that while you've changed, your potential clients or audience might not have. The people discovering your work today are in the same position as those who encountered you at the start of your career. Their needs and perspectives are similar. They seek the connection and understanding that your original story provided.
2. Story Fatigue
Let's face it: telling the same story for years, even decades, can become tiresome. It's human to crave novelty and to feel that your old stories have lost their luster. However, for those hearing it for the first time, your story is fresh and engaging. If it was a story that resonated and connected with people before, it would likely continue to do so. The effectiveness of a good story doesn't diminish with repetition; its impact is renewed with each new listener.
Reviving Your Original Storytelling
Take a moment to reflect on the beginning of your career. Was there a story you used to tell that encapsulated your drive, your mission, or your vision? If so, it might be time to revisit and revive that story. Your foundational story has the power to connect with people, conveying your passion and purpose in a way that facts and figures alone cannot.
Remember, storytelling in business isn't just about narrating a sequence of events. It's about forging a connection, bridging the gap between you and your audience, and humanizing your brand or mission. By rediscovering and sharing your original story, you can continue to captivate and engage, no matter how far you've come in your journey.
So, dust off those old chapters of your career, find the narrative gems within, and start telling your story once again. It's not just a recounting of the past; it's a powerful tool for future success.