The Power Of Your Personal Storytelling And Some Practical Examples In Businesses
I would like to start today’s conversation with a short piece from a Ted talk description, titled: “The Power Of Your Personal Story” by Bianca Ghose. “Everyone has a story. We use stories to give meaning to our lives, to make sense of what we have accomplished, and to establish connections with others.”
Want to learn more? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Series.
Going further in the description, two questions were left open for reflection, and they are as follows:
“How do you reconcile an authentic personal story with a carefully crafted professional image? How do you stay believable, yet unique?”
Now, let me add that whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned storyteller, learning how to master your story or personal storytelling is a skill that will always work for you, any day. But how do we do that?
Well, that is what book three of The Storytelling Series is about: the idea behind this 5-part book series is to help you Leverage The Power Of Storytelling To Your Advantage and it all came from my more than 10 years of experience of talking to different people and listening to their stories.
My Personal story
Since I came to Verona, Italy in August of 2004 I have been interested in learning about the stories of other African immigrants like me.
What I have learned over the years is that there is something powerful about the human story and there is nothing more beneficial to you, both in personal and professional environment than learning how to tell your story.
Are you really interested in diving deeper into this discussion? Then, I encourage you to pick up the 5 books on Amazon or wherever you get your books online, physical copies or eBooks. The title again is Storytelling Series for Small Businesses and Content Creators.
Book reading from The Storytelling Series
The following is a short reading from book three in the series. We are in chapter one, and the subtopic is: Explore your personal story.
“This is the catch and I want you to think about it: You cannot change the past, but you have the chance to be here right now, and you can shape the kind of future you want. It all starts with you and right now.
Do you know your personal story? Yes, I mean that because many of us do not. We simply live in a bubble, doing what we see others do, without being intentional about our lives, and that is not good enough if we want to stand out from the noise around us. This is also why stories are important, irrespective of what your purposes might be.
Now, here are five benefits of knowing your personal story in case you haven’t given it serious thought by now. I encourage you to reflect on every single one of them:
- It helps you to understand yourself better: By understanding your personal story, you can gain a greater insight into who you are, your strengths, your weaknesses, your motivations, and desires.
- It helps you to make sense of your past: Knowing your personal story can help you to make sense of your past experiences and how they have shaped you into the person you are today.
- It gives you a sense of purpose: Another thing knowing your personal story can do for you is a sense of purpose and direction. It helps you see how your experiences and challenges have prepared you for the future.
- It can help you to overcome challenges: By understanding your personal story, you can gain the insight and perspective needed to overcome challenges and adversity. If you think about it, these are never lacking in our lives.
- Understanding your personal story can help you connect with others: Sharing your personal story with others can help you to connect better with them on a deeper level and build stronger relationships.
Always remember this: a personal story is a way of organizing the chaos of our past lives. It can be seen as a reflection of who we are and what we have experienced through life and how it has altered our worldview. Being able to capture your personal story will truly separate you from the crowd.
Yes, we are over 8 billion people in the world today but that should not take away your uniqueness because we are all unique and individual. We need this knowledge of uniqueness before we can be useful to our different groups and social stratifications.”
End of the reading. And I conclude by adding that before you can be relevant to any community or a group, you first need to know who you are and be relevant yourself. So, who are you and where do you come from?
Three examples of businesses to learn from about storytelling
Here are three examples of businesses that have successfully leveraged the power of personal stories:
Nike: “Just Do It” Campaign
Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign is one of the most iconic and successful examples of using personal stories to create a powerful brand identity. The campaign was launched in 1988 with the slogan “Just Do It,” and it featured a series of advertisements highlighting the personal stories and struggles of athletes.
These stories conveyed messages of determination, overcoming challenges, and pushing one’s limits, all of which aligned with Nike’s brand ethos.
How Nike did it: By showcasing the personal journeys of real athletes, Nike established a strong emotional connection with its audience. The stories resonated with consumers who could relate to the struggles and triumphs of these athletes.
The campaign not only promoted Nike’s products but also conveyed a larger message about the power of determination and self-belief. This approach helped Nike become more than just a sportswear company; it became a symbol of inspiration and empowerment.
Ben & Jerry’s: Social Responsibility and Activism
Ben & Jerry’s, a well-known ice cream brand, has successfully integrated personal stories into its business strategy to convey its commitment to social responsibility and activism. The company’s founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have always been vocal about their values and their desire to make a positive impact on society.
How Ben & Jerry’s did it: Ben & Jerry’s incorporates personal stories through its commitment to using ethically sourced ingredients, supporting fair trade practices, and addressing social and environmental issues through its products and marketing campaigns.
By sharing their personal values and stories, the founders have built a brand that stands for more than just ice cream; it’s a platform for advocating for social change and sustainable business practices.
This approach has resonated with socially conscious consumers and has helped the brand maintain a loyal following.
Warby Parker: Disrupting the Eyewear Industry
Warby Parker, an eyewear company, has utilized personal stories to disrupt the traditional eyewear industry by offering affordable, stylish glasses while also giving back to communities in need. The company was founded with a mission to provide high-quality eyewear at a fraction of the cost of traditional brands.
How Warby Parker did it: The founders of Warby Parker shared their personal frustrations with the high cost of eyewear and the lack of transparency in the industry. They used these personal stories to position their company as a disruptive force, challenging the status quo and offering a solution to a common problem.
Additionally, Warby Parker’s “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program, which donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold, reflects the company’s commitment to making a positive impact.
These personal stories of frustration and determination have helped Warby Parker attract customers who appreciate the brand’s transparency, affordability, and social responsibility.
Conclusion On The Power Of Your Personal Storytelling And Some Practical Examples In Businesses
In a world increasingly driven by digital interactions, the ability to infuse personal stories into corporate narration is a powerful reminder that, beyond transactions and spreadsheets, the stories we tell truly shape the world of business.
The three examples above demonstrate how businesses can effectively integrate personal stories into their branding and messaging to connect with their target audience on a deeper level.
By sharing authentic and relatable narratives, these companies have built strong brand identities, fostered customer loyalty, and created a lasting impact in their respective industries.
Their success stories serve as a testament to the profound impact that authenticity, empathy, and shared experiences can have on building not only profitable enterprises but also lasting legacies that resonate with generations to come.
Want to learn more? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Series.
