Your Story
This blog post directly ties to the story I am sharing this week in my eZine. I am raising money for the Relay for Life of Altadena to benefit the American Cancer Society and the wonderful work they are doing to help cancer survivors and their caregivers.
Why “my story” is important is that it is the reason I have become a huge advocate of helping those with cancer and also funding research to finding a cure in our lifetime. Without my story, you might think it is nice that I am fundraising and if you resonate with the cause yourself, you might decide to sponsor me.
With my story, you learn why I am passionate about the cause and you will resonate with me, rather than the cause. Because of my story, you are able to identify with me, and as a caring individual, you will now hopefully want to help me support the cause.
How does this apply to marketing and life?
People, whether they are your friends, customers, fans, etc. want to know with whom they are associating. By sharing your story, you are revealing parts of yourself that might be unknown to them, as a recent addition to your tribe.
We have been sharing stories since the beginning of time. Some of these stories impart valuable life lessons and others are told to entertain. However; stories being told to others are about building relationships in some fashion.
When you meet someone new, you have to find common ground to build the relationship. So, you maybe tell a funny story. Then that person maybe shares their funny story. Soon a conversation is going, without too much effort.
You can observe the necessity of a story at a party. Two people meet and one compliments the other on a necklace, piece of clothing, etc. This is to elicit a story. The person receiving the compliment hopefully has a story associated, and if not . . . the new relationship is going to die a quick death, because there is only so much weather and sports you can discuss.
Your Many Stories
We all have stories. Some only get shared after you’ve known the person for a while and, of course there are some that should never be shared. Remember that TMI (To Much Information) will always be TMI in storytelling.
Look for events or situations that have happened to you that have a funny or bitter-sweet outcome. Occasionally, you might have to share a tragic story, to show how you have overcome/beat the odds. It does suck on some level, but this is what makes you human and allows the connection.
Refining Your Story
You need to have different versions of your story. There should be an abridged version, a middle of the road version and then the version in which you cover every little detail – to be saved for only your very best of friends. From one good story, you will discover many smaller stories and life lessons that can be shared, as supplements to the original story.
Using Another Person’s Story
I know many who use other people’s stories to connect with others or share a life lesson. Reading a good book, seeing a play, etc. allows you to have a conversation using that story.
Exaggerating Your Story
Exaggerating your story can help in the story telling; however, avoid telling a tall tale (or an outright lie). The reality is, you will be telling your story often, to many. Others talk and you might be busted, which will in turn lead to mistrust and the disintegration of the relationship you were building by sharing your story.
Be Respectful of Other’s Stories
Everyone has their own way of sharing stories. Take time to listen to others and be respectful of their stories.
So, what’s your story?
Please feel free to comment below.
Thanks for reading!
© 2011 Heather C. Morrow. All rights reserved
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? Of course you can, as long as you include the following with it:
Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth. Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art. For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.
May 24th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Stories are like mathematical solutions to life problems: good stories provide the steps to resolving situations. I agree that in sharing our stories is vital. I like that you suggest three versions of our stories.
TMI, I think, also depends on the listener. One person may like deeper details of a story while another might prefer the one-liner. The trick is, I think, discernment of one’s audience.
I find your work about marketing your art fascinating. I look forward to reading more.