Many of us have been raised not to share our personal lives. It may have started with “Family Secrets”. Society says, “Don’t share your ‘dirty laundry’ in public. It’s not professional, keep your personal life out of it. No one cares about your struggles.” We all want to have the appearance of being in control, on top of “it” (whatever “it” is), and looking good. No one wants to look bad. Right?

1. The Branding Power of Your Personal Story
Many of us have been raised not to share our personal lives. It may have started with
“Family Secrets”. Society says, “Don’t share your ‘dirty laundry’ in public. It’s not
professional, keep your personal life out of it. No one cares about your struggles.” We
all want to have the appearance of being in control, on top of “it” (whatever “it” is), and
looking good. No one wants to look bad. Right?
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In a crowded market place nothing could be further from the truth. Telling your story is
one of the most powerful distinguishing factors to make you STAND OUT and get
noticed. Why? Being transparent, (and sometimes vulnerable), allows other people to
connect and identify with you. It’s your story; it happened to you. That immediately
differentiates you from your competition.
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“Facts Tell. Stories Sell.”
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We buy from EMOTION and then rationalize our purchase. Stories that are emotionally
evocative are inherently believable. Stories express things and ideas in simple ways
that people can relate to. People want to relate and get that you understand where they
are and you have had lots of challenges too. It’s the, “If I can do it, you can do it” factor
that has people TRUST you.
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“Every story has a point & every point has a story”—Les Brown
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Business is Personal. So tell your story in an empowering way that connects with
people and enrolls them in what you are doing. To get you started, ask yourself these
questions.
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1. What life experiences have I had, that make me the perfect person to be
teaching this or coaching or having this service as my business? (hint: It's usually
something that pisses you off or breaks your heart.)
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2. What recurring themes or threads run through my life? (hint: One of mine was I
never fit in, unpopular and picked on as a kid, was always left out and different.)
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2. 3. How can telling my story can tie directly into “why” I am doing what I am doing
and explain why I am so brilliant at doing it?
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“A story is meant to be embellished to inspire,
engage & cause your listeners to take action.”
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The most powerful and engaging stories are told as if they are actually happening in the
present moment. In truth, the brain has no way of differentiating between a story and
reality. (That’s why scary movies are so scary.) If you are really good, the story will give
you goosebumps or bring you to an emotional feeling. My gauge for being fully present
and inspiring: If you are feeling it, they are feeling it. That will make you simply
irresistible to your ideal client.