This document provides guidance on effectively telling one's personal story. It discusses two approaches: picket signs which take a confrontational black and white view, and building bridges which focuses on finding common values and sharing experiences in an authentic way about family and hard work. The document recommends starting a blog focused on relationships to connect with one's target audience, and to use hobbies as a way to engage those both within and outside of agriculture in one's story. The overarching message is to authentically share one's experiences in a positive manner to build understanding.

1. Telling Your StoryAuthentic. Hardworking. Family.

2. What are your hobbies?CookingDecoratingScrapbookingSewingGardeningExercisingYour kids?

3. The Challenge

4. Two Approaches to Telling YOUR StoryPicket SignsBuilding BridgesActivismSpeaks mainly on agriculture at all timesPassionate confrontation with those who attackBlack and white view pointsBased on science and experience as farmersRelationshipsAbout the people rather than the topicSharing experiencesFinding common valuesBeing authenticShowing hard workFamily focused

6. Examples

10. Who is your target?Blogs focused on relationships can build connections with women like you.Talk about the things your target audience is talking about.Must be positive in nature.Funny.Ag and non-ag in content.About YOU!

11. www.goodenessgracious.blogspot.comCommon-sense commentary on working motherhood, cooking and all Goode things

16. Where do you fit?

17. Back to your hobbiesPick one of your hobbiesHow many people in this room share your interest?Would any outside of agriculture?

18. Now what?Start smallCommit to the conversationUse toolsSign up for more opportunitiesTell your authentic, hardworking story about your family