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 Story Authentic. Hardworking. Family.

2. What are your hobbies? Cooking Decorating Scrapbooking Sewing Gardening Exercising Your kids?

3. The Challenge

4. Two Approaches to Telling YOUR Story Picket Signs Building Bridges Activism Speaks mainly on agriculture at all times Passionate confrontation with those who attack Black and white view points Based on science and experience as farmers Relationships About the people rather than the topic Sharing experiences Finding common values Being authentic Showing hard work Family 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.com Common-sense commentary on working motherhood, cooking and all Goode things

16. Where do you fit?

17. Back to your hobbies Pick one of your hobbies How many people in this room share your interest? Would any outside of agriculture?

18. Now what? Start small Commit to the conversation Use tools Sign up for more opportunities Tell your authentic, hardworking story about your family