Who doesn’t love a great story? A well-told story will grip us, excite us and engross us in its characters and plot.
This is no accident. Stories have been around for thousands of years.
In fact, our brains are programmed to process stories. As much as 70% of what we learn is through stories.
But stories aren’t just told at campfires or around office watercoolers. They’re not just featured in books, movies or TV news shows.
In the business world, stories are a vital form of communication. They help customers/donors identify with the problems the organization is trying to solve.
Think of stories – whether on a website, promotional leaflet, social media or sales email – like this:
– Stories put a human face on information.
– Stories improve the overall understanding of what you do and can simplify complex ideas.
– Effective stories persuade.
– Stories help to sell your products or services — without the hard sell.
Using storytelling to market your company is based on the notion that if people really knew what you did and what you are good at, they would want to do business with you.
Most importantly, by telling stories regularly, you will stand out in a crowded marketplace. You’ll be able to focus on one of the most important aspects of business: making human connections.
Leon Fooksman is the founder and CEO of Digital Storyline, a social media and content marketing firm specializing in storytelling for nonprofits, government agencies and small businesses. A graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Leon is a former newspaper reporter who has helped dozens of agencies and companies find, tell and publish their best stories.
If interested in storytelling, Leon is offering one-on-one coaching on storytelling techniques to advance your organization’s mission. Contact him here: leon@digitalstoryline.com
