Having a story for your business is a nitty-gritty component of parcel marketing plan for entrepreneurs and small business owners. How too many do you set yourself apart from the competition, create an authentic, complete carved figure for your business and press the benefits you, and by oneself you, offer to your clients?
It is not enough to just flourish a story, though. You right be able to singular that story in a memorable and persuasive manner, in a way that will relays your key messages to your epitome clients and makes a stalwart, powerful connection. Oh, and it has to be interesting.
That may sound like an impossible chore, but studying great storytellers can offer insight to get you started.
1. Write about what interests you. More importantly, write about the benefits you produce that will interest your potential client. Talk more about the " after " photo than the " before " photo. People care more results than the process. ( How else do you explain hot dogs? ).
2. Be passionate. Allow your emotions and excitement shine through all of your marketing strategies. This is your business, your brainchild, your blood, sweat and tears. Expressing your passions for what you are doing will resonate with your ideal clients and bring them closer to you. If you are a very emotional, passionate person and you do not allow that to come through as you network and promote yourself, then how will clients react when they work with you? Be authentic, be yourself and your story will never be boring.
3. Know who you are speaking to. If you target a specific industry, speak their language so people feel comfortable with you and welcome you as part of the community. If you are crystal clear on your ideal client, then you will have no trouble speaking directly to their heart in a way few other businesses can.
4. Make your points. It is imperative to have a core message of three to five points that you want your audience to hear and remember. Do not try to make more points than that. You will become overbearing and your listeners will not be able to focus on what you are saying. Make your points east to understand and retain. Stay positive and keep it simple.
5. Be clear and concise. Even if the benefits or solutions you are offering are complex, you must find a way to be succinct and crisp. Most importantly, you must be able to support your claims, especially if you are new or have had tremendous results. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and you do not want that impression to an arrogant liar.
6. Know when to wrap it up. What is your attention span? What is the attention span of your audience? When in doubt, keep it short and sweet. If you have followed the above tips, then the impact you can make in just a few short minutes will benefit your business tremendously.
You have a short period of time to connect with your ideal client. Developing an interesting story that present you and your business in a positive light is an easy way to be remembered and set yourself apart.
( c ) Kristina Shands and Authentic Communications
