Telling stories is in our nature.
From the early days, before recorded history, humans were telling stories. We use stories to say what we want, where we’ve been, where we’re going, who we know, what’s hurt us, what we agree with, what we’re proud of, what we need help with. We use stories, some of us more easily than others, to influence others, to correct misconceptions, to share something special that others can benefit from, to describe our adventures.
And we thrive on listening to or watching stories, too: The essence of Netflix and Hulu’s success.
It was at least ten years ago that I started noticing the word “story” showing up in the most unlikely of places, such as corporate promotions and webpages. They were announcing to the world their brand new discovery (note my sarcasm) — Stories Sell! They’d just discovered something that’s been around for literally thousands of years.
Then, as could be expected, such large enterprises began searching for storytellers to help them win hearts and minds.
I’ve known quite a few REAL, actual storytellers: Susan Owens, Mary Hamilton, Oyo Fumilayo, Zambia Nkrumah, Andreena Belcher, to name just a few friends from Kentucky. They are all brilliant at weaving a narrative and making you long to hear the next sentence.
By now this trend has increased. Today my simple search for ‘corporate storytellers’ unearthed something far removed from Hansel and Gretel or the Anansi Tales. One such company says this about themselves: “we provide knowledge-based services to enhance enterprise value and productivity.” Gobbledygook.
And quite funny really; a company that sells storytelling services that can’t tell a decent story about itself!
Still, storytelling has become the coin of the realm as not only corporations but very small businesses, such as mine, understand that telling stories is the very best way to connect with people who may need our help.
Since I’m an advocate for ultra-small businesses, I am also an advocate for telling stories, about who you are, who you help, and what happens when you help them.
Lucky for us, telling stories is in our nature.
Let me know if you need some help telling yours.
