Story Time……

I love a good story! I don’t know very many people who don’t love to listen to a story or reading something that engages their mind.

I love reading stories, watching TV, going to the movies, or even telling stories. One of my favorite activities it’s making up stories for my grandchildren. It is amazing how their young minds hang on every word I say wanting to know what’s going to happen next to the character I’m describing. Yes, I love stories.

I personally love stories because I can place myself in the setting when I hear one. When someone tells me a story, whether it’s fantasy, fiction or reality I find that I imagined myself in the story and often wonder what I would do. I can’t help myself and I think other people may be the same.

If you followed me for any amount of time and have read any of my blogs you will know that this is how I write. I tell a story and then I tell how it relates to business. I try to make the story relevant with a learning point.

This blog post is no different is because I’m telling you a story about telling stories. 😉

I believe that when one tells an appropriate story relevant to a situation, the storyteller becomes relatable. I have done this my entire life both personally and professionally. I have always been a proponent about giving examples and explaining things through storytelling just in case someone needs additional understanding.

In my previous career I would often conduct training for large groups of people. Most of the time the training was mandatory. And, in my opinion, the definition of mandatory is “boring.” Because if it were not boring it would not be necessary to make it mandatory as people would be lining up for this training. 🤣

I would always start my training with a relevant story to gain attention and often times I would add humor. This was the hook. When I saw that I had their attention I could then begin the training and often reference my story to keep them engaged. This is a technique that I learned from a mentor almost 30 years ago and it served me well in my profession.

It has also served me well in my personal life as this is just the way I communicate. Again, many people are like me and are often thrilled to hear a good tale.

As I left my previous profession and started my online business, I have taken this lesson with me and it has served me well. My current mentor has also agreed that storytelling is a very powerful way to gain the attention of an audience and offer value with appropriate engagement.

I truly believe that I have a lot to offer with the products and services that I promote. I believe that they offer value and can solve many of the problems that my customers have. But the key is to get them to know, like and trust me. I do this by being relatable and by telling my stories.

Sometimes I go overboard, like I probably do in many of my blog posts. But I really do want to get my point across and this is how I do it. I don’t plan on changing my ways anytime soon. I truly hope you can relate to some of my many stories I tell and how they relate to you and your business.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

The truth is, business isn’t just about products, services, or flashy websites. It’s about connection. People want to do business with people they can relate to, not faceless brands. Storytelling bridges that gap. It turns what might be a cold transaction into a meaningful interaction. When someone reads or hears your story, they aren’t just learning about your product or service, they’re learning about you and that’s what builds trust.

Think about it. The world is filled with noise. Every day we scroll through hundreds of posts, ads, and emails. What makes us stop and pay attention? A good story. A story cuts through the clutter because it touches emotion, sparks curiosity, and makes the reader feel something. And when your audience feels connected, they’re far more likely to engage, follow, and eventually buy.

That’s why storytelling isn’t just a fun addition to your marketing. It’s a strategy. Done right, it can position you as authentic, relatable, and memorable in the minds of your audience. The best part? Anyone can learn to tell a great story.

Here are five key ways you can sharpen your storytelling skills and start connecting with your audience more effectively.

1. Start with a Hook
   Just like I do in my blogs or when I led training sessions, you’ve got to grab attention fast. Begin with something that makes your audience stop in their tracks. Whether that’s a question, a bold statement, or a touch of humor. If you don’t catch them in the first few seconds, you might lose them altogether.
2. Be Relatable
   People connect to stories they see themselves in. Share experiences your audience has likely faced or can imagine. Whether it’s a challenge, a success, or a funny everyday moment, relatability creates an instant bond.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
   Don’t just say you were nervous before a big presentation. Describe the sweaty palms, the shaky hands, or the pounding heart. Details paint a picture and pull your audience right into the moment with you.
4. Keep It Simple and Focused
   A story doesn’t need to be long or complicated. In fact, shorter, more focused stories often have the most impact. Stick to one clear message or lesson so your audience doesn’t get lost along the way.
5. End with a Takeaway
   A good story doesn’t just entertain. It teaches or inspires. Always tie your story back to a lesson, insight, or call to action. This not only adds value but also leaves your audience with something to think about after the story ends.

At the end of the day, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can use in business. It creates a bridge between you and your audience, making them feel seen, understood, and connected. People may forget facts and figures, but they’ll always remember how your story made them feel.

So, the next time you’re writing an email, posting on social media, or even talking to a potential customer, don’t just “sell.” Tell a story. Share a piece of yourself, relate it to the problem you’re solving, and watch how people respond.

Think of one story from your life or business that you can share this week with your audience. Keep it short, make it relatable, and tie it back to the value you provide. Try it and see how storytelling transforms the way people engage with your message.

I think it’s time to go over to my grandchildren’s home and tell them another story about a clumsy dinosaur. Yeah I’m pretty sure they’ll like that one!

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” — Steve Jobs

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

I told my wife a story about a broken pencil. She said, “That’s pointless.”

I told a story about a belt once. It was a real waist of time.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more.  And please continue following my blog.  My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.