Holiday, Schmoliday. I’m not Celebrating…

My Weird and Obscure Holidays Calendar tells me it’s National Write Down Your Story Day.

Seems like my the perfect holiday for a guy who wrote a bestselling book on storytelling.

But I’m not celebrating.

On page 17 of that book, Story Power Marketing, I reveal why those who embrace this holiday may be killing their businesses:

“Many ‘experts’ say storytelling begins and ends with your ‘origin story.’ But too many aspiring story-sellers dish out “me-me-me” origin stories.

“They tell the “interesting” tale of the garage where they invented some widget. They tell, in excruciating detail, how they clawed their way out of some ditch. They tell-tell-tell all about themselves. But they don’t make it sound familiar.

“When you start with ‘look-at-me’ stories, audiences tune out and move on. Everyone yawns because they don’t see themselves in those stories. If your story sounds familiar to prospects, they turn on and tune in.

“That leads us to Story Power Principle No. 1: Keep the focus on prospects’ emotional journeys.”

Sure, you can share stories about yourself. (I do it all the time)

But you must start by thinking about your prospects’ and clients’ stories. What makes them tick? What transformations do they seek or have they acheived?

When you write down your stories, choose the bits that will have meaning and relevance for your prospects and clients.

When they see themselves in your stories, they know you get them. They feel connected to you. They wish to hire you.

That’s cause to celebrate.

Speaking of my bestselling book, you can get a paperback copy here.

I’ll pay for the book. You pay only for the shipping/handling. Plus you get a boatload of business-building bonuses.