Why Storytelling is Critical for Business

Kathy Hansen of A Storied Career has compiled her interviews with 40 storytelling practitioners (me included) into a topical eBook that's a must read for businesses trying to raise their level of  personalization and develop relevant dialogues with customers, prospects and employees.

The contributors share examples, experiences and insights about what stories are, why they work and how they work in best in a variety of situations—including marketing, sales and branding.

Below are a few brief snips of what you'll find in the eBook:

"The implications of Web 2.0 and technological innovation on humankind are staggering. As I like to describe it, “the means of story production have become democratized”. … In a complex, interdependent world where worldviews and value systems collide, we naturally turn to storytelling as our most basic coping mechanism for making sense and meaning of everything around us." — Michael Margolis

"Savvy media gurus have come to realize that storytelling is the quickest and most relevant way to share information… everything is speeding up… In today’s faster paced time, storytelling is essential because [it] captures the listener." — Annie Hart

"In our world of 24/7 news feeds, social media, etc., we are trying to drink from a firehose of information, and we’re finding ourselves bowled over yet still thirsty. … The storytelling movement is about restoring — “re-story-ing” if you will — a more authentic means of learning from each other and drawing meaning from our own experiences." — Sarah White

"Leaders are looking for new ways to understand what’s really happening in their organization. They are looking for better ways to engage and better ways motivate people. Stories are integral to the new ways of working in complex environments." — Shawn Callahan

"Mostly I think the reason is the control people are exercising over selecting what information they spend their time with. There are more choices than ever before, people are busier with limited time, so why would they choose to spend that time on things that don’t meet their needs? The more personalized and relevant information is to the person presented with it, the more engagement is possible. Storytelling is in our genes." — Ardath Albee

There's a wealth of information and insight in this eBook that can help you see how and why your B2B marketing and sales content and conversations can shift to more effectively engage people based on providing valuable information in more accessible ways. When people can actually visualize what it would be like to do business with you, engagement follows.

Go download the eBook today and pass it on to others.

Comments

[Dave zuro]

I agree wit story telling. My business success is built by sharing live stories of what others have experienced with our company. Not only do the stories validate of what I'm communicating with a new prospect, it also takes the weight off my shoulders and allows someone else to enlighten that new prospect.

[mark allen roberts]

I am a big fan of story telling and I have taught salespeople for years what I call “story speak”. Story speak helps buyers retain the information you share.

I have two eBooks written as stories on my blog at www.nosmokeandmirrors.com .

Mark Allen Roberts

[Terri Rains]

The story is gaining traction in business... Finally. It's amazing that it's taken so long for more people to plug into the power of the narrative.

[social marketing services]

I guess storytelling in business is old school, we are now living in a fast-paced world.

-Baron

[Glenn Evans]

Storytelling improves communication skills and confidence. I can see why it's related to business: strong, unwavering relationships can keep businesses afloat. Sure, it's important to reach out to the market in any way possible, but it's better to have a personal stake in it.

[Melissa G]

It's amazing that it's taken so long for more people to plug into the power of the narrative.