The ONE Mistake That Will Keep Your Business From Growing
Oct 02, 2024One of the biggest misconceptions many coaches and entrepreneurs make is thinking that their story is about them.
While your personal journey is undoubtedly important, focusing solely on yourself is a common mistake that can keep your business from growing. To become a highly sought-after coach, speaker, or thought leader, you need to flip the script.
Your story is not just about you—it’s about how your story can transform and serve your Dream Client.
When done right, your story becomes a bridge that connects you to the people you are meant to help, inspire, and lead.
But how do you craft a story that draws your Dream Client toward you and your offers?
Let’s explore the key elements that can elevate your storytelling, grow your business, and make you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Why Your Story Isn’t Just About You
You might be thinking, “But my story is my story—how can it not be about me?”
Here’s the truth: while your personal journey is an important foundation, the true power of storytelling lies in how you make your audience feel understood and connected.
The best stories are not just narratives of personal success; they’re blueprints for your Dream Client’s success.
Think about the struggles, challenges, and aspirations your Dream Client faces.
When you share your own experiences, what they hear should be less about what happened to you and more about how they can see themselves in your journey. You’re sharing the emotional highs and lows that resonate with their challenges, offering a roadmap for how they can achieve their desired outcome.
When you focus on them, your story becomes a tool for connection, transformation, and ultimately, business growth.
Crafting a Story That Draws Your Dream Client Towards You and Your Offers
Your story is your most powerful marketing asset—but it needs to be told in a way that compels action. Let’s break down three essential components that will help you craft a story that not only engages but also inspires your audience to take action.
1. Create Copy That Converts
Everything in your life and your business gets better when you get better with words.
The words you use should not only convey your message but also compel your Dream Client to do something—whether that’s signing up for your program, booking a consultation, or simply engaging with your content.
When writing copy, remember:
- Use emotional triggers. People don’t make decisions based on logic alone; emotions are a key driver. Tap into the emotions your audience feels at each stage of their journey, whether it’s frustration, hope, or excitement.
- Highlight the transformation. Focus on the before and after of your journey in a way that mirrors your audience’s desired transformation.
- Be clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly complicated language. The easier it is for someone to understand your message, the more likely they are to take action.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’m a successful business coach with years of experience,” try: “Imagine waking up every day excited about your business, knowing that you have the clarity, tools, and support to hit your next revenue milestone. That’s the kind of transformation I help my clients achieve.”
Notice how the focus is on the reader and what they stand to gain, rather than solely on the speaker's credentials.
2. Format Your Posts for Engagement
In today’s digital world, attention spans are shorter than ever. Even the most compelling story can fall flat if it isn’t formatted properly for easy reading and engagement. Formatting isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how you guide your reader through your message.
- Use headlines and subheadings to break up your content. These make it easy for readers to scan and find key points.
- Keep paragraphs short—3-4 sentences at most. Long blocks of text are daunting and tend to lose readers.
- Incorporate bullet points and lists. These help to simplify complex ideas and allow for easier digestion of information.
Example: If you’re writing about the steps to achieve success in business, use a numbered list:
- Define your vision.
- Create a strategic plan.
- Implement daily habits that align with your goals.
This not only makes the content easier to follow but also positions you as someone who provides clear, actionable guidance
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3. Pick Your Primary Platform
For me…that’s LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for connecting with your Dream Client, especially if you’re targeting professionals. But crafting posts that grab attention in a sea of content can be tricky.
Here’s a simple template to get you started:
Headline: [Problem Your Audience is Facing]? Here’s How I Overcame It…
Opening Line: Do you ever feel like [pain point]? That used to be my reality, too.
Middle Section:
- Describe the struggle and how it mirrors what your Dream Client is going through.
- Share the breakthrough moment or the solution that worked for you.
Call to Action: If you’re ready to stop [pain point] and start [desired result], let’s connect. I’d love to show you how I did it.
This format works because it grabs attention by addressing a pain point, offers a relatable story, and ends with a clear invitation for the reader to engage with you.
The Pillars of Storytelling Marketing
To truly serve, engage, and inspire your audience, your story should stand on three essential pillars: Authenticity, Emotional Connection, and a clear Call to Action (CTA).
1. Authenticity
In a world filled with polished social media profiles and curated lives, people crave authenticity. They want to hear the real story—one that shows your imperfections, vulnerabilities, and growth.
Sharing your authentic self allows your audience to trust you. Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship, especially when you’re offering services that promise personal transformation.
How to show authenticity in your storytelling:
- Share both the highs and lows of your journey. Show your audience that success didn’t come without challenges, and be transparent about how you overcame them.
- Be real about where you are now. Authenticity is not a one-time event; it’s a consistent practice of showing up as your true self, even when you haven’t yet reached the pinnacle of success.
2. Emotional Connection
At the heart of every great story is emotion. Your audience needs to feel something when they hear your story—whether it’s hope, relief, or inspiration. Emotional connection is what makes your story stick and motivates people to take action.
How to create an emotional connection:
- Understand the emotional journey of your Dream Client. What keeps them up at night? What are they struggling with that you can help resolve?
- Use language that evokes emotions. Words like “imagine,” “picture yourself,” and “what if” can help paint a vivid emotional picture for your audience.
3. Call to Action (CTA)
Finally, every story you tell needs a clear and compelling Call to Action (CTA). Whether it’s inviting your audience to book a call, download a resource, or sign up for your program, make sure to tell them exactly what to do next.
A good CTA is clear, direct, and aligned with the emotions you’ve just evoked.
If you’ve spent time connecting emotionally with your audience, they’ll be more likely to follow through with the action you’re asking them to take.
Examples of effective CTAs:
- “Ready to transform your business and align it with your core values? Let’s chat and see how we can work together.”
- “If you’re tired of struggling with [specific problem], let me help you find a solution. Click here to schedule your free consultation.”
Your Story Is the Key to Unlocking Growth
As a coach or speaker, your story is not just about sharing who you are—it’s about using your experiences to lead others toward their own success. When you position your story in a way that connects emotionally, shows authenticity, and includes a clear call to action, you’ll find that your Dream Clients naturally gravitate toward you.
Your story has the power to inspire, engage, and transform lives, including your own.
By focusing on how your experiences can serve others, you not only build trust and connection but also open doors to incredible opportunities for growth.
The next time you sit down to write a post, give a talk, or engage with your audience, remember: your story isn’t just about you—it’s about them.
By following these storytelling pillars and practical tips, you’ll not only grow your business but also create a lasting impact on your audience. Let your story be the spark that lights up their path—and yours.
By the way, do you want to master the art of sharing your story in a way that builds powerful connections and transforms your audience into Dream Clients?
Good news! I created The Standout Storytelling Playbook to help you do just that.
Comment “PLAYBOOK97” below and I’ll share the information on how you can join the waitlist to get access to the exact playbook that I used to create my personal brand and freedom lifestyle.
Let’s start crafting a story that truly matters, connects, and converts.
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