By: Ruth Agbaji
If I close my eyes, I can still vividly remember the moment that my mentor recommended I create videos and more authority-building posts to share on social media. “What would I even talk about?” was my response. The idea of filming myself talking to nothing and then posting it for the world to see was far from appealing.
“Why don’t you try sharing some of your story?” was her suggestion.
Telling my story? Why? Nobody cares about what I have to say. I mean, I knew my story was unique, but no one is really all that interested. Right?
Wrong.
As soon as I began sharing my story of immigrating to the US from Nigeria, teaching myself to code, and starting my business, I saw more and more people come into my life who genuinely wanted to help me, and see me succeed. I saw more customers drawn to my story and signing their kids up for coding classes because they wanted their kids to have the same opportunities that learning to code afforded me.
[Related: Five Jobs in Tech for Women Who Don't Want to Code]
Far too many businesses are known exclusively by their name or logo. Large corporations or more established brands with big PR and marketing budgets can get away with this strategy. But for emerging brands with tight budgets, the most powerful PR move is to tell the personal, and sometimes raw, story behind your brand.
By sharing your story, you will begin attracting your ideal customers: people who love the person and story behind the business they are supporting.
Oxytocin is the “feel-good” hormone that is deployed whenever you read, hear, or watch a story that resonates with you. When you share the real, human story behind your business, it allows people to feel connected to your business and see themselves within your brand.
Millennials specifically are more and more invested in supporting businesses that align with their values. Although today’s consumers have countless options when it comes to where to purchase a product or service, your secret weapon is your unique experience of growing your brand. That is what will make you stand out.
Consumers are seeking stories that resonate with them, and they won’t know your story until you share it with them! However, I know firsthand how nerve-wracking it can be to open up and be honest with your current and potential customers. There is a fear of being judged or ridiculed for the scale of your vision. You may even feel a bit embarrassed by some failures in your journey.
[Related: What 80 Innovation Leaders Say About the Power of Storytelling]
Author Mark Manson has a quote:
You cannot be a powerful and life-changing presence to some people without being a joke or an embarrassment to others.
I love to think of this quote whenever fear or embarrassment creeps into my mind. By sharing your story and being true to yourself, you may receive judgment from some, but it will be worth it as you also attract your ideal customers.
Ideal customers turn into fierce brand ambassadors who will help you share your brand with others. Your story will also help you attract mentors and fellow business professionals who want to see you succeed - well worth some ridicule.
One of the most rewarding parts of sharing your brand story is the ripple effect it creates around you. When you started your business, you likely wanted to solve a problem or create a meaningful difference in the world. What better way to make a difference and inspire others than to share your story with them and show them that they too can make a difference?
Sharing your struggles and success inspires those around you to pursue their own dreams and believe in themselves. And sharing your story on a regular basis will also motivate you! Opening up is a great way to reflect on all you have accomplished and be proud of how far you have come in your journey.
As of now, I am much more confident speaking on video and sharing my story. And although I still need to work on sharing my story regularly, I have become much better at opening up. I see the motivation it brings me, how it inspires those around me, and the good it brings to my business. Go ahead and give it a try. It is very worth it.
[Related: Three Public Speaking Fight Moves for Millennial Women in Male-Dominated Industries]
—
Ruth Agbaji is the CEO of Code Wiz.
"strategy" - Google News
February 25, 2021 at 08:50PM
https://ift.tt/3aSjD8U
Why Sharing Your Story Is Your Most Powerful PR Strategy - Forbes
"strategy" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Ys7QbK
https://ift.tt/2zRd1Yo
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Why Sharing Your Story Is Your Most Powerful PR Strategy - Forbes"
Post a Comment