Reader's Digest has built its empire on condensed books, brief articles and short quips. I'd say they are staying with the times as I see more and more people are trying to say more with less, hence the 140 character popular Twitter and my concentration on the micro business story.
It seems no one has time for long narrative but when I read about "Life" the book that Reader's Digest is publishing I had to shake my head. This is what they are requesting "We are celebrating the release of our new book with a nationwide search for the best life stories. Share yours in 150 words or fewer for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be published and win $25,000."
Crafting a story in 150 words or less is a real challenge. With a little down time I just might try it because although the story length has shrunk, the prize money hasn't. Think it's easy, try it and then let me know how you did.
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Business Stories: spinning Yarns
Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, Expert Copywriting Strategist, wrote a blog "Spinning Your Copy with Storytelling". She says "Nothing pulls us in psychologically more than a good story. Like a spider weaving it’s attractive net drawing you deeper, spin your own story...." That line made me think about some ways we talk about storytelling, spinning a yarn, spin a tale, weave a story.
Spinning a yarn had me envisioning the listener being wrapped by yarn as an expert weaver turns the spinning wheel. Good stories told well do indeed envelope the listener by involving the imagination, emotion and intellect. After a good story it sometimes luxuriates in the brain for awhile giving an after glow feeling to the listener.
Maybe that intense of a feeling isn't present in all business stories but listeners should be captured by the spinning and transported to a better world, one where your product or service improves life. Weave a beautiful tale and grab your customer's business.
Spinning a yarn had me envisioning the listener being wrapped by yarn as an expert weaver turns the spinning wheel. Good stories told well do indeed envelope the listener by involving the imagination, emotion and intellect. After a good story it sometimes luxuriates in the brain for awhile giving an after glow feeling to the listener.
Maybe that intense of a feeling isn't present in all business stories but listeners should be captured by the spinning and transported to a better world, one where your product or service improves life. Weave a beautiful tale and grab your customer's business.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Oral Histories
In the author's note of David Baldacci's Wish You Well he says "Oral histories are a dying art, which is sad indeed, for they show appropriate respect for the lives and experience for those who come before." The book is not his typical suspense novel but more a reflection of life in the early 40's in the harsh environment of the Virginia mountains. He "mined" his own family history for the story idea.
Obviously, for professional writer's family history can be a treasure trove of ideas but what about for the regular folk? Oral histories not only show respect for ancestors they ground younger generations giving them a sense of who they are. Society has become more mobile and it is not unusual for families to live thousands of miles apart seeing each other infrequently. Facebook and other online mechanisms have made staying in touch easier but it doesn't always make it easy to know where we came from, why our relatives act the way they do.
Not everyone has the means to investigate family history as they do on the show "Who Do You Think You Are". Every family does have the means to share stories of their lives. The history doesn't have to be about long ago relatives, although those would be great, your life and your parents lives can be the starting point for your children. The stories also don't have to be long and involved, snippets of life can be fun and easy to remember. Stories create a closeness.
Don't let oral histories die out, tell your family stories and listen to the stories of others in your family.
Obviously, for professional writer's family history can be a treasure trove of ideas but what about for the regular folk? Oral histories not only show respect for ancestors they ground younger generations giving them a sense of who they are. Society has become more mobile and it is not unusual for families to live thousands of miles apart seeing each other infrequently. Facebook and other online mechanisms have made staying in touch easier but it doesn't always make it easy to know where we came from, why our relatives act the way they do.
Not everyone has the means to investigate family history as they do on the show "Who Do You Think You Are". Every family does have the means to share stories of their lives. The history doesn't have to be about long ago relatives, although those would be great, your life and your parents lives can be the starting point for your children. The stories also don't have to be long and involved, snippets of life can be fun and easy to remember. Stories create a closeness.
Don't let oral histories die out, tell your family stories and listen to the stories of others in your family.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Why Write Stories Down?
I've recently done some work for couples documenting "How we met" and "How we got engaged". They are fun stories and generally are short, quick reads. In the process I've asked numerous people if they know how their parents met and very few people can tell me those stories although they are all interested to know. Several have headed off to ask their parents that question. I usually ask wouldn't it be nice if along with a wedding album a story was included on "How we met". Everyone agrees.
Then usually someone says, but now it is so easy you can have it recorded and copied to DVD just like all the wedding videos. Yeah, not like the wedding videos because if you were married in the early 80's and have a VHS tape you probably can no longer watch the video. Even early DVD technology has been replaced and not all DVD's will play in all players. Of course we now have blu-ray making inroads. Will you once again have to pay to have your video updated or will you never again look at that video?
That is the beauty of the written word, it will still be here 50 years from now. Sure the language changes a bit and book pages may yellow but if taken care of books will last a long, long time. This thought was running around in my head when I received an e-newsletter from a videographer. He was lamenting the latest update to Apple's Final Cut Pro. Apparently he installed it and now "8 years worth of projects can no longer be imported into Final Cut Pro X."
How frustrating. Maybe it makes more sense to hire a story writer for your wedding than it does to hire a videographer. Chapter 1 How We Met......
Then usually someone says, but now it is so easy you can have it recorded and copied to DVD just like all the wedding videos. Yeah, not like the wedding videos because if you were married in the early 80's and have a VHS tape you probably can no longer watch the video. Even early DVD technology has been replaced and not all DVD's will play in all players. Of course we now have blu-ray making inroads. Will you once again have to pay to have your video updated or will you never again look at that video?
That is the beauty of the written word, it will still be here 50 years from now. Sure the language changes a bit and book pages may yellow but if taken care of books will last a long, long time. This thought was running around in my head when I received an e-newsletter from a videographer. He was lamenting the latest update to Apple's Final Cut Pro. Apparently he installed it and now "8 years worth of projects can no longer be imported into Final Cut Pro X."
How frustrating. Maybe it makes more sense to hire a story writer for your wedding than it does to hire a videographer. Chapter 1 How We Met......
Friday, July 22, 2011
Business Storytelling: What if you can't write?
I just finished reading a blog post by Marie-Claire Ross titled "Corporate Story-telling Improves Company Performance." Ms Ross makes gives some excellent examples of how stories are used in business but it left me thinking about how much writing needs to be done. Stories come in many forms, prose and oral amongst other choices but not everyone is comfortable with all formats.
If a company supports writing great customer service stories are some stories missed because writing is too laborious for some? It is possible that some people do not have the skill necessary to write and therefore stories go untold. Likewise there might be some people who are not willing to tell a story in front of a group so staff meetings may not be the best place to capture stories either.
A company that offers its employees several options for sharing narrative will capture more. Allow employees to write, tell, use a scribe, dictate, create a song, the list could go on but you get the idea. One method does not fit all and the more freedom one has to express oneself the more likely it is that untold stories will be shared to the benefit of all.
If a company supports writing great customer service stories are some stories missed because writing is too laborious for some? It is possible that some people do not have the skill necessary to write and therefore stories go untold. Likewise there might be some people who are not willing to tell a story in front of a group so staff meetings may not be the best place to capture stories either.
A company that offers its employees several options for sharing narrative will capture more. Allow employees to write, tell, use a scribe, dictate, create a song, the list could go on but you get the idea. One method does not fit all and the more freedom one has to express oneself the more likely it is that untold stories will be shared to the benefit of all.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Business Stories: More Science on Remembering Stories
In Doug Stevenson latest newsletter he includes a section on the science of stories on the brain. He has several sources listed but a new one to me is the following:
In his new book, Brain Rules, molecular biologist John Medina explains this phenomenon. “When the brain detects an emotionally charged event, the Amygdala releases dopamine into the system. Because dopamine greatly aids memory and information processing, you could say it creates a 'Post It' note that reads, ‘Remember this.’”
Interesting. But what strikes me is the amount of research being conducted on the power of stories as communication tools. Why? Are there people who have refused to use stories and need to be convinced of a better way? I suspect that many people include stories without realizing it. Maybe the studies are to help convince people to be more purposeful with stories. Instead of just telling hap-hazard tales maybe we should strive to craft the message better within the story to make our point even more memorable.
Stories are powerful, if your own anecdotal experiences are not enough to convince you the maybe Brain Rules will help convince you. No presentation or training session should ever go story-less.
In his new book, Brain Rules, molecular biologist John Medina explains this phenomenon. “When the brain detects an emotionally charged event, the Amygdala releases dopamine into the system. Because dopamine greatly aids memory and information processing, you could say it creates a 'Post It' note that reads, ‘Remember this.’”
Interesting. But what strikes me is the amount of research being conducted on the power of stories as communication tools. Why? Are there people who have refused to use stories and need to be convinced of a better way? I suspect that many people include stories without realizing it. Maybe the studies are to help convince people to be more purposeful with stories. Instead of just telling hap-hazard tales maybe we should strive to craft the message better within the story to make our point even more memorable.
Stories are powerful, if your own anecdotal experiences are not enough to convince you the maybe Brain Rules will help convince you. No presentation or training session should ever go story-less.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Business Stories: Stories in Movies
Many people tell me when they hear the word storytelling they think immediately of an activity for children. I'm also told they identify the activity as something done in libraries. Funny how a word can evoke such strong identifiers and still surround us in so many other ways, movies, music, books, news reports.....
I was reminded of this recently by a feature article in USA Weekend (Oct 2010). There was an article on the stories told in movies. Scorsese, Lucas and Spielberg were interviewed for the article which talked about stories in movies and the development of a ground-breaking middle school class, "The Story of Movies". Films chosen for study had to have children in the key role, include a distinctive style of visual storytelling and have a person who makes a difference in our lives by fighting on our behalf. (The 3 films studied in the class are The Day the Earth Stood Still, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and To Kill a Mockingbird)
At the end of the article Spielberg is quoted "It is quite possible that a child who is taking this course will grow up and tell a great story like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Life is a story. We - all of us - are stories. Film teaches that. And if we could be like the main characters in these three movies, we would be better people."
Mr. Spielberg said it beautifully. Let's not forget that we are all stories and that includes our business lives. Stories are not just for children!
I was reminded of this recently by a feature article in USA Weekend (Oct 2010). There was an article on the stories told in movies. Scorsese, Lucas and Spielberg were interviewed for the article which talked about stories in movies and the development of a ground-breaking middle school class, "The Story of Movies". Films chosen for study had to have children in the key role, include a distinctive style of visual storytelling and have a person who makes a difference in our lives by fighting on our behalf. (The 3 films studied in the class are The Day the Earth Stood Still, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and To Kill a Mockingbird)
At the end of the article Spielberg is quoted "It is quite possible that a child who is taking this course will grow up and tell a great story like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Life is a story. We - all of us - are stories. Film teaches that. And if we could be like the main characters in these three movies, we would be better people."
Mr. Spielberg said it beautifully. Let's not forget that we are all stories and that includes our business lives. Stories are not just for children!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Business Storytelling: Another's blog perspective
Copywriting Strategist, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero had this to say about business stories, "Stories are wickedly effective in getting attention. They work in conversation. And they work like gangbusters in copy." She is absolutely correct. Savvy marketers have been using stories since the beginning of advertising, we just don't always think of them as stories. Why? Who knows for sure, maybe because we are so used to stories in all aspects of our lives that we don't really notice the process of stories in sales.
Lorrie goes on to give reasons why stories are so powerful in the sales process. Two of her reasons really stood out because I've blogged about them, makes an emotional connection, let's you show how your service or product will erase the pain of your customer. We like to think we are logical in all our purchases but in reality we purchase much of our discretionary goods on emotion, what we want, not what we need.
The second point is important because the good sales person must know the customer's story before offering up a story of his own to solve the problem. Storytelling is as much about listening as it is about telling. In order to tell the right story at the right time you have to listen first.
Think how you can use stories in your business and sales process.
Lorrie goes on to give reasons why stories are so powerful in the sales process. Two of her reasons really stood out because I've blogged about them, makes an emotional connection, let's you show how your service or product will erase the pain of your customer. We like to think we are logical in all our purchases but in reality we purchase much of our discretionary goods on emotion, what we want, not what we need.
The second point is important because the good sales person must know the customer's story before offering up a story of his own to solve the problem. Storytelling is as much about listening as it is about telling. In order to tell the right story at the right time you have to listen first.
Think how you can use stories in your business and sales process.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Business Storytelling: Steven Spielberg a storyteller
Most of you are probably reading the title and saying, "DUH! of course he is a storyteller, he's told some great stories." Recently a colleague sent me a note and in it he included a tidbit he heard while watching a TV special on the making of Jurassic Park. "Steven Spielberg is a passionate storyteller! When he gets together with family and friends, what he loves to do most is tell stories, especially ghost stories! People do say he is quite good."
I believe being able to tell an oral story is the first step in the process of using stories for entertainment (movies, books, music) and for marketing (testimonials, sales etc.) Practice this holiday season by telling stories when the family gets together. You may never produce a blockbuster as big as Jurassic Park but your stories can help your business grow.
I believe being able to tell an oral story is the first step in the process of using stories for entertainment (movies, books, music) and for marketing (testimonials, sales etc.) Practice this holiday season by telling stories when the family gets together. You may never produce a blockbuster as big as Jurassic Park but your stories can help your business grow.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Business Storytelling: The Weston Woods Story
Weston Woods, what an amazing place. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the old studio sites of Weston Woods in Weston Connecticut. Weston Woods is an animation company that was ahead of its time back in the 50's and 60's. They developed a way of animation, different from the traditional cartoons of action one cell at at time.
I can't say I was familiar with Weston Woods but once I got to the property I realized that as a youngster I was the beneficiary of the creative genius behind the studio. The first projects were taking well known children's books and animating them for movies. Their idea was to use the pictures from the book and use the actual text. They produced many of these shorts for Captain Kangaroo. As a devoted fan of the Captain I vaguely remember these movies that were shown.
It was fascinating to hear the story behind the animation. Morton Schindel, the founder, was there to give us his unique perspective. We also had the current president of Weston Woods on the tour. Overall, a wonderful experience into a different type of story.
They are trying to get the old property where the original studios are housed approved as a museum. There are some zoning issues. My hope is that they can overcame these obstacles and everyone can enjoy the behind the scenes story of Weston Woods.
I can't say I was familiar with Weston Woods but once I got to the property I realized that as a youngster I was the beneficiary of the creative genius behind the studio. The first projects were taking well known children's books and animating them for movies. Their idea was to use the pictures from the book and use the actual text. They produced many of these shorts for Captain Kangaroo. As a devoted fan of the Captain I vaguely remember these movies that were shown.
It was fascinating to hear the story behind the animation. Morton Schindel, the founder, was there to give us his unique perspective. We also had the current president of Weston Woods on the tour. Overall, a wonderful experience into a different type of story.
They are trying to get the old property where the original studios are housed approved as a museum. There are some zoning issues. My hope is that they can overcame these obstacles and everyone can enjoy the behind the scenes story of Weston Woods.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Business Storytelling: New Forms of Communications
I just received a newsletter from a speaker colleague. She was announcing her debut on YouTube. It seems she attended an all-day event with celebrity speakers and then ended the evening by watching President Obama deliver his health care reform speech.
As a speech, body language, voice expert she normally would have written up a description of what she observed. However, this time she was encouraged by another colleague to put her comments on video. The reasoning from the other colleague is that we are about to experience another major shift in communication styles and videos will play a key part in the revolution.
She may be right, she may be wrong, but what I thought about as I watched the video, as opposed to reading about the speeches, was how history repeats itself. It made me wonder if in a couple centuries we are a world without the written word? Will all our lessons and history be passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth? Will Storytellers once again be revered members of society instead of viewed as children's entertainers? Who knows for sure.
What I do know is that the ability to communicate orally is once again becoming important. Learning to tell great stories is no longer just for entertainers, if you want your message remembered wrap it in story.
As a speech, body language, voice expert she normally would have written up a description of what she observed. However, this time she was encouraged by another colleague to put her comments on video. The reasoning from the other colleague is that we are about to experience another major shift in communication styles and videos will play a key part in the revolution.
She may be right, she may be wrong, but what I thought about as I watched the video, as opposed to reading about the speeches, was how history repeats itself. It made me wonder if in a couple centuries we are a world without the written word? Will all our lessons and history be passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth? Will Storytellers once again be revered members of society instead of viewed as children's entertainers? Who knows for sure.
What I do know is that the ability to communicate orally is once again becoming important. Learning to tell great stories is no longer just for entertainers, if you want your message remembered wrap it in story.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Business Storytelling: Free Publicity
There is a program on locally in CT called Roadside Stories. The host covers all kinds of crazy stories but then sometimes he just sits by the side of the road with signs that say "Everyone has a story to tell", "Stop and tell us your story".
Tonight he was in Old Lyme CT waiting for someone to stop. The show was filmed in January on one of the coldest days the State had seen but still he sat there for a long time waving to passersby before someone finally stopped. A very smart business woman.
Her shop was across the street and when she saw the host outside with the cameras she came over to tell her story. We got to hear her story but she also got free publicity for her fish market.
Don't be afraid to tell the story of your business. You never know who the story will resonate with creating selling opportunities.
Tonight he was in Old Lyme CT waiting for someone to stop. The show was filmed in January on one of the coldest days the State had seen but still he sat there for a long time waving to passersby before someone finally stopped. A very smart business woman.
Her shop was across the street and when she saw the host outside with the cameras she came over to tell her story. We got to hear her story but she also got free publicity for her fish market.
Don't be afraid to tell the story of your business. You never know who the story will resonate with creating selling opportunities.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Business Storytelling: The Story in Your Mind
Another tidbit of wisdom Kody Bateman, founder of SendOutCards.com, shared with us Saturday at a Treat 'em Right Seminar was the "story in your is the story of your life." He returned to that theme numerous times throughout the day each time emphasizing that what you think about and dream about becomes a reality.
If you see your business struggling or losing money that is the story you tell yourself and sooner or later the story in your mind becomes your reality. If you play the story of a successful business in your mind well, eventually that will be the story of your life.
Keep the stories you tell yourself positive and future focused and watch your business live up to those stories.
If you see your business struggling or losing money that is the story you tell yourself and sooner or later the story in your mind becomes your reality. If you play the story of a successful business in your mind well, eventually that will be the story of your life.
Keep the stories you tell yourself positive and future focused and watch your business live up to those stories.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Telling Stories Leads to Business
More than once I have found that when I tell someone a story about something I have done recently with a client it generates interest and I end up picking up another client.
It happened again this morning. I was talking with a colleague about some work I had recently done with a client, in essence telling a story. The proverbially light bulb went off over her head and she realized that I could help her in the same way. Now I've known this colleague for awhile but she had never been exposed to that piece of my business. If I had not been telling the story of how I got my client, what I had done for her and how she is now better off for my help I don't think my colleague would have ever thought of hiring me.
We tell stories all the time, formally and informally. You never know when one of these narratives will spark just the right thought and ultimately benefit you. Keep telling interesting stories.
It happened again this morning. I was talking with a colleague about some work I had recently done with a client, in essence telling a story. The proverbially light bulb went off over her head and she realized that I could help her in the same way. Now I've known this colleague for awhile but she had never been exposed to that piece of my business. If I had not been telling the story of how I got my client, what I had done for her and how she is now better off for my help I don't think my colleague would have ever thought of hiring me.
We tell stories all the time, formally and informally. You never know when one of these narratives will spark just the right thought and ultimately benefit you. Keep telling interesting stories.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Storytelling and Jeopardy?
What a nice surprise this evening as I watched Jeopardy. One of the categories was "Storytellers". You know I watched to see what the answers would be. No surprise, all the answers dealt with authors. It spanned from the classics to pop type authors.
Stories come in all forms, written, oral, short, epic. I was glad to see storytellers as a category be recognized on Jeopardy. Take a moment today and recognize the storytellers in your life.
Stories come in all forms, written, oral, short, epic. I was glad to see storytellers as a category be recognized on Jeopardy. Take a moment today and recognize the storytellers in your life.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Social Media and stories
This weekend I was reading a newspaper article on the importance of the social media sites to business marketing. The University of Connecticut is making use of blogs, twitter, Facebook and others to keep students and faculty informed. Karen Grava, a UCONN spokesperson says "We need to tell our story more than ever before because other people are not telling it for us as much."
It is all about the story! Are you using stories on your web, blogs, Facebook and Twitter? If you are not telling your story no one else is either. It's a challenge to make a 140 character story but it's worth it, micro stories are powerful.
It is all about the story! Are you using stories on your web, blogs, Facebook and Twitter? If you are not telling your story no one else is either. It's a challenge to make a 140 character story but it's worth it, micro stories are powerful.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
More Blogs on Stories in Business
A colleague of mine just sent this link to a discussion on storytelling in business. Interesting article, short, with some good follow up comments. Stories in business are indeed growing. Tell, connect, sell.
http://blogs.bnet.com/mba/?p=923&tag=homeCar
http://blogs.bnet.com/mba/?p=923&tag=homeCar
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tell Your Own Story
This past weekend I spent some time with family. My brother-in-law's brother-in-law cornered me. He said, "You're a storyteller, I have a funny story that I bet you will like. If you like it you probably can use it somehow and improve it and tell it even better than I can."
I hear this all the time and then I hear a funny, touching, interesting story. This weekend was no different. The story was quite humorous, told fairly well. Some of it was funny because I know the person and know how out of his comfort zone he was in the story. Some of it was just plain funny no matter who it would have happened to.
I'm sure I can tell the story and get a laugh or two but it definitely will not be the same because it is not my story. You are the best teller of your stories. Others might be able to retell the story but unless they study the story a lot they will miss the emotional connection that you have and that makes it that much more interesting coming from you. Don't give away your story, tell it yourself proudly.
I hear this all the time and then I hear a funny, touching, interesting story. This weekend was no different. The story was quite humorous, told fairly well. Some of it was funny because I know the person and know how out of his comfort zone he was in the story. Some of it was just plain funny no matter who it would have happened to.
I'm sure I can tell the story and get a laugh or two but it definitely will not be the same because it is not my story. You are the best teller of your stories. Others might be able to retell the story but unless they study the story a lot they will miss the emotional connection that you have and that makes it that much more interesting coming from you. Don't give away your story, tell it yourself proudly.
Monday, June 22, 2009
There's always a story
In the last post I included a message from Chris Clark-Epstein. She had a quote from the show Castle "There's always a story - you just have to find it". I loved her whole message but this line from the TV show resonated because of my work. So often I am working with individuals who feel they have no story.
I think they mostly feel like that after they have heard some amazing story of the underdog triumphing. We all have important stories, maybe not as dramatic as climbing Mt. Everest but important nonetheless. Our stories of everyday success are actually more valuable because far more people can relate to them. Yeah we all love a good tale but relating to the everyday champion is easier.
Remember that the next time you are asked to tell your story. Your experiences matter.
I think they mostly feel like that after they have heard some amazing story of the underdog triumphing. We all have important stories, maybe not as dramatic as climbing Mt. Everest but important nonetheless. Our stories of everyday success are actually more valuable because far more people can relate to them. Yeah we all love a good tale but relating to the everyday champion is easier.
Remember that the next time you are asked to tell your story. Your experiences matter.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
One Year Anniversary
Time sure does fly. May 08 I decided to start a blog because I found that I continually stumbled on great references to story use in business. Collecting all this information and then putting it in a newsletter that would be produced far less frequently seemed to go against trends being set in the business world.
What I have found is that some months I stumble on lots of references to story and finding topics to write on for the blog is easy. Other times I get busy and the topics don't seem quite as obvious. Nevertheless I have found writing the blog helpful to communicating information on the importance of story in our lives, business and personal.
I hope you will continue to read the blog as I continue to find various and creative ways people are connecting through the power of story.
What I have found is that some months I stumble on lots of references to story and finding topics to write on for the blog is easy. Other times I get busy and the topics don't seem quite as obvious. Nevertheless I have found writing the blog helpful to communicating information on the importance of story in our lives, business and personal.
I hope you will continue to read the blog as I continue to find various and creative ways people are connecting through the power of story.
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