We were cruising in the minivan, I was 12, heading north through rural Minnesota roads toward our family lake cabin for the weekend.
The scene was familiar: Dad drove, tuned to the Twins or Vikings game on the radio; Mom read her book, grumbling about the play-by-play drowning her out. I buried myself in a book in the middle row, my younger brother jamming to a Beach Boys tape in the back, and my little sister dozed beside him. Five hours of quiet routine—until spontaneous laughter erupted from my brother.
It started annoying, as little-brother noises do, then turned puzzling. What was so hilarious about 'Help Me, Rhonda'?
The mystery unraveled fast: He wasn't listening to the Beach Boys. Mom had grabbed a library tape—a live narration from the National Storytelling Festival. As the big sister, ignoring him was my duty, but his genuine guffaws were infectious. Mom had him pop out the tape from his Walkman; Dad reluctantly silenced the game; we restarted from the beginning for everyone.
Despite our age gaps and different interests, we were hooked. We laughed until tears streamed, bonding through Side A and most of B, more united than I can remember. All from a few stories.
That childhood moment showed me stories' magic: forging individual bonds and group glue.
Years later, I won a national storytelling competition. The prize? Perform at that very festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the October event where thousands flock to massive tents for master storytellers. Storytellers aren't selling products or agendas; they connect crowds. I watched them mesmerize audiences, amplifying the van's impact.
Heading home, Mom eyed me: 'You could be a professional storyteller.' I rolled my eyes, teenage-style: 'Sure, stories forever.' She was right—and now she gets her daily 'I told you so.' Stories became my life: what I do, know, earn from, and impact with.
But my work focuses less on my tales, more on empowering yours.
As a SUCCESS reader, you chase goals like those storytellers sparked in our van. You want clients or colleagues ditching distractions to truly hear you, forging memorable connections.
Like that van ride, stories unite teams, link customers to brands, bridge divides.
When Storytelling Shines
A woman emailed me: Desperate for an impossible restaurant reservation for a milestone, she'd tried everything. Inspired by storytelling's power, she called the manager, sharing their celebration story and why that spot mattered. 'We got the table!'
Not about dining tips—this shows stories unlock doors when all else fails. They clarify stakes, persuade authentically across scenarios.
Storytelling and Sales
Entrepreneurs worldwide battle TTT syndrome: 'Through the Trees.' Obsessed with details—metrics, features—you miss the forest, forgetting to convey its big-picture meaning.
Years ago, a dream-client call: I aced her questions, detailing my program, deliverables, qualifications. I expected instant yes. Silence. Follow-up? 'I need... more.'
Panic hit. I'd drowned her in trees, skipped the story—of results, her potential success. Easier to list facts than risk bragging, but logic convinces; emotion compels.
I replied with a tale: A woman post-talk said my advice fixed her team's long struggle. Five minutes later: 'Let's do it.'
Sales falling flat? Step back from features/data. Share your forest's story—the value, difference created.
Storytelling and Leadership
Great leaders captivate via stories. Recall influencers: Stories drove you.
Why?
Stories build credibility. Titles or lists impress mildly; one deep success story invests followers. Turnaround expert? Detail one client's turnaround relief. Luxury realtor? One epic seller-buyer win.
Leaders' power lies in title-earning stories, earning deserved respect.
Stories enable controlled vulnerability. Authenticity rules today—share yours, or others will. Stories answer 'Who are you? Trustworthy?' while you control the narrative, navigating disclosures masterfully.
Beyond Business
Recall the creative meme: 'Amazing!' → 'Tricky' → 'Crap' → 'I'm crap' → 'OK' → 'Amazing!' Freelancers know this loop. Storytelling self-talk breaks it: Recall client wins, believers, proud loved ones.
Your best stories? Those you tell yourself.
Finding Your Story
Start here: Stories need relatable characters (people/animals, not companies/products), emotion, and a specific moment—not vague claims like 'always excellent.'
Clarify your message first. Mine experiences for exemplars: Sales? Product impact tale. Leadership? Personal quality showcase—even non-business gems humanize you.
People buy from people. Like my van story—you visualized it, felt stories' power.
Next high-stakes moment, shatter barriers with yours.
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2018 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
