It’s like the timeless debate between the chicken or the egg. When it comes to developing a new story, people often aren’t sure where to start. Should you begin with the content of your story, or is it better to determine the container and structure first?
In the mad rush to craft a new website, or sexify those marketing materials, or develop a new bio, people forget to focus on the fundamentals. I’m of the following strong opinion: it’s less important HOW you tell a story, and more important to have a story WORTH telling. This is the most overlooked part of the equation. You need to have a solid foundation to stand on. When you have the bigger story, everything else follows. People want to be a part of what you’re doing. The vehicle for how you tell the story is really secondary. By focusing on the inherent value and energy of your story (it’s worthiness factor), you’ll find more freedom in how you craft an engaging and memorable narrative.
Here’s a series of 20 questions that can support you in your Story Positioning. They form the basis of my curriculum for the upcoming 4-week course that starts Thursday.
PERSONAL MOTIVATIONS
– What motivates you?
– What has shaped and defined you?
– What is your point of view?
– What do you care about?
– Why trust and believe you?
AUDIENCE EMPATHY
– Who defines your market?
– What do they care about?
– How do people perceive your issue?
– What needs do you serve?
DIFFERENTIATING VALUE
– What value do you provide?
– What’s memorable about you?
– What’s ignored, overlooked, or not said?
– What’s your bigger truth?
– What’s your thought leadership?
MARKETING YOUR TRUTH
– How do you reach people?
– Why do people want what you offer?
– What do you gift and give away?
– How prove what you care about?
– What do you want to be known for?
– How do you make yourself approachable?
If you go about answering these questions yourself, you’ll begin to stake out a bigger story really worth telling. If you want guided support and feedback, consider enrolling in my 4-week Telecourse on Story Positioning. The course is filling up fast. It’s a hands-on and interactive way to go to the heart of your business story. Learn how to be seen, recognized, and understood for the right reasons. We’re up to 20 registrants and there’s only 5 spaces still left as of tonight. It starts Thursday at 1pm EST. Telecourse Info and Registration
