Power Your Platform

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the 3 Gifts Storytellers give us.

The first gift storytellers offer the world is the gift of connection. I’ve said this many times before, but stories are the bridges that connect us to each other. When we hear a story, scientific research shows that our brain waves actually start to synchronize with those of the storyteller.

Not only do stories connect our brains, but they also shows us we’re not alone. When someone shares a story that we can relate to, our reaction is often, “Hey, me too!” And that reaction of seeing ourselves in someone else’s story creates empathy and understanding as well as an undeniable connection to another human being.

The second gift storytellers give us is related to the first – it’s the gift of community. So often, we walk through life believing we are the only person who has ever experienced a particular emotion or setback or defeat – when in fact, there are thousands if not millions of others who are walking a similar journey. When we share our story, we draw others to us, and that often results in the creation of a common bond or community.

The third gift storytellers give us is the gift of a more diverse and inclusive worldview. Imagine if all our stories were the same. How incredibly boring would that be? Instead, we have all followed different paths and experienced different moments during our lifetimes. We have encountered different humans and had different reactions to a wide range of events.

By sharing these stories with others, we contribute to the richness of the story fabric in our own communities and around the world.

When we intentionally seek out a variety of stories and recognize that one person’s story does not represent an entire culture’s story, then we can better appreciate the individuality and uniqueness of the humans who surround us every day.

Not only have these diverse voices taught me new ways of solving problems or thinking about global issues, but they’ve also made me realize my own position of privilege in the world. And it also reminds me of my responsibility to leave this world a bit better than I found it. 

Thanks so much for listening in today! On behalf of myself and my family, I hope you have a beautiful Christmas season.

Until next time, remember to own your story, follow your purpose and raise your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear your story.

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Every brand has its own story scent – and this story scent captures what that brand stands for, how it connects with its audience and the impression that lingers long after the first encounter or sales transaction has ended.

In essence a brand’s story scent helps prospective and existing customers catch a whiff of what your brand is all about – and helps them decide whether your product, program or service is something that’s worth pursuing.

There are three layers to every scent: the head note, the heart note and the base note. This 3-layered scent approach is how we’re going to examine the essence of your brand’s personality today.

Just like in the perfume industry, the 3 layers of the story scent play off of each other, but also come together to create a lingering and memorable experience. 

Head notes are like first impressions, so they’re really important. Question: what is the scent our brand is giving off within the first few minutes its initial encounter with a new customer? 

Heart notes are the second layer of your story scent. Think of the heart note as your purpose-driven mission and vision. At the core of your brand is your authentic, emotional connection with your audience. After all, it’s so important that we connect our audience with the purpose of what we do. When people understand not just WHAT we do, but WHY we do it, we create a more memorable impression. In other words, we stand out from the crowd.

The third and last layer of your story scent is the base note. For the purposes of our story scent today, I want you to think of your base note as the values-based foundation of your business. What are the core values that act as a basis for everything you do and how you do it? What’s the foundation of your brand? What is the base note that lasts long after the head note and the heart notes have faded away?

When we create a story scent that integrates a balance of all three notes, we’re able to create a long-lasting impact that adds value to the world and makes us exited to get up in the morning.

As one fragrance industry expert once said, “Perfume is personal magic. It is a first impression and a lasting recollection.”

So what’s that smell again? When we take into account all that we’ve talked about today, it sure smells like success to me!

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Today I want to uncover the power that comes when we explore our 5 story senses.

Because our personal and professional stories are far from one-dimensional – in fact, they are RIPE with juicy details we can hear, see, taste, touch and smell. And when we use all 5 of our senses to communicate our stories, we often get much better results.

I also want to invite you to join me for a 5-Day Story Senses Challenge inside our free Power Your Platform Facebook group. That’s where our online community of women speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs will be challenged to apply each of the concepts we’re talking about today to their own brand or business.

If you’d like to join us, simply click on the link below to join our free Power Your Platform Facebook Community today. We hope to see you there!

To recap today’s episode, here are the reasons why using our 5 senses in brand storytelling just makes sense:

1.      It creates a complete picture of our brand by engaging our sense of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.

2.      It has the power to create a long-lasting, emotional connection with our audience.

3.      It paves the way to build new collaborations and partnerships with other brands.

4.      It helps us break outside our traditional ways of storytelling in order to reimagine our brand in an entirely new way.

5.      It ignites the imagination of our customers and allows them to think of us in new ways as well.

Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode on Exploring our 5 Story Senses.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to like, rate and review the Power Your Platform Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women and help them get their own story heard.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

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Today we’re discussing a topic that affects us all as business owners. And that’s how we can share our business story more effectively at networking events.

Now that in-person events are back in full force after taking a dive in 2020, and there are more opportunities than ever to get your brand in front of new audiences.

The question is, how do you maximize events—both in-person and virtual – to get your story in front of your ideal audience?

When it comes to sharing your business story at networking events, there are three key guidelines I like to keep in mind. And I’ll be honest, they’re not rocket science – but somehow, I see people making some pretty common mistakes that are interrupting the flow and the impact of their business story.

The first is to maximize your business storytelling by attending the RIGHT events for you and your business.

What I’m finding right now is that there are so many events to choose from, it can actually be a bit overwhelming for business owners. Most business networking events are generic, meaning there for ALL business owners. And that’s great at times, but I’m a fan of finding your niche. And that applies to networking events as well.

In order to zero in on the kind of events that will get your story in front of potential partners and collaborators and even customers and clients, it’s key to know WHO each event is targeting and what types of people will be showing up.

The second strategy I suggest for sharing your business story at networking events is to take on a more active role at the events you attend.

Even if you don’t host the event yourself, there are usually plenty of volunteer opportunities. As an event volunteer, you might welcome attendees, hand out resources, help attendees find their way around the venue, collect feedback, track requests or encourage participants to get involved with event activities.

More visible roles at a networking event might include being a keynote speaker, a break-out session leader, a workshop trainer, an MC or a panelist.

And don’t forget that if you can’t offer your time at an event, maybe you could offer a gift bag item or a door prize. Both are great ways to get in front of a networking event audience with your business story and make an impression.

A third strategy for maximizing your business storytelling at networking events is to LISTEN. 

The more we listen, the more we find points of intersection with the people around us. And the more we find these points of intersection – or common ground – the easier it is to relate to them with a story about our own experience or skillset.

When we see those openings, it’s up to us to speak up and provide examples or stories or insights that reveal who we serve, what we do and why.

By the way, I have two more great tips, but I’m saving those for our free Power Your Platform Facebook group where you’re welcome to join us after the show. Simply click on the link below to join now -- we hope to see you there!

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Raise your hand if you’re a Saturday Night Live fan? Anyone? If you are, you’ve likely seen the classic skit from 2013 with Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph. The two play Betty and Jodi, two moms from the Bronx who dish on everything from the national news to their own families.

One of my favourite Saturday Night Live skits is the one where Betti and Jodi talk about the change in the weather. And of course, since they’re from the Bronx, so the talk quickly turns to Sweata Weatha, a phrase they say about 100 times before ethe skit ends. It’s pretty hilarious.

So Betty and Jodi are actually the inspiration for today’s podcast.

Because here we are – smack dab in the middle of sweata weatha. If you’re listening in from the future, it’s currently fall and there’s a bite the in air when we get up in the morning. So what typically happens is that we bundle up, right? After all, it’s cold out there!

But inevitably what happens in the region of the world where I live is hat by the afternoon, it’s actually warm again – sometimes even hot. And at that point, people start to peel off their layers -- assuming they were smart enough to layer up earlier in the day.

Because let’s be honest: if there’s one thing Canadians know about, it’s how to layer up for the weather.  

But for me, the idea of layering doesn’t stop with fall fashion. I actually find there’s a ton of valuable in applying the concept of layering to storytelling and brand building.

And I’ve even got a fun acronym that I use. Quite appropriately, it’s HEAT: H.E.A.T. And it’s all about moving your brand audience from cold contact to warm lead and finally to hot prospect for your paid product or service.

Let’s take a look at each stage of the HEAT process: 

#1 – Hook Your Audience

#2 – Earn Their Trust

#3 – Address their Obstacles

#4 – Tell Them How You Can Help.

As you move through these four phases, you’ll create a multi-layered brand story that guides your audience along a customer journey that transforms them from stranger to loyal fan.

And if that doesn't make you warm and fuzzy, I don't know what will... 

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice – because the world is waiting to hear your story! 

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Today we’re concluding our 6-part series on Telling Your Story Your Way. And to do so, we’re setting out to understand the Anarchist Storyteller which is the sixth story sister archetype.

So what’s the story behind the Anarchist? We’ll find out today, plus, we’ll learn which storytelling strategies and techniques work best for their unique brand personality.

There’s a famous quote that “well-behaved women rarely make history” And there’s a lot of truth to that.

 Just think of the anarchist storytellers of our time – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg and Gloria Steinam to name just a few.

What these three women have in common is not only their tenacity and fierce commitment to their cause, but the unwillingness to back down, even when everyone else around them goes home.

The Anarchist Storyteller is the Rebellious Storyteller, someone who isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo and start a revolution.

Here are 7 points to keep in mind if you’re looking to become a more effective Anarchist Storyteller:

1.     Storytelling forms that have proven useful for many anarchists include protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, walk-outs, speeches and other forms of non-violent public confrontation.

2.  Realize that your audience not only needs to know the why behind your story, but the why now. So be sure to create a sense of urgency with your messaging.

3.     Always keep your messaging clear and simple to avoid confusion and distraction.

4.     Extend the shelf life of your message by livestreaming protest events and uploading video, audio and photography to platforms like YouTube, SnapChat, TikTok or Instagram reels.

5.     Issue a simple media advisory or press release to invite reporters, bloggers, vloggers and others to your events an announcements.

6.     Designate a spokesperson for your protest event.

7.      Use visual elements at your events, such as placards, t-shirts, emblems, mascots, dramatic performances and influencers or well-known figures.

Thanks so much for tuning in to this final episode of our 6-Part series on Telling Your Story Your Way. If you’re wondering which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality, click below to take our 60-second quiz today!

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In today’s episode, we’re going to take a look at the fifth Story Sister Archetype which is The Activist.

Like the Advocate, which we covered last week, the Activist belongs to the Crusader category of storytellers. And as we’ll hear today, getting people to activate their beliefs and commit to crusading for a particular cause is at the heart of the Activist’s mission.

If you identify as an Activist Storyteller, then stay tuned, because we’re about to dive into some of the tools and techniques that are effective when it comes to bringing out the best in YOUR brand storytelling.

Here’s a recap of today’s content that’s designed to help Activist Storytellers tell their story their way:

1.     Know your audience (what makes them tick and the language they use to describe the issues that affect them the most).

2.    Create a narrative, not just a story, and remember to ask “What’s In it for Them?”

3.     Always include a call to action, and when you do, keep it simple, relatable and easy to follow.

Thanks so much for tuning in to Part 5 of our 6-Part series on Telling Your Story Your Way. If you’re wondering which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality, take our 60-second quiz by clicking om the link below.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

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Welcome to Part 3 of our 6-part series called Tell Your Story Your Way. The purpose of this series is to help you identify which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality.

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a closer look at the third Story Sister Archetype which is The Ambassador, and determine which brand storytelling strategies and techniques are ideally suited to that archetype’s unique personality.

Here are the 7 key points from today's episode:

1.     Look for live events being hosted in your area where you have the opportunity to share your expertise and your story – and remember, if you can’t find one, there’s always the option to create your own!

2.     Consider the size of the events you choose to attend –and then decide how you will engage with the audience once you get there.

3.     When planning your own event, strategize about the name, the theme and the type of audience you want to gather to make sure all three align with your main brand mission.

4.     Consider attending online events to connect with potential clients and customers outside your own community or region.

5.     Share the spotlight by profiling members of your audience on your purpose-driven platform.

6.     Approach potential partners and collaborators whose mission and values dovetail with your own.

7.     Make sure there’s a fair value exchange when entering into a new partnership. When you do, you’ll help ensure that everyone’s voice is valued.

Thanks so much for tuning in to Part 3 of our 6-Part series on Telling Your Story Your Way. If you’re wondering which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality, take our 60-second quiz by clicking on the link below.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

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This month we’re diving into a brand new series called Tell Your Story Your Way. And it’s all about recognizing your unique Story Sister Archetype and playing to your strengths when it comes to your own brand storytelling.

This week, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the second Story Sister Archetype which is The Architect. In this episode, we’ll uncovering the Architect’s unique superpowers – along with her kryptonite – as it relates to telling the story behind the brand or business she’s building.

As we discussed back in Episode 131, Architects are analytical thinkers who use their ability to see problems through a lens of logic. They are naturally curious about the world around them and excellent problem solvers. They also tend to thrive in highly structured environments.

If you identify as an Architect Storyteller then here’s what you need to know: there’s a way to tell your brand or business story that’s uniquely you, and that capitalizes on your innate strengths and skills.

One way to do this is to recognize that as an Architect Storyteller, you need structure – and not only that, you tend to create stories using structure.

This is why we see so many Architects using step-by-step action plans, frameworks and formulas as a part of their storytelling style. Not only does this logical flow to storytelling make the Architect feel right at home, it also helps her create clarity in her business, both for her clients and for herself.

Architects crave structure and stability, so it’s no wonder that their superpower is organization and consistency.

So where do Architects tend to go wrong when it comes to storytelling? In other words, what’s their kryptonite?

In my experience, Architects are so often attached to their plan that they don’t release it, even when a great opportunity comes up. Now, I’m not a fan of getting distracted by a lot of pointless side projects – but I am an advocate of paying attention to the conversations that are happening all around us, and asking if there are synergies there that we could take advantage of.

Structure and stability are deeply valued by Architects, so I’d suggest platforms like a regular newsletter or blog, LinkedIn articles, and even scripted podcasts. Since Architects are often fans of predictability, having a template they follow to communicate with their audience on a regular basis can also be a bonus.

I encourage you to continue telling your story your way, while also exploring a few new paths from time to time.

Because your story is the one element of your business that is unique from all others on the planet. No one can tell your story exactly the same way as you can. And that’s why its so worth telling.

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This week, I’m launching a new series called Tell Your Story Your Way. And the purpose of this series is to help you identify which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality.

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a closer look at the first Story Sister Archetype which is The Artist, and determine which brand storytelling strategies and techniques are ideally suited to that archetype’s unique personality.

And keep in mind that even if you don’t identify with the Artist archetype, having an understanding of the way the Artist operates and how she thinks can help you reach this type of audience member with your own brand or business. So it’s definitely worth sticking around!

Here are the 6 key points from toady’s episode which is designed to help Artists tell their story their way:

1. Embrace unscripted storytelling since it will allow you to share your journey in the moment, rather than in a more structured way.

2. Consider using storytelling platforms that allow for the free flow of ideas and messaging, including podcasts, YouTube channels, photography and microblogging when reaching out to your core audience.

3. Joyfully pursue a number of side projects but be mindful of your BIG goals for the week or month and keep your eye on the prize.

4. Explore the idea of attending an event or holding one of your one to connect with your supporters.

5. Don’t follow the pack – get creative about where and when you meet your audience.

6. Creativity is your superpower, but to move your business forward, you’re going to need message clarity and consistency over time.

Thanks so much for tuning in to Part 1 of our 6-Part series on Telling Your Story Your Way. If you’re wondering which of the 6 Story Sister Archetypes best fits your brand voice and personality, take our 60-second quiz by clicking on the link below.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

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Welcome back to a fresh, new season of the Power Your Platform Podcast! Today I’m launching a new, six-part series called “Tell your Story Your Way”. And in this episode, I’ll explain the big AHA moment I had last season that led to this 6-part series.

The aha moment that occurred to me last season actually came when I was working with one of my clients who definitely did not share the same storytelling archetype as me. And the way I was encouraging her to tell her story was like fitting a square peg into a round hole. And at first, I thought she just wasn’t ready to tell her story. And then the lightbulb came on – she WAS ready to tell her story, just not in the same way as I was telling  my story.

So that realization led me to think about the different types of Story Sister Archetypes. Because each of us is mostly likely one of the six.

In case you missed Episode 131, I'm including a link below. This is the episode where I introduced the Six Story Sister Archetypes which include: the Artist, the Architect, the Ambassador, the Advocate, the Activist and the Anarchist.

Each of these story sister archetypes enjoys telling their story a different way.

Over the next six weeks, I’m going to dedicate one full episode to one of the six story sister archetypes. I’m hoping this focused approach will help us all to get clear on the type of storyteller we are individually and how we can best create a storytelling strategy that dovetails with our preferred communication style.

And remember, we can be a combination of more than one archetype, but the key is to recognize what lights you up when it comes to brand storytelling and how to create a marketing strategy that’s cheerful – not choreful – which is I word I just made up, but it seems to fit the situation. Because if you’re really going to get the most out of your marketing strategy, you’ve got to be excited about it. There’s just no way this is going to work on autopilot.

As a brand builder or business owner you have GOT to be enthusiastic about yoru own story. After all, that’s what will sell your product or service.

Someone told me recently that sales is simple the transfer of enthusiasm. And I really believe that.

So if enthusiasm is a pre-requisite for sales, then I think it’s a good idea that we embrace our own story and start telling it in a way that resonates with our ideal audience and gets them excited about what we have to offer.  

I can’t wait to dive in further starting next week, but for now, be sure to take our 60-second Storytelling Archetype quiz to find out which story Sister Archetype best fits YOUR personality (link below).

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Today’s Summer Recast Series is a replay for our Six Story Archetypes episode which was released earlier this year.

This episode talks about the fact that one of the keys to creating a strong brand is knowing what makes your brand voice stand out from the crowd. And one of the ways you can do this is by understanding your Story Sister Archetype.

Don’t forget to check out our NEW Story Sister Archetype Quiz by clicking on the episode links below.

This new quiz will help you determine which Story Sister Archetype you fit: the Artist, the Architect, the Ambassador, the Advocate, the Activist or the Anarchist.

And be sure to stay tuned NEXT week for the kick-off of Season 3 of the Power Your Platform Podcast. That’s when I’ll be building on what you hear in today’s episode, to really get to the heart of what it means to unlock the power of YOUR brand voice.

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into the idea of Unpacking Your Signature Stories and I can’t wait to share with you the 3 reasons signature stories are so powerful and how you can begin unpacking yours.

I think we can agree we all of us have stories that we carry with us through life. And these stories have the potential  to connect us to each other and make a huge impact.

The problem is most of us don’t even know what our stories are. We sit on them, just as though we were sitting on a stack of old, dusty suitcases. We don’t peek inside or unpack what could be useful to us or to the other people in our lives.

But remember, life’s a journey and as travelers we’re not meant to stay in one place forever. Those suitcases we’re sitting on? What’s inside is meant to equip us for what comes next, providing us with the tools and wisdom that will guide us through the next challenge we face.

So what exactly is a signature story? And why do we need them when building a story brand?

Your signature story is the message you’re best known for. Ideally it stems from your personal experience, expertise and insights. Not only should your signature story have a personal connection, however, but it should also have a universal application.

So why are signature stories so powerful?

First, they clarify why you do what you do. When we share our origin story, people understand what motivates us.

Secondly, signature stories can also reveal the values behind the brand. This helps customers align with brands they can relate to on an emotional and moral level.

Signature stories can also shape company culture. When you share the why behind your brand and what the values are that drive your business, then your employees will better understand how they should be operating day-to-day.

If you’re interested in starting to unpack your own signature story, click on the link below. I’d love to connect!

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In today’s episode, we’re talking about traction. Because when it comes right down to it, without traction, we won’t be able to engage our audience over the long-term and really help them get results.

So what is traction? Traction is what happens when you get a good grip on something and you’re able to hold onto it securely. Kind of like when you’re driving down the road on a snowy day and you’ve got snow tires on your car. Rather than slipping and sliding all over the place, the snow tires help you get a grip – or traction – on the road so you stay the course and get to your destination.

How can you create a story brand that grips your audience’s attention and HOLDS it long enough for them to understand your message and take action?

This is one of the biggest challenges companies face since there are so many competing messages in the marketplace today.

In this episode, we’ll explore 4 simple ways to get more story traction:

1 - Know your audience. 2 - Optimize your language. 3 - Start a conversation. 4 - Build a community.

Thanks so much for listening in today! I hope you found at least one aha moment in today’s episode, and hey, if you did, I’d love to hear from you! Click below to connect. EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/ Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you a replay of a workshop I hosted a few weeks ago about “Building Your Story Pillars.”

Now the workshop was an hour long so I’m not actually going to replay the entire workshop. But I am going to share with you the 5 story pillars that we discussed during that workshop, and I hope that as you listen in, you’ll jot down a few notes that relate to your own brand or business.

Because as business builders, it’s important that we’re aware of what our story pillars are and the important role they play in branding. The good news is that we all have a story to tell, and our audience is waiting to hear it.

And as you listen, if you feel like you could benefit from some extra support as you build your own story pillars, don’t hesitate to reach out to me by clicking on the connect link below. I’d love to hear from you and help coach you as you create a brand that creates true impact.

To recap, here are the five key story pillars we discuiss in this episode:

1.  Your Personal Story 2.  Your Purpose Story

3. Your People Story

4. Your Product Story

5. Your Promise Story

Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode. If you’re looking for a community of women spekaers, leaders and entreprneeurs who are building their own brands and making an impact in the world, be sure to join us inside our FREE Power Your Platform Facebook community. You can click below to join today!

Until next time, keep owning yoru story, following yoru purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story!

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Today we’re digging into the Power of Small Stories and talking about how we can unlock the potential of ordinary teaching moments.  Because let’s face it, we’ve all been impressed by the history-changing stories of women like Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Laura Secord. But the truth is, that small stories matter too. And what’s more, they’re a lot easier for most people to relate to.  

So today I’m going to share a tool I’ve created called the StoryNET. And I hope it’s as useful for you when it comes to story catching, because I know it’s been helpful for me.  

Small stories matter in a big way. And here’s the thing: we’re surrounded by small stories every day of our lives, am I right?  Of course, since we move through our lives at such a breakneck speed, we often don’t take the time to notice the small stories because we’re so distracted by so many other things. Now some of these things could actually be tragedies or crises in our lives which obviously demand our full attention.  

But most often, we’re NOT distracted by the big stuff. We’re distracted by, well, pretty much everything. It could be a notification on our phone or it could be the fact that we’re trying to multitask and juggle three or four activities at once.  

If you’ve never seen this in action, by the way, just attend a child’s soccer game and keep your eye on the parents who are answering emails while cheering on the home team while also chatting with the other soccer parents about who’s turn it is next week to bring the popsicles. And yes, I may be speaking from personal experience here.  

So how can we flip this script? How can we start paying attention to the amazing moments all around us and giving them our full attention? Because when we do, that’s when the stories -- and the lessons they teach -- come into focus.  

And here’s the tool we can use to to do it. It’s called the Story NET and it’s a simple strategy for catching the everyday stories in your life before they pass you by.  

NET stands for Notice Examine and Takeaway.  

1. NOTICE - Without paying attention to the details of our lives, we’ll never notice the knowledge nuggets along the way. So it’s important that we to set our intentions at the start of every day to be mindful and notice the people, the places and experiences that come our way.  

2. EXAMINE – What are the types of things we notice when we take time to examine the stories that surround us? We probably notice what’s visible to the eye, as well as the emotions of the story, not to mention the story arc (beginning, middle, end).  

3. TAKE AWAY THE KEY LESSONS - What are the takeaways you can spot in the stories you’ve collected? The great stories – the ones worth sharing with others --- will have some sort of a lesson, a reminder or an aha moment that you can share. Whatever it is, keep it simple and state it clearly so your audience isn’t confused about what the takeaway is, and how they can apply it to their own life. When you do, your story collection will be in the perfect position to make a real impact.  EPISODE LINKS:

In today's podcast, I'm interviewing California-based author and corporate storyteller Donna Griffit. Donna has written a book called “Sticking To My Story, The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups” and in the book she shares how to deliver winning investor pitches using the art of storytelling.

As Donna explains in today’s episode, our human brains are hardwired for storytelling. So when we use a storytelling framework when approaching our investor or sales pitches, we’re setting ourselves up for business success.

In today’s episode, Donna and I talk about what our audience is REALLY listening for when we’re telling a story and why our business vision is one of the biggest keys to pitching success.

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today's conversation with Donna:

1 - Stories are powerful tools to use when pitching an audience since they tend to stick in the minds of our listeners long after other data is forgotten.

2 - Authenticity is the secret to successfully telling – and selling – your story.

3 - Recognizing your origin story and the “why” behind your business is key to communicating your unique market position with your audience.

4 - Every business needs a why story which includes your what, your how and your way. Remember, people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

5 - It’s important to identify a vision for your company that takes you beyond the moment you’re in now. When we share our vision with our audience, they’ll get a clearer idea of where the path is taking us.

6 - Creating a story in four acts can also help to create clarity for our audience. Those four acts include: The Problem, The Solution, The Action Plan and the Next Moves.

7 - Our audience is listening for three things when we tell a story: credibility, likeability and momentum.

8 - As women, we tend to play down our accomplishments. Instead, we need to be spotlighting them to build greater credibility.

9 - Being likable isn’t about being cute; it’s about being someone who can work well with others to get the job done.

10 - And finally, when it comes to building momentum, our story needs to demonstrate that we’re making progress in our business. When we do, others will want to be a part of that progress as well.

Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode. I’d love to hear YOUR key takeaways, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

  EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s episode we’re going to talk about the key differences between product and service brands, and how we need to adjust our storytelling in response to those differences.

I’ll also be sharing a few story examples from my own business as well as some of the clients I’ve worked with to demonstrate how product and service storytelling can not only set your brand apart, but help to generate business success.

Here are the key takeaways from today’s episode:

1 - We are surrounded by brands every day, and each of those brands has a story behind it.

2 - Product stories generally focus on the features and benefits of a product, because that’s what the consumer tends to care about most.

3 - When product companies are led by an original founder, however, the story should also integrate the origin story of  the company and the why behind the business.

4 - Service company stories differ from product company stories, because they are all about the service provider. In this case, our stories need to be human, authentic and connect in a meaningful way with our audience.

If today’s episode has piqued your interest and you’d like to book a 1-hour strategy session to help you get started with your own product or service story, then be sure to click on the contact button below.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS:

This week, in honour of Mother’s Day, I’m turning over the interviewing reigns to my daughter, Logan.

As you’ll hear, this interview was completely unrehearsed, and I hope you’ll enjoy being a fly on the wall as I answer my daughter’s questions on everything from the first story I ever told to the latest plot twist in my own story.

There are a lot of fun -- and surprising -- moments in this episode, so be sure to stay tuned right to the very end. And I have to say that as a mom, it’s a full circle  moment to have your daughter interview you on a podcast like one. So I just have to say that I am genuinely proud of Logan for stepping up to the microphone – not just today, but in her regular life as well.

As moms, we’re always encouraging our kids to step outside their comfort zone, aren't we?

But as you’ll hear in this episode, it’s up to us as parents to ensure we don’t leave behind our own sense of adventure.

 I hope you'll enjoy today's Mother’s Day Podcast Takeover!

If you’re anything like me, then the idea of improvising is actually pretty terrifying. I’m someone who loves a plan and implementing that plan brings me pure joy. Sure, I’ve learned to be more spontaneous over the  years, but improv? Um, no thanks.

So when I recently learned about a women’s improv event in my local community, I definitely hesitated. But then, after learning the workshop would be led by two of our country’s funniest ladies, I decided to take a giant leap and signed up. Plus, just to be safe, I dragged a couple of friends along with me as well – after all, there’s safety in numbers, right?

It turns out, I had nothing to be afraid of. In today’s episode, I’m going to share with you the three key points I learned about why improv is actually vital for building a strong brand or business.

The workshop was let by Rebecca Northan and Christy Bruce who have been best friends for 30 years and who also happen to be two of Canada’s top award-winning improv comedians and alumni of Toronto’s Second City.

And today I thought I’d’ share with you my three key takeaways from this improv experience. Because the workshop really did help me change the way I approach life and business. And while I haven’t yet mastered the art of improv, I’m definitely working on it.

Lesson 1 – Adopting a “Yes And” attitude in life and business .

When we have a fixed idea of what the end result of a project is going to be and so we often resort to “yes but” conversations with our team members. However, when we adopt an attitude of “yes and”, we can incorporate more creative solutions into our projects and the end result is something that we might not have expected, but is often more effective.

Lesson 2 – As women, we need to trust our gut more. Because it knows the way.

Without a script to follow in life, there are daily opportunities for us to write the script as we go along. And here’s the amazing thing: WE have the power to create our own internal and external dialogue. So rather than following along with the story we’ve been handed at a young age where we act a certain way and think a certain way and follow a certain path, we can trust our gut to help us create a brand NEW script that leads us in the direction we feel led to follow.

As Oprah once said, “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.”

Lesson 3 - We all need each other.

Because just like WE are improvising our way through every single day, so is everyone else around us. Remember, no one wakes up with a fully developed life script in the morning. Even though we always assume others have it easier than we do.

The truth is that we all feel awkward in life and none of us feel prepared for the unpredictable parts of life. But when we’re a part of a community that encourages and supports us along the way, we’re all better off.

Today I’m excited to share with you the insights of four amazing women on the topic of finding the courage to share your story.

 Because let’s face it. There is a lot we’d be doing right now if we just had the courage to do it. Am I right? I’m sure each of us can think of at least three fears we have about stepping outside our comfort zone today and taking on a new project or embracing a new risk or even just having the courage to share our own story.

So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you four quick clips of conversations I’ve had with women who have been there and done that. Together with Cheryl, Emily, Laurie and Amber, I hope to encourage you today that not only does your story matter but having the courage to share it with someone else has the power to change the world.

What happens when you give a woman a microphone?

If you’re new to this podcast, one of the things you’ll discover quickly is that we talk a lot about building purpose-driven platforms and sharing authentic stories that make an impact with our audience.

So today, I’m passing YOU the microphone. Every now and then I like to ask for audience feedback on various topics – and just recently, I asked our Power Your Platform audience to think about the question I just shared with you: “What happens when you give a woman the microphone?”

The answers are varied and inspiring and I know you’re going to enjoy what your Story Sisters have to say in this episode. So stay tuned and if you’re not already following us on social media, be sure to follow @poweryourplatform on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date on what’s happening next.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS:

One of the keys to creating a strong brand is knowing what makes your brand voice stand out from the crowd. So if you think about the many speakers, authors, leaders and changemakers who are out there, they’ve all succeeded in large part, because they were courageous enough to go against the flow.

Many have done this by establishing a strong brand voice, and by using that brand voice consistently, these individuals and companies have been able to successfully make an impact with their audience.

So let me ask you this: are you still trying to sound, look and be like everyone else? Or are you ready to stand out? Because if so, today’s podcast episode is for you!

Join me as I discuss the 6 Story Sister Archetypes from Artist to Anarchist and decide which Archetype sounds most familiar to you. You might even want to pause this episode from time to time or take a few notes as we dig deep into what it takes to unlock your brand voice.

What is an archetype? - Generally speaking, an archetype is an original model of something that is developed or made. This includes a set of defining characteristics or traits that are shared by a particular group of people, in this case, Storytellers.

What is a Story Sister? - A Story Sister is a woman-identifying individual who is intent on growing her personal or professional brand through authentic storytelling. 

The 6 Story Sister Archetypes are:

Story Sister Archetype 1 – The Artist (The Creative Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 2 – The Architect (the Methodical Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 3 – The Ambassador (Diplomatic Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 4 –The Advocate (The Cause-Based Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 5 – The Activist (Action-Driven Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 6 – The Anarchist (Rebellious Storyteller)

The first three Story Sister Archetypes can be grouped together under the Category of Creator: Artists, Architects and Ambassadors.

The last three Story Sister Archetypes can be grouped together under the Category of Crusader: Advocates, Activists and Anarchists.

The question is: which one are YOU?

 Over the next seven days in our free Power Your Platform Facebook group, we’ll be exploring that very question. I hope you’ll join us! If you’re not already a member, be sure to click below for the direct link.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS: 

Can I be honest with you? I’ve been feeling pretty burned-out lately. But here’s the thing: I know all about self-care and in fact, I build several hours into my week for yoga and reading and spiritual pursuits which are all the reason I have not yet lost my mind (ha!).

So on the surface, it seems like I’m doing all the right things. But some days I feel like my brain is just swirling with obligations and commitments and it’s led me to feeling more burned out lately than I’ve felt in a while.

When I was thinking about the topic for today’s podcast episode, I decided to reach back into the archives of the Power Your Platform Podcast and create my very own burn-out booster guide.

Because over the past couple of years, I’ve interviewed dozens of women who have also experienced stress and burn out as a part of their story journey and they’ve shared some pretty amazing ideas about how to cope with it.

So today, I hope you’ll sit back and relax as I share with you the clips from three interviews I’ve done in the past that I found have helped me when it comes to this common topic of burnout.

Because a big part of our story success depends on us recognizing the signs when we’re not at our best, and finding ways to adjust to ensure we maintain our own mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

If you’re feeling burn-out today, I just want to let you know that you’re not alone. It’s been a crazy couple of years, and we’re all feeling the effects of it. But we’re in this together, and I really believe that if we acknowledge how we’re feeling and ask for the help we need, we can not only get through it, but find true balance on the other side.

So sit back and enjoy today’s podcast episode highlight reel with three incredible women who share their own ideas and insights on how to move from burnout to balance.

Guest 1 – Shyla Cash (Episode 80) – Learn to Recognize Your Internal and External Stressors as an Entrepreneur

Guest 2 – Jaspreet Bhandal (Episode 89) – Manage Your Own Expectations and the Expectations of Others

Guest 3 – Elizabeth Verwey (Episode 112) – Surround Yourself with Mentors and Ask for the Help You Need

Listening to these clips reminds me that I need to stop carrying everything on my own. I have some wonderful people in my life, many of whom have become mentors for me over the years. So in order to achieve balance, I need to be intentional about who I spend time with and not apologize for asking for help when I need it.

And I’d encourage you to do the same today! Take a look around you today. Who can help shoulder the workload? What are your priorities and does your schedule reflect what’s important to you? And finally, what can be put on hold until a time when we have the energy to deal with it?

EPISODE LINKS:

Looking for a few great reads on storytelling this spring? Check out these recommended titles!

Book 1 - Choose Your Story, Change Your Life by Kindra Hall

This book is quite powerful since it focuses on silencing our inner critic and rewriting our life form the inside out. This is a favourite topic of mine so I happily devoured this book and made a bunch of notes in the margins as I read it.

One of the things I love about Kindra’s book is that – not surprisingly -- they’re always filled with stories and relevant examples to the work she’s sharing. She talks a lot about how the stories we tell ourselves can make our dream life or business a reality or how they can turn it into an impossible fantasy. That’s the power of the stories we tell ourselves.

In this book, Kindra dives into a number of great topics, including the importance of uncovering the truth about the power of our own stories and how we can take control of our self-story to become the author of who we are.

Book 2 - “How to Tell a Story: the Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth”

In case you’ve never hard of the Moth, it’s a non-profit group based in New York City that’s dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.

Since 1997, the Moth has held hundreds of theme-based storytelling events across the U.S. and even abroad. Typically, these events feature prominent literary and cultural personalities like Elizabeth Gilbert, but they also include the everyday stories of ordinary folks as well.

So in How to Tell a Story, a number of storytellers associated with The Moth how to uncover and craft your own unique stories.

Whether your goal is to tell your story onstage, deliver a great wedding toast, present an impressive pitch to a client or simply connect more deeply with your audience, this book shares secrets and examples to help show you the way.

Book 3- “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks

This book also has a tie-in to The Moth which I referred to in my last book recommendation. In this case, Storyworthy was written by Matthew Dicks who is a 36-time Moth Story SLAM champion and a 5-time GrandSLAM champion. So needless to say, this guy has told his fair share of stories onstage!

Storyworthy is helpfully divided into three main parts: Finding Your Story, Crafting Your Story and Telling Your Story. So if you’ve ever dreamed of speaking on a TED or TEDX stage or just getting up in front of your local business club or community group, then this book is worth checking out.

Got a book title you’d like to share? Be sure to click below to join our free Power Your Platform Facebook group where the discussion will continue…

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s show you’re in for something special. A few weeks ago, I hosted a 2-hour Masterclass on the topic of Building Your Story Funnel. Some of you who are listening right now were at that Masterclass and it was so great to have you there and participating and making that morning such a memorable experience.

So today, I want to share with you a few clips of that Masterclass –and trust me, it’s a bit of a feat to distill a 2-hour Masterclass down to less than 20 minutes.

Remember that these clips are a part of a bigger conversation that took place over 2 hours. So I’ve provided a bit of transition music between the various clips just as a reminder that they’re excerpts from the original version. Still, the parts I’m sharing with you today are well worth a listen. Because they really drill down to what it takes to raise a story-driven community and get the impact you’ve been looking for in your business.

I have to mention though that what’s missing from this episode is the amazing interaction and questions and answers from the audience, along with the story sharing and networking that took place. But that’s why the live Masterclasses is a part of my paid program and not offered for free.

Still I promise there’s a ton of value you’re going to receive by listening to some of the highlights of this Masterclass.

So tune in and enjoy as we go live to the Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass!

EPISODE LINKS:

If you’re listening to this episode on the day that it drops, then Happy National Write Your Story Day! As you’ll discover shortly, today’s interview with one of my amazing story coaching clients reveals that there is an unmistakable power that comes with owning, writing and sharing our story – even when the topic is painful or taboo.

My guest on the podcast today is Amber Topp, a currently serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a military spouse of nearly 20 years.  A writer at heart, Amber has used poetry over the years to help heal painful experiences from her past, including gender-based violence and military sexual trauma.

In today’s episode, Amber and I talk about how she became a story coaching client and the type of work we did together over a period of time. She also shares how she rediscovered a childhood passion for poetry and turned her trauma into a published book that’s making a difference.

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s podcast interview:

1. Self-expression can be a powerful part of our healing journey, no matter what we’ve been through.

2. We are not alone in the world – so when we share our story, others feel seen and heard too.

3. A story about us can quickly become a story about everyone when we share it with others.

4. Ask yourself what forms of self-expression came most naturally to you as a child. Then consider how you could use those same forms of self-expression to express your story today.

5. We all have a voice, but sometimes its buried deep beneath our past experiences. Dare to dig it up and use it again.

6. Knowing our “why” can help us get clear on the purpose behind the work we do.

7. If you’re struggling to get clear on the message you want to share with the world, then consider reaching out to a Story Coach.

8. Start small. It’s OK not to see the whole picture when you’re first starting out.

9. Owning our story is one of the most powerful decisions we can make when it comes to taking back our life and owning our message.

10. Today’s power move is to set aside a few minutes today to reflect on your own story. Then take the time to capture what you feel, see and hear in your own unique style.

I hope you enjoyed listening in to today’s interview with poet and author Amber Topp. And if story coaching is something that interests you, then be sure to reach out to me today (see Episode Links below).

Let’s get your story started today!

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s podcast, I want to talk to you about the Story DNA that’s inside every single one of us. It’s the secret formula that makes our brand or business stand out in the marketplace, and if you’re not harnessing its power already, today’s episode is a great place to get started.

Canadian author Danielle LaPorte once made the statement that “No one can tell your story the way you can tell your story.” And the reason for that of course, is that not a single one of us has travelled the same story path as anyone else on the planet.

And that’s because we all have a different Story DNA.

So what exactly is our Story DNA?

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know I’m a big fan of acronyms. So to help you remember what makes YOUR story unique, think of it as three key parts of your life:

Your Development

Your Natural Interests and Abilities

Your Alignment

The first component of our Story DNA is Our Development. And when I think of Development, I think of the early years that helped shaped who we are today. That includes our family dynamic, early socialization and schooling which are all major components of our early childhood development (ages 0 to 8).

Question: What were some of the most important defining moments that you experienced before the age of 8? How did they impact you and become a part of your life story?

The second component of our Story DNA is our Natural Gifts and Abilities. These are the aspects of us that come to use as easily as breathing. It’s likely how we had fun as kids and as adults, how we still find the deepest kind of joy and fulfillment.

Our natural gifts and abilities aren’t something we need to learn. More often, they are just a part of who we are.

Question: What are your natural gifts and abilities? How do they help you operate more effectively?

The third component of our Story DNA is our Alignment. And alignment is what happens when we are living in synch with our innermost values and deepest beliefs. Once we’ve done the work to consider the unique aspects of our development as well as our natural interests, values and abilities, we need to take the time to align who we are with the work that we do.

Note: We don’t get to choose our development or even our nature. But we do get to choose how we align our story with the purpose we’re here to fulfill.

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s podcast episode, I’m excited to share with you today what story funnels are all about and how they can help you build a loyal audience.

For those of you who follow this podcast, you’ll already know that I’ve got a new, 2-hour Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass coming up on Wednesday, February 15th.

So while today’s episode will provide an introduction to story funnels, we’re going to go a lot deeper on February 15th. Not only that, but each Masterclass participant will also receive a 1-hour private coaching session to help them build their own story funnel that gets results.

To register now, click on the Episode Link below.

As humans, we crave community. In fact, our brains are wired to connect. Social scientists tell us that communities help us feel like we belong, and this has a far-reaching impact on our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being which is inevitably linked to our physical well-being.

As someone who has built multiple online and in-person communities over the past 20 years, I can tell you there is an immense feeling of satisfaction that comes with gathering people together around a common purpose, and watching them flourish.

Now I’ll be honest – community raising doesn’t happen overnight.

But the good news is that we all have access to the one tool that will help us create meaningful connections that will take us from content creators to community raisers.

And that tool is a story funnel.

A story funnel is a marketing strategy that uses storytelling to move your ideal customer from being a passive content consumer to becoming an active, contributing member of your community.

If you’re not sure what kind of community to start or how to get people to join, don’t worry, because that’s what the Build Your Story Masterclass is all about. On February 15th, I’ll be sharing the 3-step process I’ve followed to build multiple communities with hundreds and even thousands of members, both online and in-person.

Click below to register today!

EPISODE LINKS:

How we keep track of our stories matters. After all, we know that stories create connection, clarity and credibility so we should be using them throughout our marketing materials whenever can.

So today, I want to introduce you to the 3R Story Tracking method which allows us to overcome the overwhelm and set up a free and simple way to keep track of our own stories.

The 3R Story Tracking Method includes three main steps: recall your stories, record your stories and retell your stories.

Recall your stories. 

Use story prompts to recall your stories. A story prompt is an intentional activity that sparks your memory of a person, place, time or even a feeling in your life.

Examples of story prompts include: looking through old photo albums, reviewing old journals, sifting through old belongings, driving through old neighhourhood and listening to music that once meant a lot to you.

Record Your Stories 

I always recommend that people keep track of their stories in the same place. So if you’re a lover of journals like I am, then maybe that’s the best solution for you. My advice is to keep one journal for your stories ONLY , and don’t fill it with other notes or information that will make it hard to find your stories when you’re looking for them.

A second recommendation for recording your stories is an online document, like a Google doc that you can access from anywhere at any time. That way, if you recall a story while you’re away from your desk, then you can still make a note of it in the same place you keep track of your other stories.

If you really want to take your story recording to the next level, I suggest keeping track of your stories in what I call a Story Vault which is a document I’ve shared before with my Masterclass participants. Email me today to request a copy of my Free Story Vault Template which helps sort your stories by type and purpose.

Retell Your Stories.

A few places you can retell your stories are your newsletter, your social media stories, reels and posts, your blog, podcast or YouTube channel, your presentations and workshops, at networking events and in media interviews.

Using the 3R Story Tracking Method, your brand marketing will connect more deeply with your audience, create clarity and build brand credibility.

EPISODE LINKS:

Today I’m excited to share with you the details of my brand new Masterclass called Build Your Story Funnel. The Masterclass will be held on Wednesday, February 15th 2023 from 10 a.m. to noon EST.

If you’ve been wishing lately that you could step off the content creation treadmill and into a more meaningful relationship with your audience, then it’s time to move from content creator to community raiser.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to be covering in my new Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass.

If you’ve ever been a part of one of my Masterclasses, then you know how much it lights me up to serve women speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs just like you who are working hard to grow their brand or business.

But sometimes working harder isn’t the answer. Sometimes we need to think about working smarter.

And that’s really what Build Your Story Funnel is all about.

A story funnel is a marketing strategy that uses storytelling to move your ideal customer from being a passive content consumer into an active member of your community.

So today I want to double-dare you to invest 2 hours of your time to find out how you can start working smarter, not harder, when it comes to growing your business.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in this live, online experience:

First, we’ll be rethinking the Content Trap. This will include exploring what the content trap is and how we got here. More importantly, we’ll be discussing how can we get off the content creation treadmill while at the same time getting better results for our business.

Next, we’ll be reimagining our audience connection. In other words, what does our audience REALLY want from us and how can we give it to them without spending all of our time making Instagram reels or Tik Tok stories?

Finally, we’ll be renewing the Power of Community. And this portion of the Masterclass will focus on how we can harness the power of one-on-one interactions by moving from content creation to effective community raising.

PLUS enjoy 1-hour of private coaching within the cost of the Masterclass. You can schedule your coaching session anytime between February 15th and May 15th, so you have plenty of time to think about what you need to do to start working smarter, not harder.

I hope to see you on February 15th!

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s episode, I’m interviewing marketing specialist Cheyanne O’Driscoll about the importance of creating an annual marketing plan.

As you’ll hear in today’s episode, even though the new year is already underway, it’s NEVER to late to create an annual plan.

Stay tuned for plenty of marketing talk and advice on goal setting and creating a marketing plan that gets results.

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s interview with Cheyanne:

1. When it comes to marketing, find your niche and serve it well.

2. An annual marketing plan can be a useful tool to ensure you are taking consistent action that helps you meet your business goals.

3. If you’re not sure where to start with your goal setting, keep in mind what stage of the business cycle you’re at, and set your goals accordingly.

4. There are three stages of the business cycle: the experiential stage, the growth stage and the established stage. And as we grow, we sometimes circle back to the beginning and start all over again. So don’t be surprised if that happens for you!

5. The best day to start your annual plan is today. Don’t wait a minute longer!

6. Remember it can take 1 to 3 years to develop your business, so give yourself plenty of time to grow and make a profit.

7. Give yourself the time and space to create an effective annual marketing plan.

8. Planning is an important part of decision making. It’s a roadmap that helps us determine how we invest our time, money and energy.

9. An annual marketing plan gives you the metrics to measure your progress, including audience growth, engagement and conversion.

10.Today’s power move is think of at least ONE way you can go against the flow and adopt an unexpected marketing tactic that helps you stand out from the crowd.

Thanks so much for listening in today! If you enjoyed today’s episode, feel free to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women and help them create more impact with their story.

Until next time, keep owning yoru story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear your story.

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s episode, we’re going to be exploring 3 story types that can help boost your branding and get you noticed. So if you’ve been struggling to come up with new content lately for your blog, your newsletter, your social media or even your podcast, then this episode is for you. I hope it will help get your creative juices flowing.

The 3 story types are: the anecdote, the analogy and the activator story.

The first story type is the Anecdote. An anecdote is a simple, short story about an actual person or event. And the purpose of an anecdote is to create deeper audience connection.

The important thing to remember when using anecdotes in your story branding is that they shouldn’t be random. They should tie in with one of your main storytelling pillars which I’ve talked about several times before in this podcast, but in episode #14 in particular.

Follow the KISS (Keep It Simple Sister) approach when sharing anecdotes. Avoid long, meandering tales where people are guaranteed to lose interest, get bored and eventually tune you out completely. Instead, keep your story on track and to the point.

The second story type we can develop as a part of our story branding is the Analogy. The purpose of an analogy is to create clarity around your main message. Analogies are all about comparing two things that are alike so a more abstract concept becomes clear for your audience.

Choose analogies using concepts or objects that are familiar to your audience and use them to link to more complex concepts you may be talking about in your brand storytelling.

The third and final story type I want to talk about today is the Activator. An activator story is designed to motivate your audience to action (see Ep. 111).

An activator story clearly demonstrates what can happen when a) you take action or b) you fail to take action. One approach is meant to inspire while the other is mean to serve as a cautionary tale. And both can be effective.

If you’re looking to support to build out any of the story types we’ve discussed today, then be sure to reach out to me today! Together, we can get your story into motion and help create the type of results you’ve been looking for.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice – because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story!

EPISODE LINKS:

In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Abena Green who is an award-winning spoken word poet, author and teacher who helps others elevate their lives through words and movement.

A first-generation Canadian raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Abena writes on experiences in small-town living, culture, the environment, family, love, courage, and fear.  She has performed her poetry in Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Canada, and has been featured in both the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word and Canadian Individual Poetry Slam.

In today’s interview, Abena and I discuss the importance of giving ourselves permission to pursue a messy, creative process. We also talk about the power of words and how we can create a writing habit that leads to stronger brand storytelling.

By the way, you’re going to hear Abena’s little one, Somi, on this podcast episode as well. Just hearing her juggle the role of motherhood and being a creative entrepreneur took me back a few years to when my own kids were young.

I deliberately left the baby’s cry in this episode for a reason.

First, because it’s a strong reminder that no matter what season of life we’re in, there is room for creativity.

And second, it’s a reminder that we’re always being watched by a younger generation – so to hold off on our own dreams doesn’t serve anyone, including our children.

Here are my Top 10 takeaways from today’s interview with poet and performer Abena Green:

1. Let your feet be where they are, and embrace the season you’re in.

2. Give yourself permission to tell your own story in a way that’s authentic to you.

3. Give your story space to grow and get better over time.

4. Develop a storytelling discipline that works for your schedule and season of life.

5. Excavate the gold at the heart of your story and share it with others.

6. Carve out time for yourself to write and create new messaging for your brand or business.

7. Make creative time a non-negotiable part of your schedule.

8. Prioritize your own self-expression through art, or writing, music, dance or any form that lights you up!

9. What moves us is at the heart of our story.

10.Today’s power move is to challenge yourself to find a NEW way of saying old things. When you do, it will grab your audience’s attention.

Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast interview. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review the Power Your Platform Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women to help them make an impact with their story.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

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