Storytelling is more than a good story. This is what it can do for your business.
You might wonder what storytelling can do for your company.
Your business may benefit from sharing your story internally and with customers. If you're not sure of how or why you should consider sharing your company's story, consider this:
Storytelling builds customer loyalty.
Your company's origin story likely begins with a problem you were trying to solve. And your reasons for wanting to solve that problem are based on your values as an individual. Those values that inspired you to start a business are the foundation of your company. And, when you share your company values and what you stand for, you connect with your customers on a deeper, more relatable level.
Storytelling can help you plan your next move.
When you reflect on your company's history and how far you've come, it's easier to identify the next steps to take. The key to getting your team on board with your vision of the future is immersing them in your company's past. Storytelling is an effective tool for getting everyone on the same page. And, by helping them understand where you started, they're more likely to get on board with where you're going.
Storytelling gives meaning to data.
While understanding the numbers is critical to a company's success, the stories behind those numbers are just as important when deciding on your next move. And, at the end of the day, people are moved by stories, not by the numbers on a spreadsheet.
Storytelling can put you back in the driver's seat.
Every business has faced challenges, some of which they've overcome and others that became setbacks or segues. No matter the outcome, those challenges have gained your company insight and experience. Sharing your struggles openly with customers is not just about transparency; it's also humanizing. And besides, everyone loves a good underdog story.
Social media and storytelling often go hand in hand. That's because social media is an incredible free tool for companies to get started publicly sharing their story: it's instant, engaging, and incredibly dynamic. Many newer companies and startups rely mainly on social media to get leads because of how effective social media marketing can be.
Social media isn't the only way to share your story and connect with your team and customers. Other ways to share your story include public events, community work, sponsorship opportunities, annual reports, and so on. Consider displaying a visual history of your company within the workplace or creating a company history book to gift to valued stakeholders.
However you choose to share your story is up to you. Remember that in today's world, where customers demand transparency, it may be time to bring your company's history into the present.