Hey, remember when I told you this?
I’m still not kidding. And the big brains at Inc. agree with me.
Check this out. Inc. staff writer Graham Winfrey has a great article, complete with sexy infographic, on the skills that employers will need from employees in 2020 — and all ten of ’em have connections to that storytelling impulse nestled deep and cozy in the human brain. Continue reading
There’s always time for lateral thinking.
Who would you cast as the lead character for some of the businesses and brands you’ll encounter today? Who is the name above the title on the movie poster?
For example: If I were casting Tiffany & Co., I’d chose Helen Mirren. Classy, established, effortlessly elegant, strong positive associations…sounds like a natural fit.
What about your phone company? The sandwich shop you like near work? The extermination company who’s van you’re stuck behind in traffic? Maybe you’ve got a Tom Hiddleston pet grooming place nearby, or a Jet Li plumbing biz. Could be that Octavia Spencer would be the perfect fit for the salon that cuts your hair.
Why would I ask this?
Because you, buddy, should start thinking about the character that is your brand.
Think about it. See what pops into your head.
Look, I love the internet as much as the next massive nerd, but even I have to admit it’s weird. (In some cases, both awesome and brain-meltingly weird.)
Information is constantly being gathered about our online habits. Something that’s been in the news of late given Facebook making its users into guinea pigs without disclosure.
And it’s so easy to start gathering intel — here’s an Analytics 101 intro if you need it. Go to bit.ly, sign up, create links to content you’ve written or want to feature, and boom, oodles of free data. Google Analytics can go far more granular, even at the basic, unpaid level. Want to track your visitors’ referrals? Nation of origin? Gender? Age? Color of undies? Ok, not that last one. But very nearly.
Gather ‘round the fire, campers, and let Auntie Steph tell you a tale. Continue reading
Yep. Everything is storytelling.
No, really. Check it out.
Over on Psychology Today, Dr. Pamela Rutledge wrote, “Our brains still respond to content by looking for the story to make sense out of the experience. No matter what the technology, the meaning starts in the brain.” Yes, that was way back in 2011, but I’m pretty sure the human brain hasn’t fundamentally changed in the last three years.
Need a little more proof? I admire your empirical nature, friend. Continue reading
Storytelling for success.
Yeah, I know. Sounds buzzword-y, doesn’t it? Like something you’d see on an 80s inspirational poster with a picture of a beach at sunset. But stick with me. This is actually pretty badass. Continue reading
I’ve always been fascinated with stories. I read and wrote obsessively in elementary school, continued in high school, and ended up with an English degree despite starting down the path of political science. Then I worked in bookstore after bookstore after bookstore. It’s no exaggeration to say my life has been about stories.
But you know what? So has yours.
There are other animals that feel affection. There are other animals with opposable thumbs. There are even other animals that use tools. But as far as we know, only humans tell stories. Whether we’re catching up over the weekend or telling coworkers about a speeding ticket on Monday morning, we all tell stories.
This blog will articulate my philosophy on how to use that storytelling impulse for marketing that isn’t creepy, soulless or fake. And maybe you can use that impulse to kick some ass.
Storytelling for Success 