Storytelling Marketing
People love to hear stories.
In fact, Jesus taught his lessons through short stories also known as parables.
There is power in storytelling and that’s why today, we use it in marketing.
I had the honor to speak on a panel for the Women Entrepreneurs Conference to share how to market with meaning in business through the use of storytelling. I am also happy to share with you what I shared there and my experiences of over a decade of storytelling and counting.
Click the videos below to hear my responses to the questions I was asked or read a few of them below. Hope it helps you with your marketing or storytelling too.
What is the one story you tell because it resonates?
It was over a platter of chocolate truffles and a conversation I had with a stranger, I found long lost family and my desire to connect and sweeten relationships with them, led me to learning how to make chocolates and this business. I heard a gentle whisper and tug on my heart from God to take a leap of faith and do Choco le`a with nothing but a vision of a white picket fence. So, I drove around Oahu to find a white picket fence and ended up where we are today in Mānoa where we continue to take steps of faith again and again.
The term authenticity is overused, but important. How do you keep your message authentic?
I imagine I am talking to my best friend. Every customer is a chocolate friend and so what would we tell her? We know her time is precious, she’s going through a lot, she has a lot on her mind and a ton of responsibilities to take care of, so we only want to tell her the truth and things that will add value to her life. I also want to encourage, educate, and empower her to remind her she is worthy, loved, and regardless, we are here for her.
What’s one small, practical way attendees can use storytelling this week?
Get your phone, turn around the camera and record. Just practice it even if you don’t post or you just send it to your spouse or best friend so they can get a glimpse into what you do and why you do it. If you want to be front and center, don’t worry about it being YOU front and center, but putting the person you’re speaking to front and center. Keep that focus on them and not you, and then suddenly you being on camera doesn’t feel like such a big deal.
What is one hack that you use?
I don’t know if it is a hack, but more what has worked for me without fail is prayer. I pray about everything and I put God in charge so the pressure and attention is off of me, and on Him.
“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” -Matthew 13:34