While discussing the challenge of building trust in a particular industry where clients are known to be especially skeptical and wary, one business owner’s story stood out clearly. It was a failure story, and it was extremely powerful. People paused, turned around in their chairs, and listened closely.
Yes, yes, yes -- your 'failure' or 'mistake' stories are just as powerful as your 'success' stories. And they are critically important to tell, especially if you want to build trust.
Unfortunately, it is a rare article that discusses this type of story and why it is needed. Until now.
I get weary and leery of the exclusive focus on 'success' stories while forsaking others. They are so one-dimensional. And as gratifying as success stories are, it's not only what happens in business.
That's why whenever I work with clients -- either individually or with their companies -- we also find those 'failure' or 'mistake' stories to convey authenticity. The real world is full of successes and mistakes -- and clients want to hear both because hearing both builds trust.
Even when I work with job-seekers, we always include a story about a mistake they made and how they recovered.
The secret to making this kind of story work? Sharing how you overcame the failure, the lesson you learned, your take-away from the experience.
I like the reasoning in this post, and then the questions at the end to get you started. Enjoy adding this powerful story into the mix.
Your new post is loading...
