Just Story It

I found this article really interesting because it is not your ordinary run-of-the mill article about leadership. Recent MIT studies have identified 2 essential leadership skills that are completely under the radar.

The first critical leadership skill is sense-making. The way they talk about this in the article is being able to make sense of the environment and its rapid changes, then being able to operate from that sense-making. This leads me to think how important storytelling is in that process -- listening for stories, being able to make sense from them, extrapolate meaning from that, and then sharing stories with that meaning to bring others on board.

The second critical leadership skill the study identified is innovation. No surprises there and that does not really connect to storytelling. But what does connect is the section of the article talking about a leader's leadership signature -- their unique way of leading. Now storytelling comes front and center again. It's the stories you as a leader share, and the stories told about a leader, that defines that signature. As the article says, it's a leader's values, experiences, and skills that make up that signature. Again, I'm saying that happens through the stories that are shared.

So this is a provocative read. And it won't take you long. Think about the insights here whether you are a leader in an enterprise, a manager, entrerpreneur, or small business firm.

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

There are things I really like about this article, and some that I don't.

I love that the focus of the article is on share stories your customers care about and that connect to universal truths (i.e. transformation), altruistic desires (i.e doing good), or fundamental longings (i.e. connection).

I like the examples of how brands are engaging customers using different methods and through gamification. I like the advice to take actions that your customers can share stories about. And I like that they focus on engagement being an experience of co-created play.

These are all dynamics inherent in storytelling. Yet this is what I don't like: the article is less about storytelling and more about creating a presence. You can argue that storytelling creates a presence and I agree. But the author focuses mostly on ads and customer engagement that is only a slice of business storytelling. And the article just goes to show that despite some of the solid notions here, the author is jumping on the storytelling bandwagon using words 'story' and 'storytelling' but without any accuracy or understanding what those words really mean.

OK -- I'll get off my soap box :)

Do read the article and watch the videos -- good points are made!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

Colleague Andrew Nemiccolo just wrote this terrific article on narrative transport, storytelling and how to really convey data to make it stick.

I really like how he talks about narrative transport and how sharing data or information can't get youthere. Then he gives great tips for how to work with the data/information and 'storify' it -- either by finding stories to share about it or using storytelling elements to grab attention, keep people interested, and generate meaning.

If you ever have to deal with data in your business -- and who doesn't -- then grab this article and use these tips!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

"I've been to 4 networking sessions this week and told my business story endlessly. It's boring! I'm bored! People's eyes glaze over!"

Yep -- it is a common problem. When sharing the same biz story over and over again fatigue can happen, just like it does for entrepreneurs making the rounds of angel investors and venture capitalists looking for funds. Or for nonprofits doing endless rounds of fundraising.

So what's a person to do? Learn improv skills, different story imagery techniques, and different story structures to change up your story and keep it fresh.

Because frankly, if you're tired of your story, it will bleed through other people won't be able to connect with it or get excited about what you are doing. That doesn't mean you abandon the story. It does mean you decide to play, have fun with, and get creative with your story so you have multiple ways to share it that keeps it novel for you.

Author Drake Baer says much the same but comes at it from the place of brain chemicals and Jazz. Go read the article -- it's short but makes terrific points about what creates pitch fatique and offers a few other tips for what to do about it.

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

Sales guy and story professional Michael Harris shares with us one of the big issues we all have with closing more sales -- we don't know the customer well enough. Their pain points and needs are often not well understood.

So how do you fix that? Harris suggests a quick storytelling session with your sales reps to uncover new knowledge about your customer. What a wonderful way to transfer knowledge, fill in gaps about your customer, and keep it all lively + interesting! Even better, Harris shares the process with us.

Go read the article and keep this process handy. I bet you will also think of other applications outside of sales for it!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

It's Friday, we've all been working hard, and we need a break! So here's a terrific 8:20 minute video for you about biz storytelling.

You may think it is just another quick video on why business storytelling is important -- no news there. And it is.

But, on the other hand...it makes some very excellent point about how sharing your business stories can keep your reputation strong in these days of immediate Twitter posts and social media feedback. Now that is worthwhile news!

Have a great weekend all :)

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 

Ha ha -- I love these 10 story tips for effective e-commerce! They hold true for any website, but if you've got an e-commerce site, the author Martin (Marty) Smith makes the link between storytelling and conversion to buyers.

The 'Be Quiet' tip makes me smile.  And his examples of 'About' pages are classics.

So do yourself a favor and check out Smith's 10 tips. You can see how well you are doing, plan the tweaks you need to do, or decide on a major upgrade.

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business stoytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 

Wow -- what a great use of stories at Hopleaf bar in Chicago! This is one business who's doing storytelling right.

Here in San Diego, CA we have a hot hot hot micro-brew industry winning all kinds of awards. Now they just need to follow Hopleaf's lead and connect their stories to their beers to boost sales even more.

Hmmm...sounds like I need to take a wander down to my local pub Hamilton's (100 different brews available and counting) for a draft and to whisper in their ear :)

For your business, how can you do the same as Hopleaf?

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 

I really like this article because it showcases Freakonomics author Steven Levitt who is a master storyteller when it comes to data.

What I love about Levitt is his ability to take data and tell compelling stories about it -- generating not only sense-making but even bettr -- meaning! Meaningful stories that make an impact.

Learn more about Levitt and some of the great stories he tells interpreting data. He's a terrific example for us all. Enjoy!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 

Now here is an interesting article showing how branding is continually evolving into meaningful interactions with customers.

I curated this article -- not only because it shows us what is happening today and tomorrow with branding -- but because business storytelling is the link. Effective compelling meaningful storytelling is how to make this future possible.

Well, I think it is a desirable future to aspire to. Others might disagree. That's okay. And if you, your business, your organization desire to connect with customers who focus on creating a meaningful life well lived then pay attention to this article. It has lots of great insights.

Storytelling is a very powerful meaning-making medium. The stories you select to share -- and evoke from others -- will either help the business and customers create more meaning or not, depending on your intention and your ability to craft and deliver great content.

The choice is yours -- check out this picture of the future.

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

This article is a little heady but fascinating. I love eavesdropping in on other fields to see the effects storytelling is having, and to understand how we are grappling with similar issues. And to understand what their contributions might be!

This is a perfect example. Data visualization or data storytelling or data narratives is a hot topic today. The internet is littered with smart, funny, interesting, or very dense infographics that we pass around like hot cakes.

For many years data-visualization has focused on how to take data and visually display it so it is easily understandable. Lately they want the data to tell a story, but haven't yet explored adding story structure and story elements into their end products very much. And they interchange the words narrative and storytelling a lot thinking they mean the same thing (not all narratives are stories: think Wikipedia entry).

Nevertheless, their efforts are admirable and I enjoy keeping tabs on this field. And what I like about this article is that it is beginning to ask two critical questions -- what effects do our data visualizations have on our audiences; and how do we measure that?

So the author, Nick Diakopoulos, identifies elements that story conveys that we are very familiar with: learning, memorability, insights, engagement, sharing, conversation, credibility, persuasiveness, emotional responses, etc. The author forgot 'taking action' :)

Fascinating! I love this because as people in the field of data visualization entertain these questions, how they organize and display their material is going to change and become more 'storied'.

Why else is this article important? Well, because I bet folks creating infographics can learn a lot from us biz storytellers. And likewise, I think that these brilliant data folks will come up with nifty techology solutions about audience reactions that business storytellers will be able to benefit from. And that's just my first guess.

Dealing with data runs along a spectrum -- from business people and storytellers wanting to know how to weave data into their stories to data geeks wanting to know how to display their numbers in ways that tell a story.

Through conversations and sharing between our fields, we can learn a lot from each other and be better for it. Here's to collaboration and cross-pollination!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

Veteran film maker, innovator, and movie storyteller par excellence weighs into the discussion about the evolution of storytelling. To hear some people talk you'd think this 100,000 year old art form is undergoing eath shattering change.

Well, is that so? According to Cameron -- NOT! Glad to know we think alike :)

Here is the very valid point Cameron does make: it is not the structure of a story that's changing, it's the media through which stories get told. And the technology to help us tell and share stories is also changing. Both of these are very good things. 

As he says in the article: “I think the future of storytelling is: You think of some good characters and you have them do some cool stuff that you can relate to and go through hell and come out the other side of it changed in some positive or negative way, and then it ends,” he says, with a chuckle. He acknowledges that methods of conveying stories may evolve, such as multiple plot lines or interactivity, but, for him, the movie will remain at the core."

Cameron makes a few other nice points about connecting to the audience. This is a very nice and enjoyble read. Many thanks to the author Anne Cassidy for writing such a great post!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

Here is what I like about this post, written by marketer Pratik Dholakiya -- his points about suspense, showing not telling, rethinking characters, write what you love, and continuing to hone your craft.

At first glance you might go, "Yeah, yeah". I did too until I started reading and enjoyed some of the twists he took on these conventional topics.

Like suspense. I love that he says all stories -- and yes business stories -- are all about mysteries and unresolved problems. Don't be too quick in providing answers! Build the mystery and suspense in your stories. In other words, don't turn your stories into an FAQ! Lead people on a suspenseful journey. Check out what he says about avoiding common blog posts structures.

Show, don't tell. Well, that's obvious. But sometimes harder to do. The rule of thumb? Don't give examples or descriptions -- share stories with images.

Who is your character? Think of your organization as a character. It doesn't have to be limited to a single person. Think of a thing, organization, or event as a character. And a character always wants something, encountering obstacles to fulfilling those wants. Therein lies your story.

Write what you love. Stop writing about topics you think you should be writing about. Audiences can always tell when you are not emotionally engaged in the story. If at some level you don't love what you are writing about, it bleeds through. Audiences can tell and don't engage either. So fair warning!

OK -- there are other great points Dholakiya makes here, so go read the article!

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 

Colleage David Lee shared this post with me and I think it's great because it reminds us again about how the stories we share in business can help create shifts and changes in people.

Lee shares a situation he had with a client, and how he used a story to help that person shift to a different place and resolve a long-standing issue.

While the post is about a coaching interaction and the power of story, I bet a good number of the busines stories you share have the same ability. Lee makes good points in the article that how stories can create both personal and organizational change.

Lee's post is perfect timing. I've just been re-reading the book "Influencer: The Power to Change Anything" by Kerry Patterson, et al (2008). It's all about storytelling and great stuff.

If you want to read more about how stories can influence people to shift, then read Lee's post. For a deeper dive, dig into "Influencer" (I have no relationship with the authors or their publisher, I just think it's a fab book!).

This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it

Now here's a treat! The digital storytelling tool Cowbird has released new functionality.

You are now able to embed a story you create using their tool anywhere on the web -- complete with audio, sharing, handwriting, and more.

Here's the direct link to Cowbird: http://cowbird.com 

Way cool! Have fun making your biz stories with Cowbird, embedding them and sharing them all around.

Written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on busines storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it