Just Story It

StoryLab is a new hub for innovation with a big aim: to radically improve public conversation in the U.S. and around the world. Everybody talks about it, but CDS actually knows how to do it.

To change the world, you first have to change the story.

Here is an organization I think everyone should know about -- the Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS). They have been, and continue to provide world-class training in digital storytelling grounded in the power of a story dynamics to make a difference.

They are launching a new project -- StoryLab -- which aims to engage people in changing stories that keep us stuck, limited -- like our political discourse, violence, aids, etc. -- and expressing those stories that eliven and enoble us. Truly great work.

So why am I curating this and what has it got to do with business? Well -- imagine applying these same principles and ideas to the stories you share about your business, engaging your organization in this kind of deep story sharing that changes the world, and engaging with customers to create profound partnerships that make a difference.

Hmmmm -- I think there are lots of opportunities here and StoryLab is showing us the way.

The video on the StoryLab page also mentions supporting the project through donations. That is up to you. I have no affiliation with the Center other than our mutual love of story and its transformative power, and an amazing conversation I had a few years ago with founder Joe Lambert.

IMHO, thank heavens they are doing this project. There are so many others in the field of story that also work with story for transformative change. Let's keep hooking up. It is in this spirit that I bring you StoryLab.

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

Has the formula for a viral video been discovered?

Yes, according to the author. This is another great post from social media guru Jeff Bullas.

This is a very thorough article that will have you re-working your business stories so they go viral.

The author breaks down the components step by step, with practical ideas for incorporating the actions into your material.

Go read this post that takes all the mystery out of what makes a video/story go viral. I'm looking forward to working with his advice and seeing what happens!

It is, to say the least, an imprecise science.

As The LEGO Group celebrates its 80th Birthday, we take a look back at its history with this short animated film. Find out more here, http://www.facebook.com...

Here's some Friday Fun -- the animated story of LEGO! I wish more companies -- of any size -- would do something similar. 

I love LEGO and could still happily spend hours building things. Now I know the fascinating story behind it. Which makes me love those plastic bricks all the more.

This is a 15 minute video (minus the rolling credits at the end). It's a little long and it could have been told a bit better. I found the narration a bit slow and sing-songy. Sigh. So the execution could use some work.

But overlook that and it is still a great story!

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

In short, “virality” is a weak metaphor for how content is actually shared, because it downplays the role of the user—the person who will actually choose to share it with their networks. It’s preferable, the authors argue to think about content as “spreadable” instead.

Do we want our videos and biz stories to go viral? No, no, no. (Ewww, who wants a virus, anyway?!)

Do we want our videos and biz stories to be shareable? Yes, yes, yes!

I really like this video and article because it so clearly articulates why 'going viral' can never be a strategy. And it clearly articulates what creates spreadability and how to make sure it happens.

Yes! This is the kind of thinking we want that is truly helpful to us all. Watch the video, read the article, and gain the 4 criteria for creating spreadable content.

"As someone who thinks visually, I want to share five tips that I believe will work for anyone who is looking to communicate and influence through a medium that transcends the written word:"

If we want to bring visual imagery into our stories as we share them, or share our stories using visual images only, then this article is for you.

Basically, the article is all about how to think visually.  And we can all do it. Thinking visually is the first step to being able to share our stories in visual formats.

It is easy to say, "Create a visual story!" Harder to do, though.

So here's your article with 5 steps on how to get better at visual thinking so you can move your text or audio stories into visual pieces.