We all know someone who is a mesmerizing storyteller. You know, that person who can make any occurrence seem like the most entertaining or interesting event. The thing is, the story is just the vehicle for relationship building and self-expression. Yes, they provide information, but stories also illicit emotions and create meaningful connections. Read on for some of MY story, so you can be confident sharing YOUR story.
I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that growing up, I was that kid with the flashlight under the covers, reading when I was supposed to be sleeping. The words came to life, like a movie was playing in my head.
As I got older, I wrote my own stories or poems. In school, I would much rather write an essay than do a math problem. I even received the "Goodest Grammar" award in our silly 8th grade year-end celebration (thank you, Mrs. McGee.) With all this in mind, it's no surprise that my major in college was Communication, supported by courses like Persuasive Rhetoric, Mass Communications Law, and Public Relations.
Point #1 - Did any of the above story resonate with you? When sharing your story, include details that help the reader visualize and understand the experience. Vivid descriptions and vibrant terminology are more likely to hold the reader's interest.
I began my career in Chicago as an intern, and then Assistant Account Executive, at Ruder Finn Public Relations, where I learned about media pitching, publicity tracking, and summer Fridays. (This may not even exist today, but it was glorious to enjoy a sunny afternoon, knowing others remained stuck at their offices!) I don't recall what led me to begin checking the Chicago Tribune Classifieds (back in the dark ages of the early 2000s when newspapers were still a prominent source for job listings), but I was intrigued by a posting for a Marketing Coordinator referencing Disney on Ice and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey. I applied, interviewed, and was asked to design a grassroots marketing campaign as the final step. I knew I got the job when balloons were delivered to my apartment - even though they read "Happy Birthday" instead of "Congratulations!"
Point #2 - Stories that include specific, personal experiences humanize the text. We all would much rather read a story than boring facts, right? And it's a proven fact that people remember stories much more than factual statements.
To briefly sum it up, I worked as a Field Marketing & Sales Manager at Feld Entertainment for a few years before deciding to trade snowy Chicago for sunny Tampa Bay. After a short stint in newspaper marketing and sales, I transitioned to marketing and sales for a cause. Fundraising allowed me to combine all my skills and experience: public relations, marketing, and sales - in the most authentic, genuine way.
My 15+ years working in nonprofit organizations were challenging, yet very fulfilling. Amplify Communications Consulting is the culmination of my experience. With the addition of the Insights®️ Discovery certification, we provide a variety of ways to enhance our clients' communications and increase their success.
Point #3 - Others may find you more approachable when they know and/or connect with you as a person, not just words on a page or computer screen. Just don't get TOO personal in sharing your story!
Commentaires