Storytelling
Small business has big stories to tell. Since the dawn of civilization, storytelling has increasingly become ingrained in our collective DNA. We are compelled to connect with people and business that share their stories on video. These stories resonate with a far larger audience than a typical small business traditionally has access too. They are a golden opportunity to create profits.
Video storytelling extends the reach of your business and generates a powerful human connection between you and your customers. What is the result? I am sure you have heard the concept that ‘people don’t do business with business, they do business with people’. Simply put, businesses that connect with their customers by strategically using video storytelling in their marketing will make more sales.
The most successful storytelling video strategy for small business is your ‘passion story’ video. This is the story of why you are in business and how and when you got started. Whilst you might take this information for granted and think that nobody would be interested, believe me when I say: your customers are hungry for this information!
Your passion story video acts as a two-way bridge and is highly successful at building a strong bond between you and your customers. Online video breaks down the barriers– it breaks the ice. You make it easy for your customers to buy from you because now they know who you are. Video storytelling creates the connection and in turn builds loyal customers and greater sales.
Without action, knowledge is useless. It is time to apply these ideas to your own business, so you too can also build an affinity with your customers using video. Think about what your passion story video could look like.
Ask yourself why you, as an entrepreneur, started your business? There are literarily thousands of different businesses that you could have chosen to start and you chose your one. Why was that? What inspired you? How did you make that decision? Your potential customers want to know the answers to these questions. They want to know your why before they buy from you.
Once you have developed your story, it is time to share it though video. I have 3 important tips to help you achieve the best result.
Tip #1: The key to a successful passion story video is authenticity. Do not pretend that your business is something that it’s not. Audiences are media savvy and will notice straight away if your story is a fake. Epic fail.
Tip #2: Make your passion story video entertaining. Think very carefully about the first 10 seconds of the video. How can you grab someone’s attention and break his or her regular routine? How are you going to stand out? This is a wonderful opportunity to have some fun and don’t be afraid to try something new
Tip #3: Bring passion to your passion story. Be open and honest and reveal the ‘fire in the belly” that drives you to make your business the best that it can be. Bring your strongest emotions to the table and your video will shine in a sea of sameness. Be Seth Godin’s ‘purple cow’.
Video storytelling is well known for speeding up the “know, like, trust and buy” sequence. By finding your why and combining these tips you are well on your way to creating a powerful story and reaping the rewards of deeply connecting to your customers. Telling your story with video will increase profits. Go on – give it a try.
Article First Published on Kochie’s Business Builders
