Do you ever feel exposed in your online business?
All that blogging, social media, Periscope, podcast interviews, Youtube – suddenly you’re putting yourself out there in a way you never had to before.
Last week I wrote about why sharing your story is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business. It’s a brilliant way to build rapport and help your customer grow to know, like and trust you.
For many entrepreneurs, the idea of sharing your personal story can make you feel exposed. You don’t want to drag your personal life out for public scrutiny – and you don’t want to make your website “all about you”.
The good news is that you don’t have to. Here’s seven ways to share your story – without sharing your whole life:
- Tell the story of your team – what are your unique strengths and abilities? What draws you together, how do you complement each other and what makes your team work as a cohesive whole?
- Overcoming adversity – Few stories are more inspiring than those in which the hero overcomes tremendous obstacles to reach their goal. What challenges have you faced along your business journey? How have you overcome them? Share your struggles as well as your triumphs and you’ll instantly appear more real and relatable.
- Overcoming objections – Make a list of all the reasons your audience might decide not to work with you and then consider whether there is a personal story you could tell that might help tempt them overcome this objection. For example, if you work in coaching or alternative health therapy – what drew you to this work? Were you skeptical at first? What convinced you that this method works? Sharing the story of how you overcame your own doubts is a great way to convince the skeptics in your audience to give it a try.
- Your origin story – Share some of the enthusiasm and passion that drew you to this work. How did you become interested in your field? Why did you start this business? What keeps you fired up or motivated?
- Your why – As Simon Sinek says in his famous TED talk, ‘people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it’. Your why is not just about loving what you do, it’s about the greater purpose behind your work and the legacy you are building. Maybe you teach singing classes, but your why is really about helping others find their voice and step into their biggest, boldest version of themselves.
- What’s your vision? Where is this business leading you? What’s your overarching goal? Share your big bold business vision and inspire your readers to come along for the ride.
- Use images – If you’re uncomfortable with photos, choose real images of you doing the work, rather than glossy posed shots. Use action shots of you speaking on a video conference, mixing up your lotions and potions, packing boxes, chatting with team members or at your desk – these images will tell a story all of their own.
Take a moment right now and note down three stories you could share in your blogs or in your website copy. Share one idea in the comments below.
