Stories are everywhere.

There's a reason why stories were able to carry accurate historical accounts across generations before written language came to be.

It's because stories are a part of the human experience.

In a nutshell, knowing how to tell stories is human nature.

Which is why, when used properly, storytelling can be the most powerful tool in your arsenal when it comes to your brand.

And to those who think they don't have any stories to tell...

Well, you're wrong, and I'll prove it to you.

Stories Really Are Everywhere

Think about it for a sec.

A story is more than just how you talk about your brand.

You can find stories in:

• Art

• Music

• Books

• Real Life

• Video games

• Movies/TV shows

• Comics/Webtoons

Because at its core, a story is just a human experience retold.

But what makes that retelling so powerful is capturing why that human experience matters.

For instance, I can say that I went to a coffee shop and witnessed two friends unexpectedly meet, share a few laughs, then head back off on their separate ways.

Or I could tell a story.

A story about how two women, brows drawn in frustration or concentration as one sits in a corner booth, pounding the keys on her laptop, already on her second cup of coffee.

Then I could write about the moment the door swings open, a rush of cool air settling on the coffee shop as another woman enters, phone pressed to her cheek as she juggles her bag, keys, and a stack of important papers in her hand.

She asks the barista to make her usual, spouting off the order like she's said it a million times, never missing a beat on the heated conversation she seems to be having on the phone.

She turns on her heel as the other woman glances up from her laptop, subconsciously wondering if she should get a refill.

Their eyes meet, then recognition irons out the wrinkles in their brows and bright smiles tug at their cheeks.

The first woman stands from her laptop and rushes over, and the second abandons her phone call as they close in for a hug—probably the first in years.

Now if you've been paying attention to my HERO framework you'd know this story is full of emotion, but it still needs to be relevant.

I could use this simple experience to talk about how important it is to reconnect with friends.

How being too wrapped up in work could make us miss out on the things that really matter.

And in one exchange that took less than 5 minutes to witness, I've told a story that could impact hundreds, maybe even thousands.

Why It Matters

You don't need me to explain how version one of the story didn't have anywhere near the same level of impact that version two did.

Story matters because it connects us.

Our experiences create feelings.

And no matter how different we are, we all know what it's like to feel happy, sad, excited, angry, anxious, hopeful, etc.

And when you're able to connect with someone on an emotional level, that connection also:

• Makes you trustworthy.

• Makes you relatable.

• Makes you human.

Which is why it goes back to why I believe EVERYONE has a story, even if you don't think you do.

Because a story isn't about some dramatic event that happened ages ago.

It's about connecting through our experiences.

And when you look at it through that lense...

Anything can be a story.

It’s Challenge Time!

I loved the hook challenge from my first newsletter, so I’m bringing it back!

So, come up with a good hook for the coffee shop story I told in this newsletter and reply to this email with your answer!

Excited to see the hooks you come up with!

See you around LinkedIn,
Cyndyl

P.S. Don’t forget, if you need help telling your story and building your brand, but aren’t ready to go all in on coaching, you can always book a Wake Up Call with me at a special rate just for my email subscribers. Let’s chat!