How to Use Problem-Solution Stories to Show Your Expertise

(Modified from blog originally published on Wordrobe Media.)

Ever had a problem?

Of course you have.

Ever found a solution to a problem?

I sure hope so. Because when it comes to your content (especially for business purposes), you will find few more powerful tools in your Storytelling toolkit than Problem-Solution stories.

You could say most stories are Problem-Solution stories on some level, even in fiction:

• The Lord of the Rings: Problem—“This ring is legit evil, guys.” Solution—“Yo, let’s drop it into this evil volcano.”
• Pride & Prejudice: Problem—“I don’t like that guy.” Solution—“Let’s get married.”

In nonfiction, Problem-Solution is one of the most practical frameworks you can use. If you know your target reader’s underlying problem, then Problem-Solution stories not only build rapport with the reader—they allow you to show your expertise in providing a solution to their problem. They don’t have to be huge problems/solutions either. They just need to be relatable.

The Problem-Solution Formula

Many nonfiction books are centered on common, relatable problems. Newer authors sometimes worry about whether they will “give away too much” of their knowledge in a book. This fear leads them to only talk about the problems, yet offer up no solutions. But if you’re going to build trust with readers—and gain them as clients—then you better offer up some solutions.

Because let’s face it … solutions often need to be tailored to the individual with the problem. While some people can figure out how to do this for themselves, your target reader is likely someone who wants help tailoring the solution to their problem.

In other words, you’ve got nothing to lose by sharing Problem-Solution stories! It’s the best proof you can offer to a reader that you can do what you claim. Consider some of the following prompts:

“One time I had a client who came to me with Problem X. Here’s what we did for them…”

“Have you ever had X happen to you? When it happened to Client Z, we…”

“One day, I got the email I had hoped I’d never get…here’s what we did next.”

The formula for Problem-Solution is painfully easy to follow:

1. Introduce the Problem.
2. If necessary, explain why it’s a problem. This may be necessary if your service solves a problem people don’t realize they have.
3. Explain any steps taken to address the problem. Include any steps that didn’t work as it shows your perseverance and willingness to iterate.
4. Present the Solution. Through a story, obviously.
5. Show the Outcome. Provide some explanation of how the solution made life better for the Problem-Haver.

One of my clients followed this exact formula in almost every chapter of her book. In fact, she super-charged the concept by showing three different manifestations of each problem—and then three different solutions. This solidified her as an expert without having to say, “Hey, I’m an expert.” She showed with clear examples how she helped people solve common problems—and now her book helps her land high-paying clients facing similar problems. Boom!

An important caveat here is that Problem-Solution stories work best when they come from firsthand experience. While you can “borrow” a Problem-Solution story from someone else, you need to make sure you give them credit for it and show how you applied it as well. Otherwise, you’re not developing the necessary credibility with the reader.?

And if you’re still struggling with what problem-solution stories to use in your content, consider booking a 60-minute coaching call with me and let’s figure it out.