Storytelling in Sales: Use Narratives to connect with customers

Remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare; the lion and the mouse and the fox and the grapes?

Now think of how many times you have been told about any of these stories in your childhood or your whole life. Now think of the table of thirteen. 13×7=?

Anyway, the point here is that stories are more memorable as compared to the stats/ data that you tell a person.

It’s probably the oldest art form of them all. People have passed on stories since the beginning of the human race. It started around campfires, evolved through the Bible and Shakespeare. Today it’s TED talks and Instagram Stories.?

Telling stories is also a super effective sales technique, a primary way of doing business. If you can be a great storyteller, you can also be a great salesperson.

Did you know?

There are two types of thinking: left-brain thinking and right-brain thinking. Each side controls the corresponding side of your body. One leans towards analytical thinking and the other works with emotions.

Fun fact: Researchers have revealed that when taking a decision the response is more likely to be made based on emotional appeal.

Why do Brands use Mascots?

The Amul girl's illustrations add a human touch to the story, creating humour.

Stories have been told through visuals, words, and text since the invention of language, with the most recent addition being PowerPoint.

Advantages of Storytelling in Sales

1: It is a great tool for connecting and providing a genuine touch to your business.

2: Your brand will be more noticeable and distinct.

3: Establishes your brand's point of differentiation.

4: Takes up the task of communicating your brand's message.

5: Connects you with your customers.

6:Stories motivate your audience to act.

7:They facilitate word-of-mouth advertising.

Types of Storytelling in Sales

Agitate – Issue – Solution

In most industries, this style of narrative is used in sales. Describe and solve the problem. Agitate, then issue solve. In this style of tale, the organisation begins by demonstrating the consumer's concern. And the customer is made aware that their pain is being acknowledged and seen. Invoking the feeling of empathy for the consumer. Finally, the issue is resolved by demonstrating how your solution answers the customer's problem.

Use Analogies, Similes and Metaphors

Using these poetic methods makes the narrative more innovative. To make your argument, use an analogy. When comparing two similar objects, explain the notion or concept.

Metaphors are utilised more poetically, comparing two things directly. In comparison, simile will employ terms such as and like. These enable you to cut through the clutter and communicate your complicated message clearly.

For example, "as well as normalize conversations about periods to the extent that it's as normal as discussing last night's dinner."

One of Anjali Suaran's statements on the Main Hoon Yuvaa podcast makes us realize how much periods are still a taboo subject to discuss.

Consumers Testimonials

Where should you go for advice? To someone who has knowledge and experience in a certain field. That is why we have specialists, mentors, and leaders that we trust to answer our inquiries. People you can rely on. Building trust is a difficult task.

Customers are hesitant to attempt your product or service that your firm provides. This is when consumer testimonials come in handy and make an excellent fit for the storytelling tool.

You will gain credibility and confidence in your firm by having clients who have already utilised your product and had their demands addressed. Sharing your customers' stories to make them more memorable and memorials

Repetition will eventually lead to the ultimate point

Facts, a statement from someone admired, a phrase, or an idiom that is already well understood can occasionally enough. People are more inclined to listen to what you have to say if they already agree with what you are saying.

Consistently tell the tale. There can't be a spectacular beginning, a boring middle, and only the finale. It is critical to balance all aspects of the tale, beginning with the exposition and ending with the conclusion. And finally reaching to the point when the tale comes full circle.

Tips for Better Storytelling in Sales

The Do's

1: Making consumers' lives better.

2: Have a clear goal before speaking.

3: Keep it relevant to be impactful

4: Create an ending that makes them act.

5: Show how to solve the problem.

The Don'ts:

1: Do not tell your audience a long story, They will eventually lose interest in your story.

2: Do not spend too much time explaining the details unless it is really important.

3: Do not offend your audience.

4: Do not give false information; it will negatively impact your image.

Conclusion

Remember, your audience wants to feel something from their contact with you. Give them something. Give them a story, not stats. Show them the human side of your business, and you’ll make much better connections.

Over to you now, what are the best sales stories you’ve told, or heard? What tips do you have for someone trying to incorporate storytelling into their sales process? Leave a comment below.