What Story Do People "Hear" You Tell?

Speaking Volumes Without Saying a Word

On Saturday night, I shut off the computer. I left my phone behind. I ventured out of the apartment. I went to a singles night event in Downtown Vancouver and...?

• When I arrived, I was uncomfortable.
• I sat in the corner and watched people.
• I felt like I was going to be sick and almost left.

Then I moved to a different chair in the centre of the room next to the line for drinks and people came up to ask me questions about what to do and where to go.?

Are you an authority???

When I asked someone why they asked me, they told me I looked like I was a person of authority. How other's perceive you matters, not what you 'think' or what you are saying. If you have the answers and others see that you have the answers, they will start asking you for 'help.'?

Later in the evening, I was talking to a woman who told me that at the beginning of the evening I looked like I wanted to be left alone so she didn't approach me. Unapproachable was not the message I was going for.

The event wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It wasn't a pick up fest. It was a bunch of single people in Vancouver getting together and making new friends. It was a good experience and everyone seemed to be having fun.

I made two new friends - The only way to make connections is to ask others questions and share your story to find the things you have in common. This comes best with casual conversation not a formalised process.?

As I talked with these interesting women, who were different, we all found threads we could relate to and start to weave a tapestry of friendship, which will take time to create. Which details do you talk about when telling your story and what tone do you engage?

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How you tell your story affects your audience's reaction and engagement

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One guy started talking to me and went on about his problems with his son, his daughter, and his ex. I don't mind having those types of conversations with people I just meet, but not in the middle of a loud room with lots going on. Plus, the way he told me the story - which was woe is me. I'm so put out. Made me uncomfortable, especially since my kids are close in age to his and are out on their own.

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Everything is subjective to the audience's personal experiences.

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In my opinion, his son barely did anything wrong, but that's because from 15-18 my son put me through the ringer and was constantly making bad decisions. However, when I tell the stories, I use humour, think of it as a badge of honour, and am very proud of my son.

Knowing how to tell a story of struggle makes a difference to how people view you in the process. People will not feel sorry for you and then help you or save you - they will run.

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How are you telling your story??

How we communicate and the stories we tell will attract people to us or repel them away from us. As usual, by the end of the night, I was relaxed, telling funny stories, and meeting all sorts of people. But I'm still not telling the right story when it comes to dating because the only guy who asked for my number, turned out to be married.

If you want to learn what your stories are telling other people about you and how to reframe your stories to put yourself in a better light with your audience, join MarketAPeel to find out about a new program that will be launched in the fall.

I had such a good time, I might leave my apartment again...?But don't take any bets just yet...

How to tell a Business Brand Story course

I've recently set up the CreateAPeel membership.

For the summer, MarketAPeel members will enjoy the benefits of the CreateAPeel membership. Make sure you join MarketAPeel to learn more and lock in the Freemium price of $0 for as long as you are a MarketAPeel member.

To get a taste of what the new CreateAPeel Membership is about, check out this webinar on how to structure your business brand story to engage your audience and motivate them to act by choosing your option.

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This free program comes with:

• Video webinar format
• Audio podcast format
• Workbook to help you define your story
• Friday office hours to talk with peers and Shannon about your story

For the summer, anyone can experience this program without membership - Click here for the brand storytelling course

Want to know what else is available to help YOU tell YOUR story, build out YOUR digital footprint, find support, community, and collaboration? Join MarketAPeel today.

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How to tell the Right Story to the Right Audience

Audio podcast format of the Brand Storytelling program above

Did you know that there is a difference between personal brand storytelling and business brand storytelling and it is structural???Shannon Peel went to a comedy show and uses the experience to help you determine if you should be on the personal brand storytelling stage or on the business brand storytelling stage and how to structure each type of story. Yes, businesses have a personal brand story, but it is more impactful to tell a business brand story to your audience. It's all about connecting with your audience by using the right pronoun. If you want to know how to?tell an impactful brand story?- this is the episode for you.

Click here to listen to this brand storytelling course

Creative Financial Solutions for Businesses

Are you in need of creative financing? Shannnon Peel talked with?Financial Fixer, Michael Yasny?who helpss businesses across Canada with their financial challenges. They talked about where to get financing, negotiating with the big box stores like WalMart, how to get that million dollar idea to market, how to protect yourself, and so much more. Michael shares stories from his experience in business and how he has helped others with everything from getting out of a lease to dealing with the tax man. There is so much in this episode, you will come away with an idea for your business and will want to get your hands on his book, "So, You Want to Start Your Own Business, Now What?" If you own a business, this episode is for you.?

Click here to listen to this podcast episode on creative financing

Best Podcasts About... Lists

Your time is valuable, and you want to use it wisely, that’s why you listen to podcasts, you don’t want to waste time on fluff and mindless nonsense. You might even be sick of social media for that very reason and are looking for communities that hold more value to help you get ahead. It's why people become?MarketAPeel members, they want a deeper learning experience that challenges their higher intellect. They want to know how they can become ‘The Best’ by learning from the best – Not just the most popular with the mindless masses.

?Click here for the list of best podcasts about brand storytelling

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