What’s All the Fuss about Stories?

It seems everywhere you turn online today, somebody is writing about stories: why we love them, how to tell them, and more. Why all the fuss about stories? Stories are powerful, that’s why. Stories sell books, that’s why. Stories are a fundamental key to our communication as human beings, that’s why.

Even in business books? Yes, maybe especially in business books!

Traditionally, business books have relied on facts, data and theories—which quite honestly make for a boring read. Fortunately, recent years have seen a shift to stories that make emotional connections, make ideas resonate with readers and help them retain the information in the book.

Readers are drawn in by narratives, which makes it more likely they’ll stay till the end. They’re also much more like to remember the information they learned through stories than abstract concepts—which often pass straight through the mind without stopping.

When an author gives advice in a book, it can come across as theoretical knowledge, but personal stories and case studies let the reader tie the information to the author’s expertise.

How can you incorporate storytelling into your business book?

Use your personal experiences. Don’t just write about the theory of decision making—tell the story of a decision that changed your business, of a success that kept you going despite adversity, of a challenge you met against the odds. Use these examples to illustrate your points.

Illustrate your success in working with clients through case studies. After all, what is a case study? Why, it’s a story!

By integrating storytelling into your book, you create a more compelling read that will satisfy readers and build your influence.

I have a few spots open to coach authors who want to write their book themselves but need some support as well as some poking and prodding. If that’s you, drop me a line at [email protected] and let’s have a no-obligation chat about how I might help. You CAN write your book in 2025—let me help you do it!