When a Project Manager Discovers Storytelling
Want to uncover a fabulous story you can share with prospects and clients??
It's not as complicated as you may think.?
In this example, all I did was ask one question. And there it was...
So, in May 2004, I was with a project manager client in New Jersey.?
It was back in my PR days.
I had arranged a TV interview for her. We were in the Green Room, waiting for her to go on the air.?
Question 1 as we make small talk: I casually ask if she has plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.?
She says she and her dad were going to Maryland for their annual Barbecue weekend.
I'm intrigued.??
Question 2: Really? What's that about?
She proceeds to tell me that May is National Barbecue Month. She and her dad are certified barbecue judges.
Who even knew there was such a thing, right??!!??
This daddy-daughter duo has been judging barbecue contests every Memorial Day weekend for eight years.?
I was like a Pitbull on crack.?And she had no idea she was sitting on a hot story.
It could be used for her speaking gigs, client meetings, and my media pitches.
The key is not just knowing how to listen for a story.?
??Great business storytellers re-frame an experience so it's relatable.??
In A/E/C, your audience may be prospects in shortlisted interviews.
Yes, you can share a personal barbecue judging anecdote.??
Only if you can tie it back to business. Preferably theirs.
Top-notch storytellers connect the dots in an easy, seamless way that makes sense.?
That's the real power of storytelling in business.?