Why Stories Matter - My #10Tips10Days summary

Introduction

I recently started a new 10 tips series on Authentic storytelling. We started this hashtag campaign two years ago with myself, @Lila Smith, @Jake Jordan and @Kira Day. We repeated it in 2019 and now in 2020 are doing it again with Joe Apfelbaum as one of our champions. The whole point is to encourage LinkedIn users to share video content, do it consistently and demonstrate expertise.

Our original launch video with the rules and guidelines is HERE.

This article is designed to share ALL the content and insights I am going to share in 2020.

I did 3 different series on #10Tip10Days: Personal Branding, How to Speak More, and Building Thought Leadership (this one I did 9). So coming up with my new required some thought, but I eventually settled on Storytelling because that is the foundation underneath the first three series.

Why Storytelling

Your story is your legacy. 

Your story is your brand.

Your story build relationships.

Your story creates connection.

Your story enhances your message.

Your story shares your values, beliefs and culture. 

Your story increases authenticity. 

Your story can have powerful vulnerability. 

Your storytelling is something you should invest in. 

Your stories are your greatest foundation and strategy for connection, relationship building and your personal brand. 

What Stories Do We Tell

We tell our kids stories to enchant and delight their imagination 

We tell our family stories to reminisce about memories and shared culture and beliefs 

We tell stories at work to demonstrate our values and make difficult concepts relatable 

We tell stories in places of worship or spirituality to share lessons, morals and life learnings 

We tell our friends stories to share joys, pains and ultimately bond, connect and gain support

We told stories thousands of years ago to capture our history, evolution and growth

Clearly, stories are important. Building your storytelling skills will enhance your communication, speaking skills, persuasion and impact.

Why Don't We Tell Stories

The greatest story never told was the one inside you all along. 

So often we hold back on sharing stories because we don’t think people will value them. 

Or we feel afraid, vulnerable, and shy to share them. 

Or we don’t know how best to do it, so it holds us back. 

I want to help you better:

My #10Tips10Day Series on Authentic Storytelling

Here is where I will post my content, including an image and link to the video.

Day 1: "Be Yourself. Be You. Be Human. Be True."

Day 2: "Confidence Wins Your Confidence":  

Day 3: "Frameworks is Your Best F Word":

Day 4: "The First 5 Seconds OR the First Two Lines COUNT"

Day 5: "Cut the Cliches and Trim the Fat to have a Clear, Concise, and Central Message"

Day 6 - "Embrace the Hard."

Day 7: "Build a Library."

Day 8: "Invest in Your Personal Brand"

Day 9: "Advanced Tactics - Psychology & Data can Immerse our Curiosity."

I will keep adding more, as the series goes along. I usually post 2 per week.

QUESTION: What is YOUR BEST TIP on Storytelling and/or what is the best insight you have learned so far from this series?