The last few months have been very exciting for me. I’ve been really busy at Saffron Technology working on Sierra. I’ve launched a new business, Pure Joy Apparel, that I am fired-up about. And, I’ve got a few other “not yet announced” ideas brewing. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot on my mind. 2010 is going to be crazy. As I’ve been thinking about all of this, there has been one idea that I keep coming back to. No matter what business endeavor you’re starting, you need to tell a good story.
People love a good, authentic, heart-felt story!
As the holidays are upon us, I’ve been thinking about the many mealtime story sessions in my past. You’ve all had them. Pawpaw’s at the end of the table talking about that bike he coveted when he was a boy. Uncle Joe is sipping a glass of wine and rambling on about the pranks he and his buddies used to play on each other in the park behind his childhood home. You can see that bike. You can feel the chill in the air at the park. Hours can pass by as stories are traded. Smiles are shared. Joy is experienced. Stories are golden.
The businesses that are truly great tell a good story. As you come in contact with them you think to yourself, “I want to be a part of that story”. Or, “I want that to be part of MY story”. As a consumer you can also quickly identify posers, or people that aren’t telling a good story. Maybe it’s too “in your face”. Maybe it smacks of inauthentic marketing hype. Or, maybe the delivery is all wrong. Whatever it is… it’s just not good.
So, as you and I think about starting new ventures, let’s first start by thinking about the story. Put on your tacky Christmas sweater that everyone silently hates and TELL IT! Write a story first. Not a business plan; not a marketing plan. Those will come, but start with a story. I’m working on mine. Are you?
Here are a few examples of people/businesses that I’ve stumbled upon lately that are telling a great story.
- Saddleback Leather
- 37signals (known about these guys for a long time)
- ISO50