I recently was reading an article in Inc. about how important it is for entrepreneurs to be able to tell their stories in order to attract investors and customers. I agree, both as an entrepreneur and as a writer. Being able to tell my story is important.
A glitch often occurs while trying to tell that story, though. People can be too close to their story and are unable to edit it into something palatable. Perhaps they’re somewhat shy when it comes to talking about themselves. They can talk about their product all day but talk about themselves or why they’re developing the product they are? Forget about it.
I understand both problems. I sometimes am too close to my work. It’s why I take a break from it. It’s why I ask for feedback. It’s the only way to get a fresh perspective and an understanding of what needs to be done in order to make my story a tale worth remembering. Sometimes, I simply am blind to my own story. I need someone else to look at it and to tell me what he or she sees.
The second issue is one I face even more frequently. I am a little shy about sharing my story. I struggle to find my confidence. I worry about becoming prideful. I wonder how to tell my story in a way that is genuine.
Both problems are concerns for me and entrepreneurs like me. Our services are an extension of who we are and what we do. My ability to coach and consult is a direct result of those things. I, therefore, have to be able to talk about them.
The predicament isn’t all bad; my difficulty with telling my story helps me to relate to client who are struggling to tell their own. Clients can work with me and know that I’m not going to have all the answers. I might have one or two, but, more importantly, I have a different perspective. I can offer insight. I can boost confidence and limit pride. I can be a coach and a consultant.
What’s your story? How are you going to tell it?
It’s much easier to help coax and curate the story that lies inside someone else. I know that I can push and push my clients to tell me more and more and then I can tell them what’s relevant to their story and what isn’t. When it comes to my own narration it’s harder.
One thing I do say is, if it makes you cringe or embarrassed you should better leave it out. Only reveal what you are happy the world knowing!
@Ameenafalchetto It is harder to tell our own stories. I’m guessing it usually is unless a person’s completely self-absorbed. That hesitation to tell our stories sometimes can be our salvation or our downfall, though. I guess the trick is discerning which is which. I guess it also means we provide services that always will be in demand, right? 😉
Good point. Some things are better left under the covers or in the closet.
Sometimes it’s not even that it is harder to tell our own stories…it’s more about that we are too close to our own stories so we often don’t even RECOGNIZE our own stories…we may not even recognize their value or their import…Sometimes it takes an outside eye to find the value in something that we may take for granted! Outside insight is so precious!!!
Great post @Erin F.
xoxo
Claudia
@SocialMediaDDS Outside insight is precious! It’s why I cherish the mentors I have in my own life. I need coaching, too. 🙂
Lack of perspective can make it very tough.
@TheJackB It is! How do you keep perspective?