Hi, and Happy Re-entry into the Real World.
What is this year about for you? On January 6th, my running friends talked about and shared the One Word they came up with for their year; one of my friends had already forgotten about hers. I’ve decided this year is about being nicer to me. That means being kinder if I don’t reach my goals, kinder if I decide I don’t feel like doing anything today, and kinder if I forgot my one word for the year.
This brings me to the lovely woman in my workshop in December (I mentioned her in my last email to you) who raised her hand after sharing a story with her story partner that she felt like she was being “braggy”. It opened a discussion on how to balance boastfulness with self-advocacy. It also raised some debate on gender since the question came from a woman, and I have yet to have a man raise his hand, worried that he was being braggy in telling his story. Therefore, at the risk of gender stereotyping, I accept the risk and also declare it doesn’t have to be true.
If not you, then who is a good entry point into the year. I’ll start by sharing what I have planned for you for the year I’m calling:
The Power of Your Story
Because, if not you, then who?
If you don’t tell your story, who will? Your personal story, your organizational story, your message, your idea-they all matter. What would your life look like if you stopped waiting for the invitation and started sharing your perspective?
How many times have you had something on your mind and held back? The missed opportunities can be frustrating – you couldn’t get a word in, you worried about rejection, or you waited for the perfect moment. And then someone else says it, and you realize it was yours to tell. Don’t let these moments pass you by.
It’s the year of the Power of Your Story, and I have a few ways to help you tackle that:
- My book, ‘The Power of Story,’ is now available: you can purchase the hard copy here or download a complimentary copy here. This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using the power of storytelling in your personal and professional life. Over the next several months, I’m going to walk my talk. I will take different themes from the book and explore them more deeply in these letters to you, a video, and/or on LinkedIn with more reading and listening recommendations so we can all improve.
- I’m doing more workshops this year, focusing on topics such as ‘Crafting Your Personal Narrative’ and ‘Storytelling for Business Success ‘. If you’d like me to work with your team, you can connect here to schedule a quick call. Additionally, I’m coaching a handful of professionals to be better presenters, helping them refine their storytelling skills and enhance their influence. (I currently have three openings).
- Also, I’m speaking more, and if you have an upcoming or favorite event where you’d love to learn more about storytelling, would you consider recommending me? Here is my recently created speaker reel about my work.
Conversations are an energy exchange. When the energy is a good match, a connection and influence happen. Connection is the thing we’re after, but stories are the vehicle. As knowledgeable professionals, we often come in too hot with too much and blow fuses. Or, in the case of many of us waiting for our moment, we don’t come in with enough and fail even to turn on the lights. My role is to be your power converter, helping you match the energy you need.
When we lead with story, we open the door to bigger conversations that lead to better relationships so we can build better teams, more loyal buyers, and better communities.
I’m excited about what this year holds, and I want you to be a part of it. Your unique story and perspective are crucial to our narrative, and I’m here to help you become a more influential communicator.
Thanks for all your messages, and keep them coming. What is holding you back at the moment? I’d like to know.
Take care out there.
SOME WAYS I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM:
LEAD YOUR WAY: This mentoring/coaching program is designed to help you step into your leadership and show up as your best self so you can communicate to connect and amplify your impact.
COMMUNICATE TO CONNECT: In my storytelling workshops, I teach leaders of all capabilities how to engage authentically with their teams, community, and stakeholders to create meaningful connections that build trust, increase team engagement and lead to better fundraising and revenue generation.
Did you have something else in mind? Let’s talk and see how I might be able to help. Contact me and we’ll schedule a chat.
Stay in touch.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive a digital version of my book From So What? To So Funded! for free.
Leave a Reply