What if your story was that small thing for someone else?

I can tell you that every story can make an impact. And it’s not always the life changing stories that influence others the most. You don’t have to have rescued a person, conquered an illness or even discovered the cure for that illness. Sometimes the small stories can inspire a listener the most. In this video, I’ll tell you about one of those small stories that sticks with me years later. And we’ll talk about you, your story and how it can impact your listeners – maybe even for years to come and give you the ability to one day stop traffic.

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At the time I wrote the article, the topic seemed pretty straightforward and the early days of my entrepreneurial journey perfectly illustrated the content — the early days when I was simultaneously trying to grow a business and be a stay-at-home parent to two tiny humans. Children, as I quickly learned, have a way of turning your whole world upside down. I had to get creative in finding strategies that gave me time to work on my business.

Great, I thought. Article done.

Little did I know that, by the time the magazine hit the shelves, many of American workers would be unexpectedly working from home while also trying to homeschool//raise their children. And even if children weren’t part of the equation, working in a new environment is still riddled with “focus” obstacles.

Today, this article takes on new importance. It’s no longer a piece about business lessons learned from the trenches of motherhood, it’s a practical guide to navigate a situation fraught with chaos.

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In this short video, I share the five best tips I have for pursuing your business and dreams, even when your day-to-day schedule turns upside down.

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However, if there has ever been a time to start, this could very well be it.

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In this short (very short) video, I explain why.

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well during these difficult times. There will be stories to be told once we’re all on the other side.

Also, if you are a leader on a team, or responsible for training or event planning, click here to learn how we are serving our clients with digital keynote packages.

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My mother, who lives across the country from us, now Facetimes my children after their lunch and reads to them.

I’ve even recorded a couple keynotes that I otherwise would have delivered in person but, as a result of the coronavirus crisis, wasn’t able to and they will be sent to the attendees to watch at home.

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And while you may have even seen this coming — more communication happening via video — I don’t think any of us could have imagined it happening overnight.

If some of your business has now moved digital and you’re nervous about still being excellent on a screen, this video gives three quick tips that will drastically improve your digital communication.

And if you haven’t already ordered your copy of Stories that Stick… NOW is the perfect time! It’s a great opportunity for growth and helps an author & small business owner. You can get it on Audible too — I’ll read it to you!

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One of the few companies to create a standout moment that still had people talking (and crying) days later was Google. But even Google didn’t score a touchdown. 

In this video (less than 5 minutes), you’ll find out what made Loretta one of the most memorable people in Super Bowl LIV and how Google could have made her story stick even more.

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In order for our years to get better, WE have to get better. And the best place to start is with the stories that might be holding you back.

If you have resolved to make 2020 your best year yet and set the tone for the decade of a lifetime, here’s a strategy and a story to help make that happen.

** Edited December 29, 2020: I was planning to rewrite this post or post a new one altogether. But there was something about the hopefulness of last New Year’s that I wanted to preserve and re-share. Yes. 2020 was a year like none other and, depending how you look at it, could be chalked up to a complete loss. However, as I re-read that last sentence knowing what I now know, I believe it is still true. The tone has been set for the decade — the decade where we are forced to re-examine, re-evaluate and re-engage with what it is to be human. And to start our stories from there.

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During the broadcast I mentioned a few resources that were very helpful for me.

1. A transcription app called Rev. I’ve been using Rev for years without fail. For a dollar a minute you can transcribe anything! It is a great way to get ideas out of your head and onto paper/into a word document. Simply hit record on the app, speak your mind, click “transcribe” and they’ll send you a transcription back in a few hours or less.
2. A blog post by the great Rand Fishkin. I printed out this blog post and carried it around in my purse when I was trying to figure out how to get my book published. His advice is practical and accurate and really was my guide throughout the whole process. In fact, his blog post inspired MY announcement when I got the good news that my book would be published by Harper Collins Leadership.
3. Something I didn’t mention on the Live broadcast was this resource: Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. It gives some pretty clear examples of what each section of your book proposal should look like.

Lastly, if you’re self publishing, I mentioned the importance of these key people:

1. A cover designer.
2. An interior page designer.
3. A copy editor.
4. And something I didn’t mention on the broadcast was getting a group of readers to read an early draft and submit comments about the various chapters of the book. It’s hard to know what’s missing when it’s your own project.

I hope this is helpful! Now get writing!

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After every keynote I give, I go back to the AV table where someone helps me take the microphone battery pack off my back. And every time I have to apologize for how sweaty it is.

I know, it’s gross. But there’s a reason.

You see, every keynote has a set time limit. I usually get an hour, sometimes 45 minutes, sometimes less to try to teach the audience what they need to know in order to harness the power of their stories.

This means, from the moment they announce my name and I walk on stage, it is a race against the clock (literally — there is often a big timer on the stage counting down the seconds). I race to pack every-last-second with the info you need to access the stories within you. My Apple Watch actually tracks it as a workout.

When the time ticks down to zero, I thank the crowd and head backstage, sweating like I just finished a 5 mile sprint. And though I’m always satisfied with what we covered, I ALWAYS wish I had more time… there is ALWAYS more I wish I could have shared…

And now… I can!

I am thrilled to announce that my first book about storytelling in business is now available for pre-order at all of your favorite booksellers!

Stories that Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences and Transform Your Business is a comprehensive book designed to teach you how and why storytelling is an essential skill in business and give you the tools you need to be able to create your own. It is filled with stories and case studies and original research I’ve never shared before.

If ever you’ve wondered what’s next for your storytelling. Or if I’ve ever had the honor of speaking for you and you wanted more… this book is it.

I am so proud of how this project turned out and elated to finally invite you to be a part of making this book a success story.

And though I’ll probably always be a little sweaty after I speak, I am so happy to finally have this book to take a little pressure off and give you the next steps in your storytelling success.

Thank you in advance for your support — I can’t wait to hear the stories you’ll tell.

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This story overwhelm often causes stories to turn into summaries and summaries have nowhere near the ability that stories do to bridge the gaps in business.

This video (just over 2 minutes long) offers very specific suggestions for fixing this common problem.

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