5 Tips for Driving Business Growth with Storytelling
The cost to attract new customers can be five times that to retain current clients. At the same time, retaining customers can increase profits by 25 to 95%, according to Outbound Engine. Yes. You read those figures correctly. One powerful tool you might use sometimes but not consistently is storytelling. Compelling narratives create deeper connections with your audience, help set you apart from your competitors, and ultimately drive growth. Attract new customers through storytelling Stories have the unique ability to pull emotions out of us. And, since most buying decisions are trigged by our feelings, storytelling should absolutely be part of your marketing strategy. When your potential customers feel emotionally connected to your brand’s story, they are more likely to engage with you and even make a purchase. It’s highly unlikely that you’re the only one doing what you do in your market and industry. So, how do you stand out? Storytelling! Sharing stories showcases your brand’s unique qualities, values, and vision, and sets you apart from your competitors. This is the key to attracting customers who are looking for something special and different from the usual offerings. Before anyone new will buy from you, though, they need to know, like, and trust you. Stories can get you there. Customers are more likely to trust you because you are transparent and open about your journey, values, and mission. Sharing stories that highlight your brand’s authenticity, such as behind-the-scenes looks or customer testimonials, can also help build credibility and attract new customers who value honesty and integrity. Retain customers through storytelling While the majority of your marketing efforts should be focused on audiences who don’t know you (yet), retaining customers is really where your money is. Keeping existing customers engaged is more important than attracting new ones. By continuously sharing stories that strengthen your connection with your audience, you foster a sense of loyalty. Regular updates about your brand’s progress, new developments, and stories that align with your customers’ values can keep them invested in your brand. Stories enhance your customers’s experience by adding a personal touch. Customers who feel like they are part of your brand’s journey are more likely to stay loyal. Sharing stories that highlight customer experiences, success stories, and feedback make your customers feel valued and appreciated, leading to higher retention rates. Storytelling can help create a sense of community among your customers. By sharing stories that encourage interaction and engagement, such as user-generated content or community initiatives, you can build a loyal customer base that feels connected to your brand and to each other. Here are five tips for sharing your brand stories Sharing your stories can be scary. I get it. As a reporter, I was trained to write the story and stick to the facts, to leave my thoughts and opinions out of it, and any emotion had to come from the people I talked to and quoted. I am not accustomed to, and feel more uncomfortable than I can accurately express, letting my real self be seen. Still, I experience the greatest connection when I am real and maybe even raw, and you will, too. Final thoughts Storytelling is perhaps the most powerful tool to drive your business growth by attracting new customers and, more importantly, retaining existing ones. Stories create emotional connections, help your brand stand out from the crowd, build trust, foster loyalty, enhance customer experience, and create a sense of community. You can and should leverage the power of stories to boost your business. Remember to be yourself, to tell stories that speak to your particular audience, use vivid imagery, highlight your journey, and incorporate customer stories to craft compelling brand narratives that resonate with your audience and drive growth. If you’re ready to tell your story, schedule a call today.
From Backyard to Book: The Power of Planning
Creating a beautiful patio and garden space in my backyard was incredibly rewarding, not just for the transformation of my outdoor area, but for how it reminded me about the importance of planning, execution, and the importance of community. As someone with ADHD, I often find myself hyperfocused on an activity or topic that isn’t on my “to-do” list. This time, I was fortunate that my hyperfocus struck on a long weekend, allowing me to dive deeply into this project so that when the week arrived, I could jump into my task list without flowers, mulch, and dirt distracting me. The parallels between my backyard project and the process of writing a book are striking. Both require a clear vision, meticulous planning, and the support of a community to come to fruition. Vision and Planning: The Starting Point Transforming my backyard into a patio and garden space started with a clear vision. I imagined a place where I could relax, entertain friends, and enjoy the serenity of just being outside. Believe me, when I moved into my house a few years ago, the backyard was a hot mess. It took two years for the vision to take shape in my mind, and it guided every step of the project. Similarly, writing a book begins with a vision. As an author, you need a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your book; the transformation you want your readers to experience. This vision will guide your writing process, helping you stay focused and motivated to write a message that delivers on the promise of transformation. Planning is crucial in both endeavors. For my backyard project, I mapped out where each plant and stone would go. In writing, this planning stage involves mind mapping your ideas, outlining your chapters, and understanding the who, what, why, where, when, and how of your story. A solid plan is the foundation upon which successful projects are built. Breaking Down the Process One of the most important lessons I learned from my backyard project is the value of breaking down a large task into manageable phases. Tackling the entire project at once would have been overwhelming. Instead, I approached it step by step, phase by phase. First, I cleared the area. Next, I laid the foundation for the patio and placed the patio stones. Then, I created the garden bed and readied it for planting. Each completed phase felt like a small victory that brought me closer to my ultimate goal. Writing a book follows a similar process. Start with a mind map to brainstorm your ideas. Then, create an outline to structure your chapters. Finally, dive into writing, taking it one chapter at a time. By breaking down the process into manageable tasks, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Community and Support I couldn’t have completed my backyard project without the support of my friends and neighbors. They pitched in with labor and materials, helping me turn my vision into a reality. Having my friends covered in just as much dirt as I was kept me motivated, especially during the challenging parts of the project. Writing a book is no different. Being part of my eight-week writing program and community provides the support and encouragement you need to stay on track. You’ll surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and are willing to help you achieve it. The Importance of Encouragement Throughout my backyard project, my friends and family encouraged me and expressed their support for what I was trying to achieve. Knowing they understood made all the difference. In writing, encouragement and support are equally important. When you participate in a coaching program designed to move you from concept to completion, you stay committed to your goal of writing your book. Hyperfocus and Productivity Living with ADHD means that I sometimes become hyperfocused on a task that isn’t on my “to-do” list, even though I have other responsibilities. This hyperfocus can be both a blessing and a curse. In the case of my backyard project, it was a blessing. The long Memorial Day weekend provided the perfect opportunity to dive into the project without neglecting client projects. By embracing my hyperfocus, I was able to complete most of the transformation in just a few days. In writing, hyperfocus can be a powerful tool when harnessed effectively. Use periods of intense focus to make significant strides in your writing, but also be mindful of balancing your time and responsibilities. Final thoughts One final step remains before I can truly call my backyard project finished: Installing plastic borders that tuck in the extra landscape fabric will put the final polish on what I’m starting to see as a little oasis. When it comes to delivering a book to readers, editing is your final step before you head to publishing. Editing is the most critical step in your publishing journey, and you need it because you owe it to your readers and to your brand to create a book that is as error-free as possible. Having a clear vision, breaking down the process, seeking support, and embracing encouragement is necessary for any big goal we tackle. Whether you’re transforming a backyard or writing a book, remember that anything is possible with the right approach and people by your side. If you’re ready to write your book, the next cohort of my 8-week writing program starts June 24! Schedule a call today.
Connecting with Your Customers Through Stories
Connecting with your customers on a deeper level is more crucial than ever. While quality products and services are important, they aren’t enough to foster long-term customer loyalty. What truly makes your brand stand out is your ability to build trust and emotional connections with your audience. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through authentic storytelling. The Power of Authentic Stories Stories help us meet new people, learn about other cultures, and travel to places we might not otherwise have the opportunity. Most importantly, though, stories connect us to each other. Successful Entrepreneurs Who Use Storytelling Thanks to the power of social media and content marketing, we know more about brands and their founders than ever before. Truly successful entrepreneurs leverage their stories to create and grow their personal and business brands. judi qq daftar bandarqq login bandarqq judi bola terpercaya agen taruhan bola situs qq online bandarqq situs judi bola bandarqq login daftar bandarqq link bandarqq situs judi bola bandarqq online link bandarqq bandarqq judi bola indobet365 agen judi bola situs poker online bandarqq bandarqq pkv bandarqq online situs pkv games bcaqq bbm88 mataqq botakqq mataqq cmcpoker botakqq botakqq botakqq botakqq botakqq alternatif botakqq botakqq slot gacor hari ini link slot gacor judi bola judi bola kofbola judi kof bola judi kof bola bandarqq botakqq Judi Poker QQ Online Situs Judi BandarQQ Online Platform Gaming BandarQQ PKV Situs Idpro PKV QQ Pkv QQ Daftar Login BandarQQ botakqq Pkv QQ Online Followers Terbanyak Uang Sampingan QQ Online Link Akun Pro BandarQQ Situs Games Online BandarQQ DOMINOQQ LINK AGEN PKV QQ SITUS QQ ONLINE UANG ASLI SITUS JUDI KARTU BANDARQ ONLINE MAIN BANDARQQ ONLINE PKV QQ SITUS JUDI BANDARQQ SITUS PKV QQ RESMI BandarQQ Situs QiuQiu Online Link Login Situs DominoQQ Daftar 17 Permainan BandarQQ Daftar BandarQQ Online Situs Judi Penghasil Cuan Situs Penghasil Cuan Terbaik Daftar BandarQQ Online Akun Pro BandarQQ Akun Pro BandarQQ Situs Judi Poker BotakQQ 3 Strategies for Sharing Authentic Stories Keeping it real is the key. The stories you share must be the real deal; tell the truth because customers want to get to know you, not the version you think they’ll like best. Final thoughts Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust and emotional connections with your customers. By sharing your personal and business stories, you humanize your brand, create memorable experiences, and differentiate yourself from the competition. As the examples of Sara Blakely, Blake Mycoskie, and Daymond John show you, effective storytelling can transform your brand and foster long-term customer loyalty. Incorporate these strategies into your branding efforts and watch as your audience becomes not just customers, but advocates who believe in your mission and share your story. Authentic stories resonate the most and leave a lasting impact.
Harness the power of personal storytelling to build a strong personal brand
Whether you have an online business or a brick-and-mortar location, you need more than a great product or service. Customers want to connect with the person behind the brand. They want to know your story, your values, and what makes you different. This is where personal storytelling comes into play. By sharing yourself through stories, you establish a strong personal brand that resonates with your target audience and builds lasting relationships. In a nutshell, personal storytelling enhances your brand. The role of personal storytelling in branding When you share your personal story, you build trust and credibility. You’re humanizing your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy. Sharing your journey, challenges, and triumphs reveals the human side of your business. This transparency could mean customers are more likely to do business with you because they feel they know and trust you. Stories also create emotional connections, and emotions drive decisions. By sharing personal stories that reflect your values, mission, and vision, you can create an emotional connection with your audience. These connections are powerful; they turn customers into loyal advocates more likely to support your brand. In a crowded marketplace, your personal story can set you apart from competitors. Your unique experiences, perspectives, and values make your brand distinctive. You are almost certainly not the only business with your product or service, so what sets you apart is YOU. Sharing your story helps differentiate your brand in an authentic and memorable way. 3 strategies for integrating personal stories into your brand To make the most of storytelling to build your personal brand, follow these three simple strategies: Final thoughts Storytelling is a powerful tool in building a strong personal brand. You build trust, create emotional connections, and help your brand stand out in the marketplace. By sharing your origin story, showcasing customer success stories, and integrating storytelling into your content marketing strategy, you can resonate deeply with your target audience. Remember, people buy from people, not brands. By letting your authentic self shine through your stories, you can cultivate a loyal customer base that believes in your mission and supports your business. Keep in mind that keeping it real is key. Your stories should be genuine and reflect who you are and what you stand for. When you do it right, personal storytelling helps create a powerful personal brand that drives your business forward.
Why 3 Sets of Eyes are Better Than One
I’m so excited! I am beyond proud to announce the addition of two new copy editors to our team. The addition of Tajah Ware and Tayler Otten offers myriad benefits to our editing and ghostwriting clients. Higher Degree of Quality and Precision Having Ware and Otten as part of the Pens & Proof team means every manuscript undergoes a more rigorous review process. With additional pairs of eyes on your book, we can identify and correct errors more efficiently, so you can move more quickly to the next step of your publishing journey. Diverse Perspectives Ware and Otten bring diverse perspectives and skill sets to editing to address nuanced issues and offer varied suggestions. This diversity will make your book more engaging and more refined. Specialized Expertise Each new editor brings their own experiences and expertise, ranging from grammar and style to structure and genre-specific knowledge. This specialization ensures that every aspect of your manuscript receives detailed and expert attention. More Personalized Attention The developmental editing offered by Pens & Proof already entails a high degree of personalized attention, and with a larger team, we’re narrowing our focus even further. The goal is to help authors grow and achieve their vision. Improved Consistency Maintaining a consistent voice and quality throughout a manuscript is critical. The addition of Ware and Otten means the steady application of high standards across all client projects. Community and Collaboration Ware and Otten are both committed to a collaborative experience for our authors. You will benefit from increased opportunities to engage with experts dedicated to helping you succeed and bring their ideas to life. Are you ready for your publishing journey? Schedule a call today!
No Time to Write Your Book? Interview-Style Ghostwriting Could Be the Answer
You know you need to write a book. You can’t get it out of your head, but you don’t know where to start, or how to market and sell your book when it is published. Time, however, remains a challenge because your schedule is always jam-packed. Interview-style ghostwriting could be the answer. What is interview-style ghostwriting? Interview-style ghostwriting allows entrepreneurs, business owners, and/or executives like you to share their expertise and stories without the same level of commitment. This process is most suited for nonfiction books of up to 25,000 words that can be completed in 10 to 12 weeks. Cement your credibility as a subject matter expert and grow your business without having to write a single word. Simplify the Process Instead of facing a blinking cursor, potential writer’s block, and fitting yet another thing in your schedule, you can instead participate in a series of recorded conversations. Not only does this take writing your book off your plate, it also ensures we capture your voice, tone, and style. The text of your book is more personal and engaging for your readers. Creating tailored content During these interviews, I ask a series of questions that align with the topic of each chapter. Our conversations serve as the foundational material for each chapter. I use additional data and narratives to fill gaps. You’re covered every step of the way The end result of interview-style ghostwriting is a manuscript ready for publishing. I take care of all elements of the writing process, including editing the final text to be sure it meets publishing standards. You’ll have a high-quality book that reflects your expertise and meets the market’s needs without ever having to write a single word yourself. Why Choose Interview-Style Ghostwriting? Taking this route to publishing your book is efficient and cost-effective. You won’t need multiple drafts and revisions that traditional book writing typically entails. You know you need to write a book about your zone of genius to grow your personal brand and/or your business. This is an ideal solution for you; at the end of our time working together, you’ll have a manuscript ready for publishing, and you didn’t have to write it yourself. If you’re ready to finally get your book out of your head without having to write it yourself, please schedule a call today.
Start Strong: Pre-Publication Marketing Strategies for Writers
Whew! You’re close to completing your book, and I know it has been a tough journey at times. Congratulations! Now comes the real work: To not just recoup your investment in writing, editing, and publishing your book, you need to market and sell it. Think of your book as your side hustle or, at the very least, your part-time job, and the time to start marketing is today. I know you might not be finished writing your book, but marketing early—before you’ve even completed half of your manuscript—is the key to gaining the attention you need to successfully sell your published book. Ideally, you should plan for about six to eight weeks of intensive marketing activities leading up to the pre-sale phase of your book. Remember, the average self-published author only sells 250 copies of their book, and marketing early and often, as the saying sort-of goes, will help you move past that rather depressing benchmark sooner rather than later. Starting Points for Marketing Your Book Here are a few ideas to help you get started paving the way for your runway to success: 1. Blog about your journey – Detail your journey such as selecting a book topic to the actual writing and marketing processes. Celebrate small victories—whether it’s completing a chapter or choosing a cover design. 2. Engage through social media – Involve your audience by asking for their feedback about cover designs, title choices, and even sneak peeks of content. This interaction builds interest and fosters a community around your book at the same time. 3. Create dedicated groups – Establish a space on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, where your target readers are likely to be most active. Engage members with live sessions, polls, and discussions about your book and related topics. 4. Implement a Content Calendar – Consistency is key in building a following. Prepare a detailed six- to eight-week content calendar that outlines daily posts, live interactions, and other activities to keep your audience engaged. 5. Produce a book trailer – Video is too valuable not to use to market your book! A book trailer can significantly amplify your message because while a picture may be worth 1,000 words, a video is worth 1 million. 6. Sponsoring a Book Club – Host regular discussions and Q&A sessions for those who purchase your book. You enhance engagement and get insight and testimonials that serve as social proof. Leveraging AI and Technology Use AI tools effectively to manage your time and your marketing efforts. For instance, if you only have a certain number of hours each week to market your book, ask an AI tool how you can best use your time. You’ll want to be sure the tool knows you have a variety of audiences such as new readers, loyal followers, and current or past clients. From there, generate an eight-week content calendar tailored to the platforms where your audience gathers most. PLEASE NOTE: While the AI tool of your choice will almost certainly give you what you need, you will still need to read results to be sure it aligns with your voice, tone, and style. Additional Ideas Pre-Launch sales strategy – Pre-sales can help you start generating revenue before your book officially launches. Create targeted email and social media campaigns that are more conversion-focused. The goal is to drive traffic to your sales page with clear calls to action. Hosting a book signing event – Here is an opportunity to sell books and create relationships with your audience. Start with scouting locations, and plan your promotional content carefully to be sure you speak directly to your audience’s needs and interests. Finally, stay informed about the most effective keywords and hashtags related to your book’s topic and your industry. Use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to tap into broader audiences with tags like #booktok and #authorsofinstagram. If you’re ready to write your book or you need an editor for your completed manuscript, please schedule a call. I’d love to learn more about your book project.
One Editor’s Definitions for the 4 Levels of Editing
If you’re diving into authorship, you need to know that not all editing is created equal. When your manuscript is ready for the next step in your publishing journey, understanding the different levels of editing will help you choose the right path forward for your book. 📖✨ Proofreading (Mechanics) Technically, proofreading is the final step before you take your book to formatting and publishing, but I start the list with it because proofreading is all about the mechanics of your work. Think of it as a safety net. Proofreaders fix basic errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation as well as sentence structure. A last, thorough check ensures a final catch of mistakes or inconsistencies. Copyediting (Technical/Accuracy) Copyeditors are all about consistency. They check syntax (sentence structure and sentence variety), fact check subject-specific terminology or phrasing, and make sure you adhere to the way in which you use the jargon. A copyeditor eliminates redundancies and checks for wordiness. If you used 10 words when five will do, they will tighten up your work accordingly. Content Editing (The meaning of your work) Now that the mechanics and technical details have been addressed, it’s time to dive into the quality of your content. Each paragraph and sentence is under the microscope separately but also in the way they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. Think of content editing as akin to refining your business pitch: Is this point relevant? Does this section capture the essence of the message? This editing ensures clarity, smooth transitions, that your timeline makes sense, and you use an active voice, for example. Developmental Editing (Coaching after the fact) When I edit anyone’s work, I use two lenses; I perform all the editing tasks I just described above, and I read your work as if I were your end user. You completed your manuscript, but in many ways, the work has just begun. First, I go through your manuscript and correct all the errors related to the rules of writing. I address capitalization, grammar, spelling that wasn’t picked up by a spell-check program, and correct passive verbs. I also read your book as if I am the reader you envisioned when you started writing. I want to know everything, so I will ask questions, make suggestions, and leave comments in the margin of your work to help you fulfill the promise you made to the people who bought your book. After you make the changes I highlighted, I will read your book a final time to be sure that between the two of us, we caught every possible error. 💪📚🌟 Final thoughts The kind of editing you choose will come down to how much attention you think your book needs. Maybe you’ll be happy with proofreading or perhaps you know your mechanics are solid, and you need a content editor to be sure you’ve pulled all your thoughts together properly. Whichever level you use to take your book to formatting and publishing, just know that your editor is your superhero come to save the day (and your brand reputation!).🦸🏻
Choose Your Path: Traditional, Self, or Hybrid Publishing
When your book is ready, you have a choice: traditional, self, or hybrid publishing. Each one offers a list of pros and cons, and I gathered them here so you can make the decision best for your publishing journey. Traditional Publishing Opting for traditional publishing means securing an agent, and you can start looking at publishersmarketplace.com. You’ll need a compelling query letter with details about your book and a brief bio. Once an agent takes you on, they’ll help navigate the complex world of publishing deals. In traditional publishing, companies like Random House or Simon & Schuster assume financial risks like design, printing, and distribution. As the author, you still need to invest time and effort, especially in building your author platform and attending promotional events. Financial Aspects: Advances and Royalties While we’ve heard of massive advances for established authors, but these are rare for new authors. Remember, advances aren’t free money; you’ll only earn royalties once sales exceed your advance. And with traditional publishers, royalties are typically 10 to 12%. Self-Publishing The self-publishing industry was worth $1.25 billion in 2022, and it offers a more direct route to publishing. Platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram Spark provide various options, but require investments of both time and money. On the other hand, you’ll see royalties of 50 to 70%. Don’t overlook the necessity of an ISBN for each book version. This number is crucial for sales tracking and inventory systems. The Cost of Self-Publishing You could spend between $5,000 and $10,000 to self-publish your book. This covers layout, cover design, building a website with applicable sales pages, and marketing. Each step demands financial resources and dedicated time. Hybrid Publishing Hybrid publishing merges elements of traditional and self-publishing. You share costs with the publisher, enjoy greater creative control, and receive higher royalties than traditional publishing. Like the other options, though, marketing largely falls on your shoulders. Marketing Regardless of your publishing choice, marketing is critical to recouping your initial investment and making money on top of it. Even with traditional publishers, you will be responsible for marketing your book. Additionally, you need a website, social media presence, and possibly a team to assist with technical and promotional tasks. While traditional and self-publishing paths leave most marketing responsibilities to authors, hybrid publishers offer more support in this area. Final Thoughts Your choice of which publishing route is best for you largely depends on your resources, commitment, and the goals you have for your book. No matter if you choose traditional, self, or hybrid publishing, your success hinges on a comprehensive marketing strategy. If you have a book you want to see published, I’d love to help you get there. Reach out today.
Finding the Perfect Editor for Your Nonfiction Book
Congratulations! You’ve known for years that you needed to write a book about your zone of genius and you finally did it! Now, it’s time for you to find an editor. And yes, you need a professional. Why you need an editor Your editor is essentially your quality control, which is especially important if you own a business. Consider how much time you’ve spent curating your personal and professional reputations and fulfilling your brand promise to customers. What is the potential damage a poorly edited, or, worse, an unedited book could do to your personal and professional brands? Would you do business with someone who had the temerity to publish a book riddled with errors? Types of Editing Developmental Editing: This is the big-picture edit where your editor focuses on consistency and congruency. As a developmental editor, I dive deep into the structure, organization, and flow of your book, making sure every storyline is followed to a conclusion and that it fulfills the promise you made to your readers. Content Editing: Content editors focus on the context of your work. There are some technical aspects of their job such as addressing syntax issues, but they also focus on eliminating awkward phrasing and passive verbs, make sure you’re showing and not telling, and that any dialogue is appropriate to the person speaking. Copy Editing: Content editors focus on the context of your work. There are some technical aspects of their job such as addressing syntax issues, but they also focus on eliminating awkward phrasing and passive verbs, make sure you’re showing and not telling, and that any dialogue is appropriate to the person speaking. Proofreading: The final polish. Proofreaders catch typos, last-minute spelling errors, misplaced commas, and formatting errors that slipped through earlier edits. Questions to Ask Finding the right editor for you book entails some research. Start first by asking members of your network for references and then visit the websites of the Editorial Freelancer Association or the American Copy Editors Society. When you connect with an editor, ask them the following: Qualities to Look For Finding an editor is really about finding someone who aligns with your vision and working style. Consider some of these qualities as you interview potential partners: Communication: What process, procedures, and platforms does the editor use to create successful partnerships with their authors? Attention to detail: A good editor has an eagle eye for details without losing sight of the big picture. As a reporter, I ask a lot of questions because I want to know all the things, and I assume your reader does as well. Supportive and honest: Your editor who is supportive but also provides honest, constructive feedback. I often leave comments in the margin of my authors’s work letting them know when something resonates with me or if they’ve phrased something particularly well. Trust Your Instincts Most of time, honestly, your decision comes down to your gut feeling. Does the editor understand your vision? Do they seem genuinely interested in your project? Do you feel connected to their energy? Trusting your instincts will be key especially because you’re trusting them with your book baby. Final Thoughts Finding the right editor for your nonfiction book is a critical step in your publishing journey. The right professional editor helps you create a book that is as error-free as possible and helps you grow your personal brand and your business. If you have a book ready for editing, please schedule a call with me.