Pens and Proof

How I found my way back to what I love—and how you can, too

Wine Glasses, here's to a great 2025, write your book, What's My Book? Challenge

Let’s be honest: Life can really get to life-ing. For the past few months, I’ve been neck-deep in covering the November elections from a hyperlocal perspective, and it was almost all-consuming. It was rewarding in many ways, but it was also draining. I just couldn’t figure out how to bring reporting the news and marketing my editing/ghostwriting business into harmony. It was exhausting, and I questioned whether I even wanted to continue running my business. Does that sound familiar? Maybe for you, it’s the overwhelming demands of work, family, or that ever-growing to-do list. Whatever it is, we all face those moments when we feel stuck, and we’re unsure if we’re on the right path. But here’s the thing: sometimes clarity comes in the messiest moments. For me, it came during the down and gloomy days over Christmas. Here in the Upper Midwest, late December was just one grey day followed by another, and my seasonal affective disorder was in full effect. I also experienced some personal challenges that made doing anything other than lying on the couch damn near impossible. During one my deep dives into the abyss that can be TikTok, a creator came across my FYP with prompts for ChatGPT to help with planning for the new calendar year. I used them, inputting my daily goals for fitness and health, my reporting responsibilities, goals I want to reach with my business, and more. The first response I got back was really good, so I refined and then refined some more, until I finally had a daily schedule – yes, a DAILY SCHEDULE – that helped me piece together what I truly want to accomplish. Having that vision in place helped everything click into gear, and I felt my energy return. Seeing the sun for a few hours every few days certainly helped, too. So, here’s the big news: I’m thrilled to share that the first great action of the 2025 calendar year is an incredible collaboration with the amazing Naja Hayward of Rainmaker Publishing. Together, we’re launching a 5-Day “What’s My Book?” Challenge to help people just like you finally take the first step toward writing and publishing their books. Here’s the truth:If writing a book has been sitting on your list for way too long, it’s time to stop waiting. Your story, expertise, and ideas deserve to be shared with the world—and we’re here to help you make that happen. I know firsthand how easy it is to put big dreams on the back burner when life feels chaotic. But I also know how transformational it can be to take that first step. This challenge isn’t about perfection or doing it all at once. It’s about starting with clarity, confidence, and a community of like-minded individuals who understand the journey you’re on. So, if writing your book has felt like an impossible dream, let 2025 be the year that changes. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more details soon. Whatever your goals are, I hope this inspires you to take that next step forward, even if it’s just a small one. Here’s to making 2025 your year!

Leverage Storytelling to Land Your Next Job

storytelling, job application, job interview

If you aren’t experiencing the growth opportunities you’d like at your current employer, you may need to start looking elsewhere. Unfortunately, the job market right now (June 2024) is crazy competitive, and you need to stand out from the crowd. How competitive? According the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly double the number of applicants for every job opening. So, how do you rise above everyone else? Use storytelling in job applications and interviews to create a memorable impression, highlight your skills and experiences, and secure better career opportunities. Storytelling in Job Applications When applying for a job, your resume and cover letter are your first opportunities to make an impression. Rather than just listing your skills and experiences, use storytelling to illustrate your achievements and demonstrate your value. Your cover letter and resume are two very different mediums that work together for the same goal. When you write your cover letter, you need more of a narrative format: When I took the position of leader of the project team, we faced a number of challenges in meeting deadlines for deliverables. I introduced a new project management strategy and built a collaborative team environment, so we not only met our targets but exceeded them. As a result, we improved project delivery timelines by 20% within six months. On your resume, you use your title, making sure “project management” is part of it and use a bullet point with phrasing more like this: Improved project delivery timelines by 20% within six months with a new strategy and by creating a collaborative team environment. Essentially, you’re saying the same thing, but a resume is meant to be a quick read of your skills and experience — a list, if you will — while your cover letter allows more of your personality to come through at the same time you highlight your relevant work experiences. Storytelling in Interviews Interviews are the perfect setting to use storytelling to your advantage. When answering questions, frame your responses as stories that showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. When asked about a time you faced a challenge at work, you could say, “In my previous role, we had a major project that was falling behind schedule. I took the initiative to reorganize the team’s workflow and implemented a new project management tool. As a result, we completed the project on time and within budget. Our client was pleased, and their referral lead to new customers.” Responding this way not only answers the question but also demonstrates your initiative, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Understanding AI Parsing Systems I’m sure it’s absolutely no surprise that companies are increasingly using AI to parse resumes and cover letters. This definitely presents a challenge if you rely on storytelling to make your applications stand out. Still, you can integrate storytelling with AI systems. AI systems, like Applicant Tracking Systems, are designed to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords and phrases related to the job description. They prioritize structured data over narrative content to identify candidates who match required skills and qualifications such as education and experience. Strategies to Integrate Storytelling with AI While it may feel like just another hurdle to clear to even land an interview much less a job, working with AI can give you the foothold you need to land your next career move. Practical Tips Since you’re preparing your resume and cover letter for AI, why not put AI to work to increase your chances of scheduling an interview. Identify the most critical keywords from the job description and incorporate them into your resume and cover letter without compromising the narrative flow. Feed the job description into an AI tool like Google’s Gemini or ChatGPT to help you find those words and phrases. Your resume should be easily scannable with bullet points and headings. Your cover letter, on the other hand, can weave a narrative that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Highlight specific results and achievements within your stories to appeal to both AI systems and human readers. Use numbers as in the examples above. Keep your resume updated, even if you aren’t planning to change companies any time soon. Use an AI tool to maintain an accurate accounting of your role and responsibilities with the aforementioned results. Final Thoughts Leveraging storytelling in job applications and interviews can have a significantly positive impact on your career growth. By sharing compelling narratives that highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements, you can create a memorable impression and secure better opportunities. While AI systems certainly can pose a challenge to storytelling during your job hunt, adopting a strategic use of storytelling elements plus keywords can help you stand out. Your resume and cover letter should both be AI-friendly, giving you the opportunity to leverage storytelling to advance your career even in an AI-dominated recruitment landscape.

Why Employees Need Storytelling for Personal Branding

storytelling, personal brand, career advancement, corporate ladder

In the competitive landscape of corporate America, having a strong personal brand can make or break your career. While we often think of a personal brand as more appropriate for entrepreneurs or public figures, it is a critical component for employees at all levels who want to stand out, advance their careers, and make a lasting impact within their organizations. So, how do you build a personal brand at work? Storytelling, of course. The Role of Personal Branding in Career Success Carving a path for yourself in corporate America takes vision, planning, and a strategy. You should absolutely use storytelling to help you reach the next level. In a crowded job market, personal branding helps you stand out. You differentiate yourself from others by clearly articulating who you are, what you value, and what you bring to the table. A strong personal brand makes you more memorable and can open opportunities for career advancement. At the risk of sounding like a broken record: Be yourself! Consistent and genuine storytelling fosters trust. When colleagues, managers, and stakeholders understand your values and see consistency in your actions and words, you build a reputation of integrity. This trust can lead to increased responsibilities, promotions, and leadership opportunities. Personal branding increases your visibility within and outside your organization. By sharing your stories, achievements, and insights, you position yourself as a thought leader and a valuable contributor. This visibility can attract mentors and networking opportunities that are crucial for career growth. Real-World Examples The women listed below enjoyed or enjoy long careers at big-name companies in part because they use storytelling to bolster their personal brands. Strategies for Maintaining a Consistent and Authentic Personal Brand Storytelling can help you grow your career into the future you see for yourself. Here are five tips to help you create your personal brand strategy: Final Thoughts If you’re interested in taking steps up the corporate ladder, personal branding through storytelling can help you on your journey. Stories build trust and boost your visibility, and a compelling personal brand opens up new opportunities and drives career success. Embrace storytelling as a primary tool to achieve your career aspirations and make a lasting impact in your organization.

Nonprofit Storytelling: Connect with Beneficiaries and Donors

storytelling

Your nonprofit organization faces a unique challenge: you must communicate effectively with both the people you serve and the donors who make it all possible. Each audience is critical for the success of your nonprofit organization but have different needs and perspectives. Stories can bridge the gap by creating deeper understanding and connection. The Unique Challenge Beneficiaries are primarily concerned with how your nonprofit’s services directly impact their lives. They’re most often concerned with finding the support, goods, or services that improve their conditions. Stories aimed at beneficiaries typically focus on emotional appeals. Highlighting personal experiences and the success of program participants helps underscore the the positive impact your organization has on individuals and communities. On the other hand, donors want to see how their contributions make a difference. They need to trust that you use their money effectively. As a result, your donors require more rational narratives. Stories should include facts and figures that prove your group is delivering on its promise. In either case, transparency and human connection are the keys to successful storytelling. Beneficiaries and donors must feel the stories you tell are genuine and accurately represent your nonprofit’s work and impact. Real-Life Examples Here are some well-known nonprofits that use storytelling consistently to effectively communicate with their bifurcated audience: Charity: Water provides clean drinking water to people in countries where safe drinking water isn’t easily accessible. They have mastered the art of storytelling by balancing narratives for both beneficiaries and donors. Their website and annual reports feature powerful stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by clean water. At the same time, they provide detailed reports and transparency about where donations go and the impact they have made, appealing to donors’ need for accountability. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) uses stories to highlight the urgent medical needs of people in crisis zones around the world. They share harrowing stories from the field to show the realities faced by their beneficiaries. For donors, they provide comprehensive reports and updates on their operations, ensuring transparency and demonstrating the impact of donations. This dual approach helps them connect deeply with both groups. Habitat for Humanity‘s storytelling often features the beneficiaries—the families who are building and moving into their new homes. These stories are filled with hope and transformation. At the same time, they communicate with donors by showing the tangible results of their contributions through statistics and stories of community improvement, which appeal to donors’ desire to see their impact. Tips for Nonprofits Telling stories about and for the people you serve and the donors who fund your work creates an ecosystem that builds the social proof and visibility you need to grow the influence of your organization. Here’s how to make it happen: Final Thoughts Storytelling helps you balance the needs of both the people you serve and the donors who support you. Organizations like Charity: Water, Doctors Without Borders, and Habitat for Humanity are solid examples of how to effectively balance the narratives of both audiences. By creating a story bank, using multichannel storytelling, and maintaining transparency, your nonprofit can successfully help even more people and attract an increasing number of donors. This way, you help secure sustained support and engagement.

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.

Why 3 Sets of Eyes are Better Than One

Tajah Ware and Tayler Otten join Pens & Proof as copy editors.

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

Interview-style ghostwriting helps entrepreneurs and business owners publish their book without writing it themselves.

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.

The Role of AI in Writing Your Book

I think we need to acknowledge the growing role AI plays in publishing.  For the record, I do not believe AI should be used to write your book, children’s books, or any book, really. Books are critical to our development as humans. They introduce us to people, take us to places, and teach us things we might not otherwise have experienced.  And I’m aware that as of this writing, there’s a lot of chatter about AI replacing humans doing the jobs we’re currently doing. No matter if you’re focused on writing your book or creating content to market your business, instead of thinking of it as a robot built to replace you, think of AI more as your creative assistant. Training AI for Better Results The best thing about using AI tools to help spur your creativity is that you can train it to return results that consistently improve over time. Here’s how it works: the more you use it, the better your requests get — more specific, including greater detail, etc. — and the more accurate responses you receive. At the beginning of 2024, ChatGPT was the most popular AI writing tool, followed by writerbuddy.ai, QuillBot, and Gemini from Google, which began its AI life as Bard. Yes. Named for William Shakespeare.  ChatGPT, in particular, offered a paid version where you could enter details about your business, your ideal customer avatar, your written style and personality, and more. If you were in the paid tier, ChatGPT “knew” these facts about your business, your customer, and you to produce results more tailored to your needs.  Any machine learning tool gets better the more you use it. Brainstorming & Idea Generation With AI, you never have to experience writer’s block again, and isn’t that every author’s worst nemesis? Instead, for example, use AI to prompt you by asking it for a sample outline for your chapter so you can fill in the blanks. Maybe you want to explore some of your customer’s pain points using “what if” scenarios. AI can give you a list of “what if” ideas, and you can build from there. AI can be the brainstorming buddy you’ve always needed. It provides suggestions to help nudge you out of whatever rut in which you might have fallen. AI Can’t Replace You Despite its many capabilities, AI can only do what it is trained to do. It lacks your imagination, the ability to create, emotions, and any lived experiences. You are what will make your book unique. AI also can’t think critically or reason through a dilemma. It provides suggestions, and it’s then up to you to sift through the information for quality, relevance, and alignment.  You’ll also need to fact-check what AI gives you. At the bottom of the ChatGPT screen, there is a disclaimer saying it does sometimes return inaccurate results and that users should be sure to check whatever they deem “important”. Here’s another reason AI isn’t going to replace you: only you sound like you!  Yes, AI can give you detailed, in-depth responses to the prompts you ask it, but in the end, you absolutely need to edit to ensure your voice, tone, and style are consistent throughout. Getting Started: A Practical Guide If you’re ready to try AI for yourself, here are some practical steps to help you get started: Final Thoughts AI is not here to steal your or any other author’s job. Instead, use it as a tool, so you can free up your mental space, boost your confidence, and grow your business to the level where you deserve it to be. If you’ve written a book and are ready for editing, I’d love to talk with you. Let’s schedule a call.

6 Steps to Earning 6 Figures with Your Book

Writing a book can be one of the more lucrative ventures you absolutely should undertake. You have the opportunity to turn your expertise and experience into  substantial income. If you are an entrepreneur, there really is no downside to writing a book about your zone of genius. Writing Writing your book doesn’t start with writing your book. First, you need to have an ideal reader in mind. Then, you need to know how your solution is the answer to their problem.  Focus on how your knowledge of your topic resonates with your target audience. By sharing your command of the subject plus personal stories, you create the opportunity to connect with your reader. Now you can start writing. Begin with a first word, then a sentence, and now a paragraph. Keep going! Editing Editing is the most critical and the most expensive step of your publishing journey and for good reason.  Your editor will catch grammatical and punctuation errors, understands sentence structure, and ensure consistency and congruency. Your editor makes sure your book meets industry standards and appeals to readers. Publishing After editing concludes, you move into publishing, and you have a choice: traditional or self publishing. There are pros and cons for each. Should you choose the traditional route, you need an agent who will shop your book to various publishers. There are significant benefits of having a publishing house’s support, such as carrying the cost of printing copies of your book and distribution on your behalf. Self-publishing, on the other hand, offers more control and higher royalties, but can require a substantial investment up front if you want to host book signing events and/or throw a launch party where attendees can buy copies of your book. Fun fact: Fewer than 40% of traditionally published authors are women or female-identifying while self-publishing features nearly 70% women or female-identifying authors. Marketing No matter if you choose traditional or self publishing, the lion’s share of the marketing sits squarely on your shoulders and is how you’ll sell your book. As Most of us already have an online presence, and you’ll want to put yours to work like never before. Build a website, leverage social media, use your business’s email list, create collaborations and partnerships with brands in your same lane, and network both in person and online.  You should also collect reviews and testimonials from those who read your book prior to release and customers you’ve helped through your business (as long as the book is in alignment, of course). There is real power in this level of engagement. Public Relations Do not dismiss the power of proximity. I’m talking to service-based businesses, especially, who operate primarily online. We may serve clients who live on each coast and every point in between, but our next best client could be just across town. Reach out to you local TV stations, newspapers, and magazines. Send them a press release about your brand story, offer yourself as a subject matter expert about a current event, and, most importantly, send them a photo and/or a video with your release. Local reporters and busy and appreciate good content with news their viewers and readers can use.  Monetization Your book opens the door to unlimited earning potential. In addition to royalties from book sales, you can command larger speaking fees, you can offer coaching and courses, you can leverage it as a business card for your personal and professional brands.  Once you become a published author, you are considered an expert. This enhances your credibility and leads to consulting roles and/or higher-level job opportunities. Final thoughts Your well-executed book has the potential to significantly boost your profile and your income. Enrolling in a writing program, paying for an editor, and publishing your book is an investment in your personal and professional brands and a stepping stone to diverse revenue streams. If you’re ready to write your book, please schedule a call.

Storytelling Changes the Game

For micro businesses (fewer than 10 employees) and solopreneurs, we sometimes find ourselves on the struggle bus to stand out. What if I told you there’s a way to connect to your customers on a deeper level to increase traffic and sales, and it costs almost nothing?  The ancient art of storytelling remains the most powerful tool to transform your business narrative and boost your bottom line. The Magic of Personalized Stories Your story is unique. It’s not just about what you sell or offer; it’s about your journey, your challenges, and your victories. No one can do what you do and how you do it, and that sets you apart a market full of generic strategies.  Share your story – how you turned your passion into a business, the obstacles you overcame, and what you’ve learned along the way. You’ll build a personal connection with your audience, making your business relatable and memorable. Building a Brand Narrative Your brand narrative is more than just a marketing tool; it’s the foundation of the way you communicate your mission, vision, and values. It’s about why you do what you do, not just what you do or sell.  A compelling brand story not only attracts attention but also fosters loyalty and trust. Make sure you include it on your website, in your social media posts, as part of your customer service messaging. All of it. Engaging Content that Resonates We all know content is king, but you can’t just put anything and everything into the public and hope it reaches your target audience. You need to engage and resonate with your ideal customer.  Use storytelling to make your content come alive. Whether it’s through blog posts, social media updates, or email newsletters, stories provide value, entertain, and educate your audience. They make your content not just consumed but remembered and shared. The Power of Visual Storytelling Humans are visual creatures, and our attention spans are short, so visual storytelling can be incredibly effective. Use images, infographics, and videos to tell your story so your audience wants to like, comment, and, most importantly, share.  Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your business, customer testimonials, or educational content, video has the biggest and longest-lasting impact. Remember the adage, “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? Well, research shows that video is worth 1.8 million words.  Leveraging Emotional Connection Storytelling is not just about sharing facts. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you told them.  Make sure your stories — all of them, if possible — make viewers experience an emotion such as joy, empathy, or inspiration. This emotional connection can turn a one-time customer into a loyal advocate for your brand. Final thoughts: Your Story, Your Success For micro businesses and solopreneurs, storytelling is not just a tool; it’s a necessity. By harnessing the power of storytelling, you can create a strong brand identity, foster customer loyalty, and stand out in the crowded marketplace.  If you’re ready to put your story into a book to increase your visibility and grow your business, schedule a call!