There is something so compelling about combining purposeful words or a compilation of images with an undeniable focal point that makes for the best story. The skill of telling a story in an efficient manner has demonstrated what it means to connect to an audience and ultimately gain a sincere following.
In modern times, storytelling has become a distinct need for any growing business. Now more than ever, with the tensions and pivots to be made because of Covid-19, entrepreneurs and business professionals alike must accept the importance of asking themselves – What is the future of storytelling, and how will you evolve with the times as the changes occur?
WHAT IS STORYTELLING?
When the word storytelling comes to mind, what do you think of? Do you think of your favorite childhood book, like Dr. Suess? Or maybe, Steven Spielberg comes to mind, considering he has mastered the art of telling stories on film.
Strong storytelling has come a long way since the first buffalo was sketched on a cave wall. The approach of creating a model of text through a fictional book or emulating text and transferring it to film rolls was once the primary focus. Today, storytelling has thrust itself into business as the only way to generate a lasting connection with consumers. Don’t believe me; try Googling “storytelling.” The first article to show up is from Harvard Business Review, with the title Storytelling That Moves People. It’s no longer about simply entertaining people or simply recording history. Storytelling has now pivoted to be about connection. This opens a world of possibilities for companies and individuals and how they pursue consumers with content.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR STORY POST-COVID-19
You have to become the young kid in class during show-and-tell. Excited to share and a little nervous about what others may think, but deep inside, you know that your sincere connection to your story may ignite a connection in another.
More than ever, your chance to show your business should always start with “why.” Re-discover your company’s “why” if needed after the pandemic, and figure out whether your newfound story is filled with challenges. If so, it’s ok because it’s exactly what others have experienced and can relate to. The storytelling perspective post-COVID-19 is to impress a genuine memory of your company story onto consumers’ hearts. This is where great persuasion starts. Especially, and most certainly, if it is authentic.
Always remember the consumer matters. The desires of your target audience need to be known to assist you in crafting the best but authentic story representative of your brand to connect with your audience.
HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY POST-COVID-19?
Have a pow-wow with your team to determine the tone needed to tell your story. Consider the messaging to be disclosed post-COVID-19. The pandemic has presented serious life changes, struggles, and strife for so many, and being sensitive to your target audience is critical.
Let’s look at one of the largest companies in the world – Amazon.
Before the pandemic, the why of Amazon displayed everywhere was – Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking.
Now the priority message and tone have shifted during the pandemic to demonstrate the importance of committing to the concerns of their customers: Amazon and Whole Foods Market continue prioritizing the health and safety of customers and employees while also working to meet the unprecedented demand.
We all know Amazon amped up at the right time, and owner Jeff Bezos is surely reaping the benefits of leading a company prepared to pivot when needed. According to CNBC, he could become the first trillionaire by 2026!
So get to telling your story the correct way. Gather your thoughts and be sensitive to the experiences that your target audience may be experiencing post-pandemic life, and tell them your story. Recognize that to maintain normalcy in your business; you may have to acknowledge the new normal. Be confident in presenting the changes propelling your business forward in the best way possible.
SELECT THE BEST WAY TO PRESENT YOUR STORY
The stay-at-home order on a national and global level offered a great chance for entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals to indulge in the content on various platforms but in limited forms. Online, social media and television became the fundamental portals of information and entertainment. Audiences all around the world were consuming more content than before. The Daily Illini reported phone usage worldwide went up by 20% during the COVID pandemic.
What does this mean for you and your story? Your messaging channels should shift according to the data provided. It’s time to ensure your story is being delivered through the medium it can and in a way that efficiently portrays your storytelling abilities. With video content being searched so much more during this time, you can guarantee the ways in which interest is attained will remain the same post-COVID-19. Users have grown more accustomed to DIY videos, exercise tutorials, and connecting with their comrades through video. It seems increasingly relevant to resort to video content for your own storytelling. With so many video modes available, it is important to ask the experts what may work best for your goals.
Enjoy yourself as you embark on the storytelling journey, and know when it comes to video, we would love to chat with you about everything from telling a great story to the latest drone technology. From conception to delivery, we love this stuff and can talk about it all day long. To learn more about Bottle Rocket Media and what we can do for your brand, connect with us here.