This is the ‘Win with Stories’ newsletter. It’s focused on helping founders and executives navigate leadership, sales, PR and fund-raising. Every week I send an email with a career or communication message wrapped in a short story. I also share one or a few actionable tips to help you achieve your career and business goals.
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Is verbosity killing your leadership and business opportunities?
I was at a networking event over the weekend. There was a cool-looking young man who I felt would be a good connect and I approached him.
15 minutes later I was kicking myself for the decision.
When asked, ”What does your company do?”
He narrated his life story of how he has 15 years of experience in the space, and why he was so good and how now he wanted to add value to brands in tier 2 cities because, well, they need him.
Despite such verbose explanation, he still hadn’t answered my question.
I made some excuse and went away, promising myself that I’d stay at least a mile away from wherever this gentleman was.
My reaction aside, I am sure this gent is really good at what he does. His verbosity made him lose a possible partner last weekend. And who is to say that I am the only one who reacted that way?
So imagine the heavy career, business and leadership price one has to pay due to verbosity.
Over the years, I have been approached by senior executives and entrepreneurs who realise that their communication could be crisper, and interesting.
And I’ve worked with them on becoming concise and compelling in their communication. All this, by using stories and story methods.
So storytelling is not the excuse to be verbose(and boring).
If anything, good storytelling answers your audience’s questions while ensuring they are totally engaged while you do so.
Stop being verbose, and start converting opportunities that come your way instead.
One communication tip for today:
What would be my advice to the fellow networker?
Keep your elevator pitch about your business ready.
So when someone asks you about what you do, don’t build the description on the go.
Here is a template that I use.
It’s called the ‘Hook-Villain-Vision’
Let me explain with The Story Co’s example:
Hook: Do you remember stories from childhood? (pause) I bet you do. But a business presentation from last week is long forgotten.
Villain: The reason for that is ‘MBA speak’. We use jargons and complicated language that confuses audiences.
Vision: With The Story Co’s coaching and training my mission is to bring the power of stories to business. I dream of a day when our homegrown business leaders narrate such powerful stories that we take Indian brands to the world.’
Since elevator pitch maybe with anyone I avoid a CTA unless I am sure. In most cases, I’ve noticed that when your pitch is compelling, people want to know more and that’s what you want.
Audience leaning in and asking questions – thats where the magic begins.
Hope this is of help. Verbosity is quite common, and can be overcome. If you feel that you suffer from the same problem, then I might be able to help. Drop me a mail and I will respond.
A quick reminder on how I can help you:
- If you are a business leader or a founder of a mature startup wanting to sharpen your story, storytelling and leadership skills or even a speech or presentation, then I can help. My coaching programs like ‘Story-flection’, ‘Ace Linkedin with Stories’ and ‘Inspiring Leader’ have helped CXOs and senior executives power their growth. The first 30-minute call is on me, write to me if you’d like to book my time
- If you are a corporate, MSME or late-stage startup looking to enhance leadership, communication, marketing and sales skills in your organisation, then I can help. My signature programs like ‘Lead with Stories’, ‘Movie-like Data Presentations’ and ‘Story punch for marketing and sales’ have helped many corporates and agencies multiply their success
- I am also available for keynotes, webinars and team-building sessions that incorporate storytelling.
That’s it from me today. Hope you found this newsletter useful 🙂
Tell me one thing that will make you share this newsletter with friends and colleagues 🙂
If it’s already share-worthy, then please forward this to your network right away. Let’s all win with stories.
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