Building an internal storytelling network is an essential component of compelling storytelling. Not only does your network help retain customers. Also, your internal network helps retain each other, specifically. And your workforce, in general.
Why?
Because we often associate storytelling with a single person and a single voice. Yet, the story being told may not be centered around that single person, at all. In fact, the storyteller often serves as an observer and chronicler of what happened. Or, the storyteller is a catalyst for the heroes and heroines.
As a result, compelling storytelling portrays the internal storytelling network behind that company storyteller.
The breadth, depth and emotional engagement of a story is dependent on the breadth and depth of characters in the story being told. If you tell a sales and marketing story, focused on acquiring new customers only, how deep do you dig in your organization, to tell that story? However, if you tell a customer-focused story to retain existing customers, other employees are involved beyond those typically portrayed in that sales and marketing, acquisition-focused story.
Customers can tell the difference in rationale between the two types of stories you currently tell. However, customers want to know whether you will have their backs, over the long haul. Does your story answer their often unvoiced concerns?
Your internal storytelling network involves the unsung heroes who have customers’ backs, day-in and day-out. Do you know who they are?
The most compelling storytelling is real, instead of hand-crafted and absolutely perfectly composed. Because business life is messy, inconsistent and error-ridden, even on the most perfect of business days.
To tell the stories which compel clients to do business with you in the first place, and stay with you over the long haul, discover your internal storytelling network. Theirs are the stories your clients and stakeholders really need to hear.
Learn more about my workshop on Storytelling for Stakeholder, Partner and Client Retention by clicking on this link.
- Planning your next team, corporate or association meeting? Engage me to present one of my Storytelling for STEM Professionals and Left Brain Thinkers speaking programs, workshops or moderated facilitation services. Contact me here.
- Babette Ten Haken leverage storytellings for STEM professionals and left brain thinkers to catalyze employee and customer success and retention.She motivates individuals and teams to combine courage, curiosity and critical thinking skills to co-create compelling stories which inspire trust in one another. Especially in industries with STEM and left-brain stakeholders.
- Babette is a member of SME, ASQ, SHRM and the National Speakers Association. Her playbook of communication hacks, Do YOU Mean Business?is available on Amazon.com. Babette’s speaker profile is on the espeakers Contact Babette here.
Image source: Adobe Stock
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