We Stories create the most compelling client stories. The next time you are client-facing, pay attention to how many times you say the word “I.” Or even use the term “we,” but really refer to your internal team of “we”, instead of your client or client’s team of “we.”
When our clients cannot discover themselves in the stories we tell, they remain unengaged. And, more importantly, unconvinced about whether we have their backs over the long haul.
Until, and unless, you take the time to discover your We stories, current clients may not continue to be your clients, in the future. Because Today’s digital transformation and continuously moving technical environments make clients crave human stories: realistic, honest and trustworthy.
What do your stories sound like? Narrative or compelling?
Do you tell compelling client stories focused on the Value of We? Or are your stories all about you: Me Stories?
I’ll give you a clue card here. If you haven’t taken the time to discover your own stories, based on your own experiences with clients, well, then you are telling Me Stories. Canned Stories. Someone else’s stories based on their success with clients. Stories which focus on your products or how you engineer solutions. Or how you solve problems.
When you do not take the time to co-create stories with your clients, you miss out on the depth of relationships your clients seek to build with you. When it comes down to it, deep relationships create Trust. Anything else is strictly transactional. And hardly enduring.
Moment of Truth time here. What is the true quality of your client relationships?
Think about it. Compelling client stories are We stories, not Me stories.
These stories are created when we move one millimeter beyond what is comfortable, towards what is Possible. That’s what One Millimeter Mindset™ is all about: professional success and employee and client retention. Based on co-created We Stories.
It just may be you just may have to do things one millimeter beyond how you originally learned to do them. Are you ready? Contact Babette here to tell the types of stories employees and clients really need to hear.
Babette Ten Haken’s One Millimeter Mindset® Storytelling for STEM Professionals and Left Brain Thinkers Speaking Programs leverage engaging storytelling to catalyze purpose-driven professional success. Become more visible, relevant and valuable: not only to your employer but also to your strategic partners and clients. Find out more about Babette’s professional story here. Babette is a member of SME, ASQ, SHRM and the National Speakers Association. Her playbook of communication tools and methods, Do YOU Mean Business? is available on Amazon.com. Babette’s speaker profile appears on this website as well as on the espeakers platform. Contact Babette here.
Image source: Adobe Stock
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