Importance of storytelling in business

When pitching your company or business idea to potential customers, investors, employees, partners and suppliers, it’s important to tell a story that captivates their interest, suspends their disbelief and thinking about what you are saying.  Immersing them in your story to a point they lose track of time, become less cynical and skeptic about your startup.

Create experiences that enable your audience to imagine using your product and more of creating another reality they did not experience before. Show them how your product or company works and how you are going to change their past experiences. People will believe in a story more than all facts presented before them.  A good story create an experience that is memorable and makes people believe in your cause and want to be part of it, a good story is how Toms shoes created a story, a small idea has grown to become a global movement, I do not want to spoil the surprise for you, Read the story Here.

Here are quotes I thought of sharing:-

“If you wish to influence an individual or a group to embrace a particular value in their daily lives, tell them a compelling story.” -Annette Simmons, author, The Story Factor

“The shortest distance between a human being and the truth is a story.” -Anthony de Mello

“I truly believe that people are looking for stories that really mean something–stories that are redemptive, inspiring, and bigger than an individual.” -Scott Harrison

“People don’t want more information. They are up to their eyeballs in information. They want faith–faith in you, your goals, your success, in the story you tell.” -Annette Simmons,  Author, The Story Factor

“Today everyone, whether they know it or not, is in the emotional transportation business. More and more, success is won by creating compelling stories that have the power to move people to action. Simply put, if you can’t tell it, you can’t sell it.” -Peter Guber

“Come then, and let us pass a leisure hour in storytelling, and our story shall be the education of our heroes.” –Plato

“Story gives people enough space to think for themselves. The story develops and grows in the mind of the listener. If it is a good story, you don’t have to keep it alive by yourself. It is automatically retold or replayed in the minds of the listeners.” -Annette Simmons, author, The Story Factor

“Over the years I have become convinced that we learn best—and change—from hearing stories that strike a chord within us… Those in leadership positions who fail to grasp or use the power of stories risk failure for their companies and for themselves.”-John Kotter, Harvard Business School professor, and author, Leading Change