Bright Idea #16: The Power of A Good Story
Stories that engage your colleagues and clients will capture their hearts and minds while, at the same time, will help them become more invested in your relationship and your company.
For example, imagine telling the following story to your staff, and the impact it might have on their self esteem and commitment to their work:
Timmy, a five-year-old boy with severe asthma, who spent much of the first 18 months of his life in the hospital, took his first camping trip. He discovered a nest of duck eggs at the edge of the campsite. By the end of the trip, he was able to watch the baby ducklings hatch and his excitement knew no limits.
Being able to go on that trip was due to the wonderful medical care he had received. But it also was due to the careful attention to cleanliness, cross-contamination control measures and environmental guidelines. Part of Timmy's discharge planning also included how his family could continue the work done in the hospital to protect his health by maintaining the home environment regarding germs, dirt and allergens. You and your products play an important role in making it possible for Timmy to go camping!
Stories like this can be used to enhance a sales presentation, communicate an organization's values, add humor, provide examples of success and move others to action.
This Bright Ideaswas supplied by Mary Wacker of MB Wacker Associates. You can learn more ways to add impact to your communications when you attend her session, "The Power of Stories to Build Relationships," Oct. 6 at ISSA/INTERCLEAN. Register today for this and many other valuable sessions at the ONE SHOW for the Cleaning Industry.
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