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Author: jonathan.howard
Unlock Sales Success With The Power of Storytelling
Why Storytelling is the Secret Sauce to Sales
This blog post is pulled from Episode 9 of the Coffee Social poscast. Click here to listen to the full episode. ‘
Let’s cut to the chase: humans are hardwired for storytelling. From caveman etchings to TikTok trends, we’ve always loved a good story. But here’s the kicker—stories don’t just entertain us; they inspire action. And when it comes to marketing, action equals sales. If you’re not weaving storytelling into your strategy, you’re leaving money on the table. And let’s face it, nobody wants to leave money on the table.
Why Stories Work
Ever notice how a good story sticks with you? That’s not an accident. When someone tells a compelling story, their brain syncs with yours. You’re not just hearing the words; you’re feeling the emotions, visualizing the scenes, and stepping into the narrative. That connection builds trust, and trust is the foundation of sales. As I said on the Coffee Social podcast Ep 9, “Stories sell. Numbers tell.” And while data is critical, it’s the story that makes people care enough to buy.
Paint the Picture of Transformation
A great story does two things: it shows the struggle and the solution. Think of it as the “sad to happy” journey. Your customer’s pain points—that’s the darkness. Your product or service? That’s the light. Highlighting this transformation is what convinces people you can take them where they want to go.
Example: Let’s say you’re a coach helping women overcome their fear of showing up on video. Instead of saying, “I’ll teach you how to use Instagram Lives,” try this: “Three years ago, I was terrified of video. My business was stuck, and I knew I had to do something. So, I took on a challenge—100 days of live videos. By the end, my confidence was through the roof, my Facebook group grew from 30 to 400 members, and my inbox was flooded with inquiries. I can help you get there too—without 100 days of live videos.”
See the difference? You’re showing them that you understand their struggle, but you also have the roadmap to success.
Where to Use Stories
Here’s the best part: stories work everywhere. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, writing an email, hosting a webinar, or recording a podcast, storytelling is your MVP. And no, it doesn’t have to be a Hollywood production. A simple, relatable story can be just as impactful—sometimes more so.
Pro Tip: Your stories are evergreen. Don’t shy away from repeating them. Not everyone sees your content the first time, and even those who do might need to hear it multiple times for it to sink in.
Make It Relatable
The magic of storytelling lies in making your audience feel like you’re speaking directly to them. When your ideal customer hears your story and thinks, “That’s so me,” you’ve hit the jackpot. Understanding your audience’s pain points and desires is key to creating these “that’s so me” moments.
Practical Tips for Storytelling
- Start with Your Own Stories: Reflect on moments in your life or business that align with your customer’s struggles and victories. Keep a “story bank”—a running list of experiences you can draw from.
- Structure Matters: Think hero’s journey. Your customer is the hero, and you’re the guide who’ll help them overcome their challenges. I repeat, you are NOT the hero.
- Keep It Simple: You don’t need fancy transitions or dramatic effects. Talking straight to the camera or writing from the heart can be just as effective.
Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of lecturing your audience, immerse them in the experience. For example, instead of saying, “You need to learn moderation tools on Clubhouse,” paint the picture: “Imagine someone starts disrupting your stage, and people start leaving. Knowing how to mute or remove them instantly is the difference between saving your room and watching it spiral.”
Takeaway: Storytelling = Connection
At the end of the day, storytelling is about building connections. People buy from those they trust, and trust comes from feeling understood. Whether it’s a heartfelt anecdote, a funny mishap, or a lesson learned the hard way, your story could be the nudge someone needs to hit “buy now.”
So, what story are you going to tell today? Let your audience see themselves in your journey, and watch the magic happen.
Why I Spent $152 On Dog Bowl Sets
Unleashing Your Signature Style on Social Media—Why a $152 Dog Bowl Teaches Us So Much
Yes, $152 for a dog bowl might seem like a lot, but the lessons it teaches us about our Signature Style and how we should show up on social media are invaluable!
#1 Knowing The Avatar
The first step in mastering your Signature Style is knowing your avatar—your ideal customer. Imagine a brand that knows its customers so well that it caters to a niche group of pet owners who treat their dogs like royalty. These pet owners value their furry friends more than anything and might even go to great lengths to hide the cost of premium products from their significant others. Why? Because to them, ensuring their pet eats in style and comfort is worth every penny.
To make this premium product more accessible, the brand offered a 10% discount on the first purchase and sweetened the deal by donating to an animal shelter with every sale. This wasn’t just about selling a product; it was about speaking directly to the heart of their customer’s values and lifestyle.
Takeaway: Do you know your avatar as well as this brand knows it? Understanding your audience’s desires, values, and pain points is crucial for crafting resonating messages. When you speak their language, you’re not just selling a product—you’re connecting on a deeper level.
#2 Offering a Unique Solution
When you have a Signature Style, you don’t just offer products; you provide solutions that stand out. This brand recognized that I wasn’t just looking for any dog bowl. I needed one that was elevated, included a slow feeder, and still looked stylish—not just some ugly, random shelf.
This product was the only one that combined all the features I needed into one sleek, well-designed package. It solved a specific problem in a way that no other product could.
Takeaway: What unique solution do you offer that sets you apart from the competition? Your Signature Style should shine through when addressing your audience’s needs. When you provide something they can’t find anywhere else, they’ll keep coming back to you.
#3 Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
The final and perhaps most critical lesson is the power of consistent messaging. This brand didn’t just pop up in my feed once—it showed up repeatedly, with clear branding and a compelling narrative about its product. It didn’t bombard me with price tags or endless lists of features. Instead, it told the story behind the product, introduced the new ownership, addressed past issues openly, and emphasized what these bowls would mean for my pets.
I saw their posts—both organic and paid—at least 20 times while searching for the right product. Each time, I was intrigued, impressed, but didn’t click immediately. If you were in their shoes, would you have given up on me? They didn’t, and eventually, I made the purchase.
Takeaway: Repetition is key in marketing. On social media, only about 10% of your audience sees what you post, and research suggests people need to see something seven times before making a purchase. So, don’t be afraid to repeat your message and revisit the same topics. Consistency builds trust and keeps your brand at the forefront of your mind.
Bringing It All Together
This unconventional example—yes, a $152 dog bowl—highlights the importance of having a Signature Style on social media. It’s about clarity, uniqueness, and consistent messaging. When you master these elements, you don’t just sell a product; you build a connection with your audience that keeps them coming back.
If you want to learn more about showcasing your Signature Style and uncovering your unique magic, click here! And if you’re ready to join our membership and dive deeper into this transformative process, click below!
I’m A Sewist: A Spin on Signature Style
Hey there, I am so ready to spill some serious tea on making trends work for you… while still being you.
Today, I want to show you the power of leveraging a hot trend in a way that fits your vibe—AKA your Signature Style—and how it can send your reach skyrocketing. Let’s talk about one of my members, Lisa Woolfork (founder of @blackwomenstitch) and her massive success with her “I Am A Sewist” reel series.
The Backstory
Lisa started this series right before the holidays in 2023. She pinged me in a private Clubhouse room, asking whether she should keep the reels going or let it be a one-and-done. I took a look, and my advice was simple: Run with it, And run she did!
Here’s a snapshot of her numbers (not a complete list):
- 25.8K
- 212K
- 44K
- 1.2 Million
- 43.2K
And so on, for a total of approximately 2.5 million views! Cue the confetti.
Oh, and did I mention her follower count has doubled since December? Yeah, that’s what nailing your Signature Style can do.
Lisa’s Signature Style in Action
- Playful Yet Specific Tone: Lisa knows how to deliver her message in a fun, relatable way while still being super clear about what she’s doing.
- Informative & Entertaining Reels: She seamlessly blends teaching moments with humor.
- Signature Clothing (She Makes Her Own Clothes!): She shows up in her reels wearing her creations—talk about a personal brand.
- No Fear: She’s not afraid to “go there,” including undergarments. Because hey, if you sew it, you should show it!
Lisa’s Own Lessons Learned
- Listen to Jonathan (that’s me—and she is so right).
- Do What Feels Right to YOU. People smell ick from a mile away.
- Batch Record & Schedule Ahead. Consistency for the win.
- Reply to Comments (Use iPhone text shortcuts to speed things up).
What We Can All Learn from Lisa’s Success
- Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. If the trend works for your niche, take a risk!
- Stay Connected to the Topic. Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
- It Only Takes One Video. One reel can seriously catapult your visibility.
- Make a Trend Your Own. Trends are tools, not rules—bend them to fit your personal style.
- If It Works, Repeat. Rinse, repeat, and watch your reach keep climbing.
- Use Your Signature Style Every Time. Know how you want to show up online so your content is instantly recognizable.
Why Signature Style Matters
Your Signature Style is your calling card on social media. It’s not just about pretty fonts or perfect color palettes; it’s about showing up as a real human your audience can connect with. And that authentic spark? That’s what resonates with people—every. Single. Time.
Ready to Develop Your Signature Style?
Ever feel like you’re the best-kept secret in your niche? Or maybe you’re just kinda sick of playing small. If you’re ready to unlock your potential and dominate social media the authentic way, let’s talk about my Signature Membership.
What You Get Each Month:
- A fresh report packed with content ideas, trending audios, and proven strategies to ignite your growth.
- Two monthly “Power Hours” for live Q&A and on-the-spot coaching.
- Hot Seat Coaching Sessions for one or two members each month. That’s personalized support to crush whatever’s holding you back.
This membership is about showing up differently and finally being seen. Imagine having the blueprint for creating content that slays on social media—and the confidence to share it unapologetically.
Let’s Do This
Ready to step into the spotlight? Don’t wait until next month or next year. Click here to learn more about the Signature Membership and start your journey to social media success.
No more hiding. No more best-kept-secret syndrome. Let’s go from “meh” to “YAS QUEEN” in your niche. Because if Lisa can rake in millions of views, so can you.
The Foundation of An Unstoppable Signature Style
A Signature Style Defined
Develop Your Signature Style: Stand Out and Become a Thought Leader
Your Signature Style is a harmonious blend of visual elements, content, strategic planning, and your unique personality. This distinctive combination creates a personalized way of presenting yourself online. By consistently applying your Signature Style, you not only differentiate yourself from the competition but also build a loyal, engaged fanbase and communicate your message more effectively.
As a successful coach, you understand the importance of standing out on social media. Your Signature Style is the key to transforming from the best-kept secret to a recognized thought leader in your niche. To help you achieve this, I’ve outlined five actionable steps to develop your Signature Style. By taking these actions over the next few weeks, you will build a solid foundation to set you apart and amplify your online presence.
1. Get Specific
Understanding your audience is the first step in developing your Signature Style. To do this effectively, you need to know who you serve and how you serve them.
- Who do you serve, and how do you serve them?
- How did your unique solution help them?
- Why did they choose you?
Action Item: Interview at least three former clients. Focus on gathering detailed answers to these questions. Pay close attention to their language, how they describe their problems and their perspectives. This insight is invaluable for tailoring your messaging and positioning.
2. Gain Clarity
Clarity is crucial when defining what makes you unique and why you are the best choice for your clients. Knowing why clients choose you allows you to focus on the most impactful content and copy for your business.
- What makes you unique?
- Why are you the best choice for your clients?
Action Item: Ask three current customers why they decided to work with you instead of someone else. This feedback will help you pinpoint your unique strengths and areas to highlight in your content.
3. Discover Your Secret Sauce
Your competitive edge lies in what you do differently from others in your niche. Understanding where you excel and where you have room for improvement compared to your competition is essential.
- How do you stack up against the competition?
- Where are they beating you?
- What are you beating them on?
- What gaps exist in the marketplace that you can fill?
Action Item: Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of two competitors you consider direct competition. This analysis will reveal your unique selling points and opportunities to leverage.
4. Highlight Unique Actions You Take
Identify the specific actions you take in your business that others in your niche do not. These actions are what set you apart and contribute to your success.
- What three things do you do in your business that others in your niche fail to do?
- Why are these three things important to you?
- How do they help you stand out and ensure your business succeeds?
Action Item: List these three unique actions and brainstorm ways to create content and products that solve your clients’ problems related to these actions.
5. Uphold Your Values
Your beliefs and values play a critical role in differentiating yourself online. Embrace the values that set you apart and make you unique in your niche.
- Identify two beliefs or values you possess that go against the norm in your niche.
- These will be essential for differentiating yourself online.
Action Item: Spend 15 minutes journaling about your “WHY” and how your business supports that. Reflect on these values and integrate them into your brand messaging and content.
Conclusion
Implementing these five action items will create a robust Signature Style that sets you apart as a thought leader in your niche. Remember, your Signature Style is more than just aesthetics—a comprehensive system encompassing your branding, strategy, and engagement.
If you need further guidance, join our community of coaches dedicated to making a difference and standing out in the crowded online space. For more details, click here.
Take action today and start building your Signature Style to transform your social media presence and achieve lasting success.