For years, I was the “facts and figures” guy.
But, I quickly learned that no one felt compelled by the data I presented.
No emotional connection.
It wasn't until I studied the art of storytelling that everything changed.
Learned from lots of great storytellers and also from tons of...
Wearing my Blockbuster shirt, and my son (Roman) asked, “what’s that, Dad?”
I explain to him that years ago, we would drive to a store and pull videos from a shelf to watch.
Then I told him that the gentleman who started Netflix flew to Blockbuster’s...
Just because something is trendy, is going viral, or culturally acceptable, does not mean you should share those stories.
If the stories you’re sharing aren’t connecting with your prospects, you should revamp your story strategy.
P.S If you want story ideas, check out my 150+...
Don’t focus on company core values, at least the words of those values; focus on your company core stories that exemplify your core values!
Prove to me the values you say you have. Storytelling paints the picture.
Share more stories!
P.S If you want story ideas, check out...
His boss was happy because if she hit a certain amount of revenue, she’d get a BIG bonus!
She got the bonus the first year she was the director.
After a year, over 50% of all the employees found other jobs.
They ran to other managers that would treat them with dignity and respect.
You don’t need to conform to others’ version of success.
Recently, someone laughed at me because I turned down a significant amount of business this quarter to spend more time with my family.
However, this decision was in complete alignment with my definition of success.
Never let...
PODCAST EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode, Rachel Simon and Matt Zaun talk about their journey with LinkedIn and how they’ve leveraged the platform for business growth.
RACHEL SIMON BIO: Rachel is the Founder & CEO of Connect the Dots Digital, where she focuses on LinkedIn...
People want to feel that they can trust you, and the quickest way you can build that trust is through storytelling.
In addition, people are yearning for a real connection.
Understanding this is an opportunity for you and a chance to empower people through your personal and business stories.
Talk...
In my early 20s, I had a boss that was dripping with arrogance. It was repulsive. All of my co-workers couldn't stand being around him. He sucked the oxygen out of the room. The problem was he had such a major inferiority complex that he had to puff himself up to try to get others to think he was...
Just because you know it doesn’t mean that everyone in your audience knows it.
I made this mistake for years.
I kept too many insights and stories inside, thinking that everyone knew it.
But what I failed to realize was that what I did was my world, and actually, very few people knew it.
...
EPISODE MENTIONED IN INTRO: The Importance of Learning Tours with Kirsten Yurich.
PODCAST SUMMARY: In this episode, Justin Leader and Matt Zaun talk about the healthcare industry and why Justin founded BenefitsDNA.
JUSTIN LEADER BIO: Justin is the President and Founding Partner of BenefitsDNA....
Recently, flew to Atlanta. Had lunch with RACHEL SIMON. This Friday, we have a podcast episode launching called, “The Journey of LinkedIn Storytelling.”
You should listen to it.
Stay tuned.
I have amazing friends.
Not just any friends; people that I could call at 2 a.m. (if I was in trouble) friends.
Today, one of those friends gets a little older.
This man helped me...
Launch my speaking business (8-years-ago) and my podcast (3-years-ago).
He's been there for me through thick and...
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…matter! Choose them very carefully!
Constable & Robinson was the first publisher approached by J.K Rowling.
They turned Harry Potter down.
They suggested that Rowling take a writing class because they thought her work stunk.
She went on to sell over 500,000,000 books.
Just because some people don’t like your work, it...
When I finished recording this episode, I sat in complete silence because I had to fully process the stories that Justin Leader shared with me.
When your mission and vision are so powerful that you can bring people to tears, you know you're having an impact.
Check out the full conversation.
At the time, it was a huge risk.
I made the decision while staring at El Capitan (in Yosemite) with my wife.
For those of you who aren't aware, a climber named Alex Honnold free-soloed the mountain, meaning he climbed without any ropes.
He was asked why in the world he would do such a thing, and...
What is a secret you kept from people for way too long?
Here, I’ll go first. Almost everything that I start, I have an inferiority complex with. It took me hundreds of talks before I felt comfortable speaking, it took me writing an article every week for 2 years to feel...
“Tool subduction” not only kills a climber's chance at reaching the top of the mountain, but it could also destroy your business.
You could be too focused on the “tools” and not on the right strategy.
“Lack of strategic clarity leads to tactical frustration.”
...
SHOW NOTES:
SUMMARY: In this episode, Don Schmincke and Matt Zaun talk about why a lack of strategic clarity leads to tactical frustration.
DON SCHMINCKE BIO: For over 35 years, Don and his team have consulted and trained executives in North America, South America, Europe, and India. Additionally,...
My 9-year-old son Elliot told me to buy some NASCAR stuff to get mentally prepared.
I’ll be doing 3 strategic storytelling workshops there!
If my audiences apply what I share, they’ll speed up their…
Sales
Growth
and Impact
Can’t wait for these talks!
T-minus 12...
First they laugh.
Then they can’t believe it.
Then they deny that they doubted you in the first place.
Success zips a lot of mouths.
Don't tell people about all the great work you're doing. Show them.
...easy-to-read...
…and scannable...
This is the content that LinkedIn loves.
Writing outstanding content is not even close to enough; you MUST optimize your posts to stand out.
Here are 7 tips to create scroll-stopping, scannable, and easy-to-read content on LinkedIn...
1) Use...
Creating this baby took work.
You all laugh, but it takes a lot of energy.
Oh, we’re not having another kid.
I'm talking about my new strategic storytelling course.
It's been my baby for the last couple of months.
My wife told me to focus on it. She said lots of people are missing...
Stories With Traction Blog
