Most of it was a waste of time.
Save yourself the time, and just do this...
1. Open up a spreadsheet.
2. Put the top 10 people on it that can help you get to where you want to go
3. Think of all the stories you can share with them that will be relatable to them.
4. Start engaging on their content (multi...
SHOW NOTES:
SUMMARY: In this episode, Alicia Parr and Matt Zaun discuss a simple framework for motivating and aligning a team.
FRAMEWORK MENTIONED:
- Affirm and reiterate beliefs, principles & values.
- Look what we’ve accomplished. We’ve done great things together already.
(Localize to the audience ...
...Dan Koval, is always reminding me to not only work hard but to play hard, too!
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the go, go, go that we forget to slow down and actually enjoy life.
This week was awesome! I conducted 2 strategic storytelling workshops in the Bay area for some incredible business ...
Take the place of:
-Empathy
-Compassion
-Love
A lot of people are talking about AI, but they’re not setting the groundwork to combat it.
If you want to create a vibrant company culture, you need to have a surge of storytelling…
…because storytelling touches on all of these points (empathy, compassion, ...
I wanted to appear smart.
So, I wrote like I was writing to my professors. All academic.
My boss at the time told me, “Do you want to sound smart, or do you want to make sense?”
Great storytellers value clarity above complexity. 👇
If you were to take Ernest Hemingway’s work (a great Nobel Prize-winni...
He can't stand “bad guys” in movies.
Freaks him out.
But aren't we all allergic to adversity?
In the moment, we want it to be easy.
That doesn't make a great story, though, does it?
Next time you have a difficult client that you figure out how to deliver for, you need to capture the story.
You can use...
Excited to fly to the Bay Area.
Tomorrow, I'll be speaking at PCH, Inc.
We’ll be talking about how to…
-boost sales
-enhance internal communication
-and create a vibrant company culture
…all through the power of strategic storytelling. 🗣
The next few days are going to be awesome!
P.S. If you'd like ...
A couple of years ago, I made a goal of going to every presidential museum.
So far, I've been to:
-George Washington
-Thomas Jefferson
-James Buchanan
-Abraham Lincoln
-Rutherford B. Hayes
-Woodrow Wilson
-Warren G. Harding
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
-Lyndon B. Johnson
-Richard Nixon
-Jimmy Carter
-Ronald Reaga...
I'm thrilled to announce the latest Stories With Traction podcast episode, Systems for Writing a Book with Amy Lynch! 🎙️
If you’re an aspiring author or simply interested in the art of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.
Here are the 3 key takeaways that you won’t want to miss:
1) Importance...
SHOW NOTES:
SERIES: This podcast episode is part of a book-writing series with Amy Lynch on the Stories With Traction Podcast.
1st Episode
2nd EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode, Amy Lynch and Matt Zaun discuss systems and creativity in book writing.
AMY LYNCH BIO: Amy is the founder and a writer at Fern...
I took a significant financial risk and lost, putting my family in a tough position.
The night it all came crashing down, I sat on my couch crying since I knew how tough the road ahead would be.
My wife sat beside me and said, “You need to keep going. Regardless of the consequences, I want you to ...
Last year, I was speaking in Atlanta and had the chance to check out his Presidential museum.
Many of you know how much I enjoy going to Presidential museums, regardless of which party the person represented.
So far, I’ve been to:
-George Washington
-Thomas Jefferson
-James Buchanan
-Abraham Linc...
...make sure...
➡️ You know how to speak to connect
➡️ You write short, clear, and for impact
➡️ Make sure you know how to dress for the situation
...that's what my Father told me when I was growing up.
When I went into business, my Dad’s words came rushing back.
Simple. True. Impactful.
Don't overcomp...
The last 3 quarters this year have been incredible!
Excited for you to hear what's to come in the months ahead, but in the meantime, check out some of the highlights:
Leader of Leaders with Anthony Lee
How to be a TEDx Speaker with Bobby Umar
How to be More Creative with Barbara Zerfoss
The Inferio...
My speaking calendar is almost completely booked for 2025. As of this moment, I only have availability to add a few more Powerfully Persuade Through Storytelling workshops next year.
If your organization is interested in learning strategies to inspire your team, persuade your clients, and create a ...
We all will, actually. Life is quick.
This is the first thing my kids are to do once I'm gone…
…whether I pass away in 5 years or 50.
They are supposed to listen to my podcast, Stories With Traction.
The content is built for leaders, and they are being raised to lead.
Every time I produce an episode, ...
...I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of the year so far.
It's been quite a journey from countless miles flown and driven to working tirelessly for my clients! ✈️🚗
But now, it’s time for a much-needed pause. I won't be flying anywhere for the next two weeks and spending time with family.
My ...
In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, storytelling isn’t just important—it’s essential.
🎥 Why? Let’s break it down.
Think back to 2007 when the first iPhone launched. It didn’t change our culture overnight, but within a few years, almost everyone—millennials, Gen Xers, even baby boomers—was glued ...
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...
I just burned mine in the harbor.
In 1519, Hernán Cortés destroyed all his ships to send a clear message to his soldiers…
THERE IS NO TURNING BACK!
I, too, just burned my ship.
Recently, I was offered the largest contract I could have ever thought possible in my business at this point.
I’d love it....
*MLK, Jr. was born in this house on Jan 15th, 1929
Before my son, Elliot, turned 6-years-old, I had him listen to all of MLK’s speeches. I told Elliot, “If you can become a great orator, you can change the world.” This doesn’t just go for my son but for all of us.
I’ve spent a lot of time r...
Ever have that moment when a friend pitches an idea, and you think, "Wait...what? You really want me to do this?" 😅
That was me 3 years ago.
“Scott, are you sure about this?” I asked, trying not to look too doubtful. "There are soooo many podcasts out there already! Is this really how I should spend...
The speaker's vulnerability, storytelling, and authenticity quickly earned a spot as one of the best TEDx talks I've ever listened to.
That is why I’m so excited to share this podcast episode with you. My guest, Mike Thorne, is the speaker in that TEDx talk!
Mike Thorne wears many hats: he is the F...
...inside and outside of your company—employees and customers—to unite around a common purpose.
It tells employees that their actions contribute to the well-being of a broader mission.
It tells clients that they contribute to a movement whenever they interact with you.
Stories With Traction Blog
