Power Your Platform

In today’s episode we’re going to talk about the key differences between product and service brands, and how we need to adjust our storytelling in response to those differences.

I’ll also be sharing a few story examples from my own business as well as some of the clients I’ve worked with to demonstrate how product and service storytelling can not only set your brand apart, but help to generate business success.

Here are the key takeaways from today’s episode:

1 - We are surrounded by brands every day, and each of those brands has a story behind it.

2 - Product stories generally focus on the features and benefits of a product, because that’s what the consumer tends to care about most.

3 - When product companies are led by an original founder, however, the story should also integrate the origin story of  the company and the why behind the business.

4 - Service company stories differ from product company stories, because they are all about the service provider. In this case, our stories need to be human, authentic and connect in a meaningful way with our audience.

If today’s episode has piqued your interest and you’d like to book a 1-hour strategy session to help you get started with your own product or service story, then be sure to click on the contact button below.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

This week, in honour of Mother’s Day, I’m turning over the interviewing reigns to my daughter, Logan.

As you’ll hear, this interview was completely unrehearsed, and I hope you’ll enjoy being a fly on the wall as I answer my daughter’s questions on everything

There are a lot of fun -- and surprising -- moments in this episode, so be sure to stay tuned right to the very end. And I have to say that as a mom, it’s a full circle  moment to have your daughter interview you on a podcast like one. So I just have to say that I am genuinely proud of Logan for stepping up to the microphone – not just today, but in her regular life as well.

As moms, we’re always encouraging our kids to step outside their comfort zone, aren't we?

But as you’ll hear in this episode, it’s up to us as parents to ensure we don’t leave behind our own sense of adventure.

 I hope you'll enjoy today's Mother’s Day Podcast Takeover!

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

If you’re anything like me, then the idea of improvising is actually pretty terrifying. I’m someone who loves a plan and implementing that plan brings me pure joy. Sure, I’ve learned to be more spontaneous over the  years, but improv? Um, no thanks.

So when I recently learned about a women’s improv event in my local community, I definitely hesitated. But then, after learning the workshop would be led by two of our country’s funniest ladies, I decided to take a giant leap and signed up. Plus, just to be safe, I dragged a couple of friends along with me as well – after all, there’s safety in numbers, right?

It turns out, I had nothing to be afraid of. In today’s episode, I’m going to share with you the three key points I learned about why improv is actually vital for building a strong brand or business.

The workshop was let by Rebecca Northan and Christy Bruce who have been best friends for 30 years and who also happen to be two of Canada’s top award-winning improv comedians and alumni of Toronto’s Second City.

And today I thought I’d’ share with you my three key takeaways from this improv experience. Because the workshop really did help me change the way I approach life and business. And while I haven’t yet mastered the art of improv, I’m definitely working on it.

Lesson 1 – Adopting a “Yes And” attitude in life and business .

When we have a fixed idea of what the end result of a project is going to be and so we often resort to “yes but” conversations with our team members. However, when we adopt an attitude of “yes and”, we can incorporate more creative solutions into our projects and the end result is something that

Lesson 2 – As women, we need to trust our gut more. Because it knows the way.

Without a script to follow in life, there are daily opportunities for us to write the script as we go along. And here’s the amazing thing: WE have the power to create our own internal and external dialogue. So rather than following along with the story we’ve been handed at a young age where we act a certain way and think a certain way and follow a certain path, we can trust our gut to help us create a brand NEW script that leads us in the direction we feel led to follow.

As Oprah once said, “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.”

Lesson 3 - We all need each other.

Because just like WE are improvising our way through every single day, so is everyone else around us. Remember, no one wakes up with a fully developed life script in the morning. Even though we always assume others have it easier than we do.

The truth is that we all feel awkward in life and none of us feel prepared for the unpredictable parts of life. But when we’re a part of a community that encourages and supports us along the way, we’re all better off.

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook

Today I’m excited to share with you the insights of four amazing women on the topic of finding the courage to share your story.

 Because let’s face it. There is a lot we’d be doing right now if we just had the courage to do it. Am I right? I’m sure each of us can think of at least three fears we have about stepping outside our comfort zone today and taking on a new project or embracing a new risk or even just having the courage to share our own story.

So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you four quick clips of conversations I’ve had with women who have been there and done that. Together with Cheryl, Emily, Laurie and Amber, I hope to encourage you today that not only does your story matter but having the courage to share it with someone else has the power to change the world.

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook

Full interviw with Cheryl Himburg (Key Element Solutions) – https://tinyurl.com/cpere25c

Full interview with Emily O’Brien (Comeback Snacks) – https://tinyurl.com/5b7bt5vv

Full interview with Laurie White (Author) – https://tinyurl.com/mrxckbrd

Full interview with Amber Topp (Poet) - https://tinyurl.com/57c87wcm

What happens when you give a woman a microphone?

If you’re new to this podcast, one of the things you’ll discover quickly is that we talk a lot about building purpose-driven platforms and sharing authentic

So today, I’m passing YOU the microphone. Every now and then I like to ask for audience feedback on various topics – and just recently, I asked our Power Your Platform audience to think about the question I just shared with you: “What happens when you give a woman the microphone?”

The answers are varied and inspiring and I know you’re going to enjoy what your Story Sisters have to say in this episode. So stay tuned and if you’re not

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook

One of the keys to creating a strong brand is knowing what makes your brand voice stand out from the crowd. So if you think about the many speakers, authors, leaders and changemakers who are out there, they’ve all succeeded in large part, because they were courageous enough to go against the flow.

Many have done this by establishing a strong brand voice, and by using that brand voice consistently, these individuals and companies have been able to successfully make an impact with their audience.

So let me ask you this: are you still trying to sound, look and be like everyone else? Or are you ready to stand out? Because if so, today’s podcast episode is for you!

Join me as I discuss the 6 Story Sister Archetypes from Artist to Anarchist and decide which Archetype sounds most familiar to you. You might even want to pause this episode from time to time or take a few notes as we dig deep into what it takes to unlock your brand voice.

What is a Story Sister? - A Story Sister is a woman-identifying individual who is intent on growing her personal or professional brand through authentic storytelling. 

The 6 Story Sister Archetypes are:

Story Sister Archetype 1 – The Artist (The Creative Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 2 – The Architect (the Methodical Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 3 – The Ambassador (Diplomatic Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 4 –The Advocate (The Cause-Based Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 5 – The Activist (Action-Driven Storyteller)

Story Sister Archetype 6 – The Anarchist (Rebellious Storyteller)

The first three Story Sister Archetypes can be grouped together under the Category of Creator: Artists, Architects and Ambassadors.

The last three Story Sister Archetypes can be grouped together under the Category of Crusader: Advocates, Activists and Anarchists.

The question is: which one are YOU?

 Over the next seven days in our free Power Your Platform Facebook group, we’ll be exploring that very question. I hope you’ll join us! If you’re not already a member, be sure to click below for the direct link.

Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear YOUR story.

EPISODE LINKS: 

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook

Can I be honest with you? I’ve been feeling pretty burned-out lately. But here’s the thing: I know all about self-care and in fact, I build several hours into my week for yoga and reading and spiritual pursuits which are all the reason I have not yet lost my mind (ha!).

So on the surface, it seems like I’m doing all the right things. But some days I feel like my brain is just swirling with obligations and commitments and it’s led me to feeling more burned out lately than I’ve felt in a while.

When I was thinking about the topic for today’s podcast episode, I decided to reach back into the archives of the Power Your Platform Podcast and create my very own burn-out booster guide.

Because over the past couple of years, I’ve interviewed dozens of women who have also experienced stress and burn out as a part of their story journey and they’ve shared some pretty amazing ideas about how to cope with it.

So today, I hope you’ll sit back and relax as I share with you the clips from three interviews I’ve done in the past that I found have helped me when it comes to this common topic of burnout.

Because a big part of our story success depends on us recognizing the signs when we’re not at our best, and finding ways to adjust to ensure we maintain our own mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

If you’re feeling burn-out today, I just want to let you know that you’re not alone. It’s been a crazy couple of years, and we’re all feeling the effects of it. But we’re in this together, and I really believe that if we acknowledge how we’re feeling and ask for the help we need, we can not only get through it, but find true balance on the other side.

So sit back and enjoy today’s podcast episode highlight reel with three incredible women who share their own ideas and insights on how to move from burnout to balance.

Guest 1 – Shyla Cash (Episode 80) – Learn to Recognize Your Internal and External Stressors as an Entrepreneur

Guest 2 – Jaspreet Bhandal (Episode 89) – Manage Your Own Expectations and the Expectations of Others

Guest 3 – Elizabeth Verwey (Episode 112) – Surround Yourself with Mentors and Ask for the Help You Need

Listening to these clips reminds me that I need to stop carrying everything on my own. I have some wonderful people in my life, many of whom have become mentors for me over the years. So in order to achieve balance, I need to be intentional about who I spend time with and not apologize for asking for help when I need it.

And I’d encourage you to do the same today! Take a look around you today. Who can help shoulder the workload? What are your priorities and does your schedule reflect what’s important to you? And finally, what can be put on hold until a time when we have the energy to deal with it?

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

Episode 80 (Shyla Cash) – https://tinyurl.com/4k6965sb

Episode 89 (Jaspreet Bhandal) – https://tinyurl.com/ycuj6nd3

Episode 112 (Elizabeth Verwey) - https://tinyurl.com/2p88ah9j

Looking for a few great reads on storytelling this spring? Check out these recommended titles!

Book 1 - Choose Your Story, Change Your Life by Kindra Hall

This book is quite powerful since it focuses on silencing our inner critic and rewriting our life form the inside out. This is a favourite topic of mine so I happily devoured this book and made a bunch of notes in the margins as I read it.

One of the things I love about Kindra’s book is that – not surprisingly -- they’re always filled with stories and relevant examples to the work she’s sharing. She talks a lot about how the stories we tell ourselves can make our dream life or business a reality or how they can turn it into an impossible fantasy. That’s the power of the stories we tell ourselves.

In this book, Kindra dives into a number of great topics, including the importance of uncovering the truth about the power of our own stories and how we can take control of our self-story to become the author of who we are.

Book 2 - “How to Tell a Story: the Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth”

In case you’ve never hard of the Moth, it’s a non-profit group based in New York City that’s dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.

Since 1997, the Moth has held hundreds of theme-based storytelling events across the U.S. and even abroad. Typically, these events feature prominent literary and cultural personalities like Elizabeth Gilbert, but they also include the everyday stories of ordinary folks as well.

So in How to Tell a Story, a number of storytellers associated with The Moth how to uncover and craft your own unique stories.

Whether your goal is to tell your story onstage, deliver a great wedding toast, present an impressive pitch to a client or simply connect more deeply with your audience, this book shares secrets and examples to help show you the way.

Book 3- “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks

This book also has a tie-in to The Moth which I referred to in my last book recommendation. In this case, Storyworthy was written by Matthew Dicks who is a 36-time Moth Story SLAM champion and a 5-time GrandSLAM champion. So needless to say, this guy has told his fair share of stories onstage!

Storyworthy is helpfully divided into three main parts: Finding Your Story, Crafting Your Story and Telling Your Story. So if you’ve ever dreamed of speaking on a TED or TEDX stage or just getting up in front of your local business club or community group, then this book is worth checking out.

Got a book title you’d like to share? Be sure to click below to join our free Power Your Platform Facebook group where the discussion will continue…

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

In today’s show you’re in for something special. A few weeks ago, I hosted a 2-hour Masterclass on the topic of Building Your Story Funnel. Some of you who are listening right now were at that Masterclass and it was so great to have you there and participating and making that morning such a memorable experience.

So today, I want to share with you a few clips of that Masterclass –and trust me, it’s a bit of a feat to distill a 2-hour Masterclass down to less than 20 minutes.

Remember that these clips are a part of a bigger conversation that took place over 2 hours. So I’ve provided a bit of transition music between the various clips just as a reminder that they’re excerpts from the original version. Still, the parts I’m sharing with you today are well worth a listen. Because they really drill down to what it takes to raise a story-driven community and get the impact you’ve been looking for in your business.

I have to mention though that what’s missing from this episode is the amazing interaction and questions and answers from the audience, along with the story sharing and networking that took place. But that’s why the live Masterclasses is a part of my paid program and not offered for free.

Still I promise there’s a ton of value you’re going to receive by listening to some of the highlights of this Masterclass.

So tune in and enjoy as we go live to the Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass!

EPISODE LINKS:

Let’s Work Together- https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

PowerHER Platform Web Site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807