Power Your Platform

If you’re listening to this episode on the day that it drops, then Happy National Write Your Story Day! As you’ll discover shortly, today’s interview with one of my amazing story coaching clients reveals that there is an unmistakable power that comes with owning, writing and sharing our story – even when the topic is painful or taboo.

My guest on the podcast today is Amber Topp, a currently serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a military spouse of nearly 20 years.  A writer at heart, Amber has used poetry over the years to help heal painful experiences from her past, including gender-based violence and military sexual trauma.

In today’s episode, Amber and I talk about how she became a story coaching client and the type of work we did together over a period of time. She also shares how she rediscovered a childhood passion for poetry and turned her trauma into a published book that’s making a difference.

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s podcast interview:

1. Self-expression can be a powerful part of our healing journey, no matter what we’ve been through.

2. We are not alone in the world – so when we share our story, others feel seen and heard too.

3. A story about us can quickly become a story about everyone when we share it with others.

4. Ask yourself what forms of self-expression came most naturally to you as a child. Then consider how you could use those same forms of self-expression to express your story today.

5. We all have a voice, but sometimes its buried deep beneath our past experiences. Dare to dig it up and use it again.

6. Knowing our “why” can help us get clear on the purpose behind the work we do.

7. If you’re struggling to get clear on the message you want to share with the world, then consider reaching out to a Story Coach.

8. Start small. It’s OK not to see the whole picture when you’re first starting out.

9. Owning our story is one of the most powerful decisions we can make when it comes to taking back our life and owning our message.

10. Today’s power move is to set aside a few minutes today to reflect on your own story. Then take the time to capture what you feel, see and hear in your own unique style.

I hope you enjoyed listening in to today’s interview with poet and author Amber Topp. And if story coaching is something that interests you, then be sure to reach out to me today (see Episode Links below).

Let’s get your story started today!

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

Night Vision by Amber Top - https://tinyurl.com/2rmztytf

In today’s podcast, I want to talk to you about the Story DNA that’s inside every single one of us. It’s the secret formula that makes our brand or business stand out in the marketplace, and if you’re not harnessing its power already, today’s episode is a great place to get started.

Canadian author Danielle LaPorte once made the statement that “No one can tell your story the way you can tell your story.” And the reason for that of course, is that not a single one of us has travelled the same story path as anyone else on the planet.

And that’s because we all have a different Story DNA.

So what exactly is our Story DNA?

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know I’m a big fan of acronyms. So to help you remember what makes YOUR story unique, think of it as three key parts of your life:

Your Development

Your Natural Interests and Abilities

Your Alignment

The first component of our Story DNA is Our Development. And when I think of Development, I think of the early years that helped shaped who we are today. That includes our family dynamic, early socialization and schooling which are all major components of our early childhood development (ages 0 to 8).

Question: What were some of the most important defining moments that you experienced before the age of 8? How did they impact you and become a part of your life story?

The second component of our Story DNA is our Natural Gifts and Abilities. These are the aspects of us that come to use as easily as breathing. It’s likely how we had fun as kids and as adults, how we still find the deepest kind of joy and fulfillment.

Our natural gifts and abilities aren’t something we need to learn. More often, they are just a part of who we are.

Question: What are your natural gifts and abilities? How do they help you operate more effectively?

The third component of our Story DNA is our Alignment. And alignment is what happens when we are living in synch with our innermost values and deepest beliefs. Once we’ve done the work to consider the unique aspects of our development as well as our natural interests, values and abilities, we need to take the time to align who we are with the work that we do.

Note: We don’t get to choose our development or even our nature. But we do get to choose how we align our story with the purpose we’re here to fulfill.

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 podcast episode, we’re digging into our money stories, where they come from, the impact they have on our lives and business and what it takes to rewrite them.  

My guest on the show today is Hadriana Leo, a wealth strategist who helps women build financial confidence and grow their net worth.  

Hadriana is the founder of Money Navigator International and in today’s episode, she shares with us the story that led to the launching of her business.  

PLUS we’ll also talk about Hadriana’s new book which is written specifically for women, and we’ll find out the power move you can make TODAY to help you rewrite your own money story.  

Here are my Top 10 takeaways from today’s conversation with Hadriana:  

1. Our money story starts early in life, often stemming from our own family’s relationship with wealth.  

2. We can rewrite our money story anytime. We just have to be willing to do the hard work.  

3. Consider whether you’re a Marathoner or a Sprinter when it comes to money goal setting, and then determine the impact that approach has had on your life or business.  

4. Our self-worth is not the same as our net worth, and we need to be intentional about separating the two.  

5. Money affirmations can be a helpful part of our wealth strategy, but they are limited until we acknowledge our deep-rooted money stories.  

6. As business owners, we need to release any emotional attachment the outcome of our business  

7. Experiment regularly and gather data about what works and what doesn’t so you can apply your learning to your strategic business approach.  

8. Bring your whole self to your business, including your money story.  

9. Never be too afraid or too ashamed to examine your money story closely. Only then will you have the power to change it.  

10.  Today’s power move is to be proactive and as for help before you need it. Anticipate the good or bad that could come your way and prepare for ahead of time.  

Feel free to share what you learned in today’s podcast on your own social media feed and tag @poweryourplatform when you do. We’d love to share your key takeaways with our own audience.  

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  

Money Navigator International - https://www.moneynavigator.ca/

Today I want to challenge you to create and share 7 stories in 7 days. You can choose any platform you wish. But the goal is to share 7 thoughts or ideas on those platforms in a way that links your own personal or professional story to your brand or business. 

Why is a challenge like this one so important? Simply put, challenges help us get out of our rut and motivate us to do the things we might not otherwise have done. A lot of my clients struggle to create a storytelling habit, so this week, I’m giving you the outline for a simple way to level up YOUR storytelling. 

Over the next 7 days, I challenge you to notice them, examine them and take something away that you can share with your audience. And by the way, I’d love to follow along with your 7 Stories in 7 Days, so be sure to tag @poweryourplatform when posting your stories to your social media. 

Here are the 7 stories I challenge you to share with your audience over the next 7 days: 

Day 1 – Share a story that asks a question. 

Day 2 – Share a story that teaches a lesson. 

Day 3 – Share a story that reveals an idea. 

Day 4 – Share a story that shares a feeling 

Day 5 – Share a story that makes an impact. 

Day 6 – Share a story that makes them smile. 

Day 7 – Share a story that promotes your business. 

And if you’re not already a part of our free Power Your Platform Facebook group, then be sure to click on the link below to join today. That’s where our community of women leaders, speakers and entrepreneurs will be cheering each other on and holding each other accountable as we complete the challenge together. 

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 17 - Unlocking the Power of Small Stories - https://tinyurl.com/mrx34nxc 

Episode 119 - Boost Your Brand with the AAA Story Approach - https://tinyurl.com/ms3hysuh 

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jennifer DeFrenza. who along with her 10-year-old daughter Talia, runs a business called Girl E Kits providing emergency period protection for young girls.  

This Mother-Daughter duo is hoping to change the stigma around feminine hygiene products, and help girls feel more confident and prepared for their first period.  Stay tuned for a great conversation about moving from stories of shame to stories of celebration, and how doing so can shift the social dialogue.  

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s conversation with Jennifer:  

1. Embrace tough conversations and don’t shy away from taboo topics, especially those that traditionally shame or marginalize women.  

2. When considering the shame stories in your own life, ask where those shame stories came from in the first place, and who they’re serving.  

3. When you make the intentional shift from telling stories of shame to stories of celebration, people will want to be a part of what you’re doing.  

4. Share what you’re doing inside your business with friends and family – they can be powerful allies when it comes to helping you get the word out.  

5. Your People Story is a vital part of your marketing. Share customer reviews often because they are evidence of the impact you’re making.  

6. Blogging can be an effective way to help you grow your SEO and build your web site traffic. So if writing’s your thing, then give it a try!  

7. Look for opportunities to add your voice to the bigger conversation that relates to your brand or business. You just never know where it may lead.  

8. Surround yourself with a supportive tribe of individuals who will cheer you on, especially when the going gets tough.  

9. Where possible, become a visible part of your brand story. After all, humans prefer to buy from people, not from faceless companies.  

10. Today’s power move is to take a moment to look around and ask yourself what’s missing from the world. And then, when the moment is right, create a solution that fills the gap.  

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode – and if you did, be sure to subscribe, rate and review the Power Your Platform Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When you do, it will allow us to reach even more women and help them move from stories of shame to stories of celebration.  Until next time, keep owning your story, following your purpose and raising your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear you story.  

EPISODE LINKS:  

Take Our 60-Second Storytelling Quiz - https://www.powerherplatform.com/quiz  

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

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

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

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

Girl E Kits - https://girlekits.com/

In today’s podcast episode, I’m excited to share with you today what story funnels are all about and how they can help you build a loyal audience.

For those of you who follow this podcast, you’ll already know that I’ve got a new, 2-hour Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass coming up on Wednesday, February 15th.

So while today’s episode will provide an introduction to story funnels, we’re going to go a lot deeper on February 15th. Not only that, but each Masterclass participant will also receive a 1-hour private coaching session to help them build their own story funnel that gets results.

To register now, click on the Episode Link below.

As humans, we crave community. In fact, our brains are wired to connect. Social scientists tell us that communities help us feel like we belong, and this has a far-reaching impact on our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being which is inevitably linked to our physical well-being.

As someone who has built multiple online and in-person communities over the past 20 years, I can tell you there is an immense feeling of satisfaction that comes with gathering people together around a common purpose, and watching them flourish.

Now I’ll be honest – community raising doesn’t happen overnight.

But the good news is that we all have access to the one tool that will help us create meaningful connections that will take us from content creators to community raisers.

And that tool is a story funnel.

A story funnel is a marketing strategy that uses storytelling to move your ideal customer from being a passive content consumer to becoming an active, contributing member of your community.

If you’re not sure what kind of community to start or how to get people to join, don’t worry, because that’s what the Build Your Story Masterclass is all about. On February 15th, I’ll be sharing the 3-step process I’ve followed to build multiple communities with hundreds and even thousands of members, both online and in-person.

Click below to register today!

EPISODE LINKS:

Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass -  https://www.powerherplatform.com/masterclass

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 a sports fan who has ever cheered on your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews from the sidelines, then this episode is for you.  

My guest on the podcast today is Theresa Bailey, co-author of the best-selling book “Hockey Moms: The Heart of the Game”.   

After being released earlier this year by Harper Collins, the book became an instant bestseller, finding its way to the top of the book charts and into the hands of hockey fans everywhere.   

In today’s interview, Theresa and I talk about creating social conversations around topics that matter to women, especially when those topics have been traditionally dominated by a single voice.  We also talk about what it takes to become a bestselling author and the key to collaborating with a new partner.   

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s interview with Theresa:   

1. Where you start and where you end up may change – but starting is the important thing.   

2. Ask yourself which stories are being overlooked. Chances are, you’re exactly the right person to pick up a pen and starting writing that story.   

3. Create communities of conversation around topics you’re passionate about and that need to be a part of the social dialogue.   

4. Consider using a main platform – like a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel – to help you share your stories and start the conversation.   

5. Take a close look at the role of women in the communities you’re a part of. What are the power dynamics at play and what impact do they have on gender equity?   

6. Stories are a powerful tool to open up new ways of viewing the world for all of us, especially when it comes to equity, diversity and inclusion.   

7. Collaboration is a great way to help you amplify your message and push a project to the finish line when you’re out of steam.   

8. When working with a partner or collaborator, create clear roles and have the tough conversations up front, especially when it comes to money.   

9. LinkedIn is a great place to find collaborators and like-minded individuals.   

10.Today’s power move is to consider the communities you’re a part of, and determine how you could curate and share stories from that group to make a lasting impact.   

Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode. I hope the conversation won’t end here. Because I truly believe you have a story to tell and that someone is waiting to hear it.   

Why not reach out to me today and let’s set up a 1-hour strategy session to help you move from idea to impact. You can reach me by clicking on the contact link below.   

EPISODE LINKS:   

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

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

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

Episode 24: “Turning Play into Profit” with Theresa Bailey - https://tinyurl.com/5etb39y2   

Buy the Hockey Moms Book - https://tinyurl.com/yc662fp4  Starfish Synergies - https://starfishsynergies.com/

How we keep track of our stories matters. After all, we know that stories create connection, clarity and credibility so we should be using them throughout our marketing materials whenever can.

So today, I want to introduce you to the 3R Story Tracking method which allows us to overcome the overwhelm and set up a free and simple way to keep track of our own stories.

The 3R Story Tracking Method includes three main steps: recall your stories, record your stories and retell your stories.

Recall your stories. 

Use story prompts to recall your stories. A story prompt is an intentional activity that sparks your memory of a person, place, time or even a feeling in your life.

Examples of story prompts include: looking through old photo albums, reviewing old journals, sifting through old belongings, driving through old neighhourhood and listening to music that once meant a lot to you.

Record Your Stories 

I always recommend that people keep track of their stories in the same place. So if you’re a lover of journals like I am, then maybe that’s the best solution for you. My advice is to keep one journal for your stories ONLY , and don’t fill it with other notes or information that will make it hard to find your stories when you’re looking for them.

A second recommendation for recording your stories is an online document, like a Google doc that you can access from anywhere at any time. That way, if you recall a story while you’re away from your desk, then you can still make a note of it in the same place you keep track of your other stories.

If you really want to take your story recording to the next level, I suggest keeping track of your stories in what I call a Story Vault which is a document I’ve shared before with my Masterclass participants. Email me today to request a copy of my Free Story Vault Template which helps sort your stories by type and purpose.

Retell Your Stories.

A few places you can retell your stories are your newsletter, your social media stories, reels and posts, your blog, podcast or YouTube channel, your presentations and workshops, at networking events and in media interviews.

Using the 3R Story Tracking Method, your brand marketing will connect more deeply with your audience, create clarity and build brand credibility.

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

Today I’m excited to share with you the details of my brand new Masterclass called Build Your Story Funnel. The Masterclass will be held on Wednesday, February 15th 2023 from 10 a.m. to noon EST.

If you’ve been wishing lately that you could step off the content creation treadmill and into a more meaningful relationship with your audience, then it’s time to move from content creator to community raiser.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to be covering in my new Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass.

If you’ve ever been a part of one of my Masterclasses, then you know how much it lights me up to serve women speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs just like you who are working hard to grow their brand or business.

But sometimes working harder isn’t the answer. Sometimes we need to think about working smarter.

And that’s really what Build Your Story Funnel is all about.

A story funnel is a marketing strategy that uses storytelling to move your ideal customer from being a passive content consumer into an active member of your community.

So today I want to double-dare you to invest 2 hours of your time to find out how you can start working smarter, not harder, when it comes to growing your business.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in this live, online experience:

First, we’ll be rethinking the Content Trap. This will include exploring what the content trap is and how we got here. More importantly, we’ll be discussing how can we get off the content creation treadmill while at the same time getting better results for our business.

Next, we’ll be reimagining our audience connection. In other words, what does our audience REALLY want from us and how can we give it to them without spending all of our time making Instagram reels or Tik Tok stories?

Finally, we’ll be renewing the Power of Community. And this portion of the Masterclass will focus on how we can harness the power of one-on-one interactions by moving from content creation to effective community raising.

PLUS enjoy 1-hour of private coaching within the cost of the Masterclass. You can schedule your coaching session anytime between February 15th and May 15th, so you have plenty of time to think about what you need to do to start working smarter, not harder.

I hope to see you on February 15th!

EPISODE LINKS:

Build Your Story Funnel Masterclass - https://www.powerherplatform.com/masterclass

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

In today’s episode, I’m interviewing marketing specialist Cheyanne O’Driscoll about the importance of creating an annual marketing plan.

As you’ll hear in today’s episode, even though the new year is already underway, it’s NEVER to late to create an annual plan.

Stay tuned for plenty of marketing talk and advice on goal setting and creating a marketing plan that gets results.

Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from today’s interview with Cheyanne:

1. When it comes to marketing, find your niche and serve it well.

2. An annual marketing plan can be a useful tool to ensure you are taking consistent action that helps you meet your business goals.

3. If you’re not sure where to start with your goal setting, keep in mind what stage of the business cycle you’re at, and set your goals accordingly.

4. There are three stages of the business cycle: the experiential stage, the growth stage and the established stage. And as we grow, we sometimes circle back to the beginning and start all over again. So don’t be surprised if that happens for you!

5. The best day to start your annual plan is today. Don’t wait a minute longer!

6. Remember it can take 1 to 3 years to develop your business, so give yourself plenty of time to grow and make a profit.

7. Give yourself the time and space to create an effective annual marketing plan.

8. Planning is an important part of decision making. It’s a roadmap that helps us determine how we invest our time, money and energy.

9. An annual marketing plan gives you the metrics to measure your progress, including audience growth, engagement and conversion.

10.Today’s power move is think of at least ONE way you can go against the flow and adopt an unexpected marketing tactic that helps you stand out from the crowd.

Thanks so much for listening in today! If you enjoyed today’s episode, feel free to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women and help them create more impact with their story.

Until next time, keep owning yoru 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

CO’Marketing -  https://comarketing.consulting/