Power Your Platform

Is there anything more frustrating than spending hours and hours putting together a beautiful puzzle only to discover that a single piece of the final scene is missing? 

The fact is, the same happens all the time when it comes to our brand marketing. Maybe we’ve done our homework and we know our ideal audience inside and out. Maybe we’re even super-clear on what product or service we have to offer our audience. And better still, we know how to get our audience’s attention and we do it successfully… but then…. Nothing. It’s crickets instead of cha ching! And we wonder where we went wrong. 

As a story coach, I work with my clients to make sure they have ALL the pieces of their brand story in place when they’re creating a plan to reach their core audience. But the truth is that when many of them come to me, they’re missing a vital piece of the puzzle. 

And that piece is the call to action. Even if you’re not familiar with the term, I guarantee you’ve seen calls to action before. You’ve probably even responded to them yourself! A call to action is a short prompt that invites your audience to make a move – and not just any move, but a move that will bring them into closer contact with your business and ultimately a purchase. 

Here are a few examples: Subscribe here. Sign up now. Join our mailing list. Become a member. Learn more. Talk to us. Join the fight! While calls-to-action are all around us, I think sometimes we need to step back and take a look at our own marketing messages to make sure we haven’t left out this important piece of the sales puzzle. 

Because no matter how much you may inspire or entertain or educate your audience, if you don’t round out your messaging with a clear call to action, then your story will never lead to a sale. And hey, as a business owner, that’s just really bad news. 

So to help with the call-to-action process, I’ve got 3 tips for you today to help boost your sales messaging, whether that’s through your next social media, newsletters, blog articles, workshops, podcast or YouTube episodes. 

1. Keep it simple. 

2. Feature your ask prominently in your messaging. 

3. Create a sense of urgency that inspires your audience to make a move. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more -- and remember, if you’re looking for some support in creating a call-to-action for YOUR next messaging campaign, be sure to reach out to me today! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

Episode 76: How to Grow Your Audience with Storytelling - https://tinyurl.com/288797yt 

Take the 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

Welcome back to another on-air coaching call on the Power Your Platform Podcast. In today’s episode, you’re going to get a chance to sit in on a live coaching call between me and one of my clients, Elizabeth Nicholas of the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre.

If you’re a military spouse or you know someone who is, then you know just how challenging it can be to find meaningful employment when you’re being posted all over the world every couple of years. Liz is one of those people who helps support military spouses in the career transition process, and one of the tools she’s using to do that is her new podcast called Your Employment Detective.

In today’s on-air coaching call, you’ll hear me and Liz brainstorm ideas to promote her new podcast, including tweaking some of her current communication approaches and considering some brand new ones as well.

So if you’re in the same position as Liz and you’re looking to promote your podcast, your brand or your business, then be sure to stay tuned because there are a lot of aha moments to come!

If you’re interested in a free, 30-minute on air coaching call with me, I’d love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected] and let's chat about your question and whether it would be a good fit to air here on the Power Your Platform Podcast.

For now, let’s get ready to talk podcast promotion with Elizabeth Nicholas of the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre.

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/

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

Trenton Military Family  Resource Centre (MFRC) - https://trentonmfrc.ca/

Your Employment Detective Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4vgoM1N202yisluImR7ZW4

The True Colours Personality Test – https://www.truecolorsintl.com/about

Linktr.ee - https://linktr.ee/

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the idea of story diamonds and how finding yours can help transform your connection with your audience.

In particular, I’ll be sharing the 4Cs that can help you distinguish your story diamonds from your story duds. I’ll also discuss why knowing the difference between the two can help you become a more effective brand builder.

Gemologists say a jewel’s true value comes down to four factors: the cut, the colour, the clarity and the carat. Otherwise known as the 4 Cs.

So what does this have to do with storytelling?

Well, the fact is that a big part of being an effective storyteller is knowing how to spot a story diamond. After all, we’re surrounded by stories, aren’t we? They’re everywhere! There are stories in our email inbox, stories in the magazines we read, stories on the podcasts we listen to, and stories all over social media.

But not every story has the power to make a profound impact.

Most stories hold little if any value for us and we scroll right past or delete them from our inbox.

But once in a while, we come across a priceless story that catches the light and holds our attention. It may even change our life. And THAT is the very definition of a story diamond: an idea that makes us stop, take notice and say “Wow, THAT is priceless!”

The good news is that we all have story diamonds buried inside of us. And when we take the time to uncover them using the 4Cs, we’re able to transform our rough story diamonds into priceless masterpieces.

So a true story diamond has four common elements that I’ll be sharing today:

1. Clarity – Keep your story clear and focused

2. Cut – Edit out any unnecessary details or detours

3. Colour – Add fun and enthusiasm!

4. Carat – Add some “weight” in the form of a key takeaway.

When we put all four of those elements together, you can be sure your story is going to SHINE!

If you’re looking for support to dust off your own brand or business stories and determine which are the story diamonds and which are the story duds, then be sure to reach out to me today.

And be sure to join us inside our FREE Power Your Platform Facebook group starting today to take part in our 21 Days of Story Diamonds! Click on the link below to join the group today.

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/

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

In today’s episode, I’m sharing an audience question from one of my recent online workshops which was all about moving from Idea to Impact. 

At the end of the workshop, one of our audience members asked a question about reframing the idea of bragging when it comes to sharing our own story. And I realize that this is a question that comes up a lot, particularly among the women I coach. 

So I thought there would be some value today in sharing the question and my answer during the live workshop, as well as expanding on it just a little more in this episode. So I hope you’ll enjoy being a fly on the wall as I share with you today’s audience question. 

I also want to follow up on my answer to today’s audience question with 3 additional tips to help you become more confident in sharing your brand story. Because, let’s be honest, it can daunting at times to put ourselves out there, especially if we’re concerned that people might think we’re showing off a bit. 

Those three tips are: 

1. Be confident in your purpose. 

2. Be confident in your experience. 

3. Be confident in your message. 

And remember, if you’re struggling to come up with your core message, feel free to reach out to me to book a 1-hour strategy session by clicking on the link below. 

Together, we can create an effective messaging campaign that cuts through the clutter and positions you as an authority figure in your own brand category. 

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/ Subscribe to our 

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

I’ve got a special treat for you today. Many of you have been asking me about what it takes to build a story brand, so in today’s episode, I’m bringing you the audio portion of a mini class I recorded a little while ago called “How to Create a Story Brand”. It’s full of great tactical tips for creating more impact with your brand using storytelling and I hope it will be a great help to you.

If you’d like to view the full mini-class in video format, you can head to my web site (see link below) and download the Mini Class there. I know some of you prefer a visual element to your learning, so if that’s helpful, you can check it out.

Today’s mini class is going to cover what a story brand is, the 4-step Story Fuel process and how to identify and overcome your story blockers.

So stay tuned – and as always, feel free to share this episode with your friends and followers -- if you’re REALLY excited about what you hear, I’d love if you would leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women and help them amplify their own voices.

For now, let’s get cozy and listen in to today’s mini class on How to Create a Story Brand.

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/

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

Mini Class: How to Create a Story Brand - https://www.powerherplatform.com/new-mini-class

Today you’re going to hear a live coaching session with one of my amazing clients. So for those of you who have never worked with a coach before – or who have never worked with me specifically – today’s coaching call may give you some insight into what it means to work with a Story Coach.

My coaching client on the call today is Tammy Watson who is the owner of The Canadian Handywoman. Like her business name suggests, Tammy knows her way around a toolbox and her idea of fun is getting to play with a brand new power tool. So with her current business, Tammy serves mostly cottage owners who are looking for small repairs and renovations. But in today’s episode, you’ll hear that Tammy is interested in creating a new service within her existing business. And she has some questions around how to name it.

So listen in, and if YOU are interested in a free, 30-minute on-air coaching call with me, click on the contact button below. Let’s get YOU moving from idea to impact today!

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/

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

Global Brand Database - https://branddb.wipo.int/branddb/en/

The Canadian Handywoman - https://www.canadianhandywoman.com/ 

The Canadian Handywoman on Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/thecanadianhandywoman/

In today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce you to a powerhouse woman who took her tech company from zero dollars in revenue to more than $50 million. Margaret Hachey has been named one of the Top 10 Women Business Owners in Canada and now serves as the Managing Director of GroYourBiz, an organization that builds peer-to-peer advisory boards for women entrepreneurs. 

At just 10 years old, Marg started out her entrepreneurial journey by sell guppies -- and she never looked back. In today’s episode, Marg shares with us a few of the secrets that helped her build her blockbuster business PLUS why advisory boards play such a key role in business growth. You’re not going to want to miss today’s conversation so stay tuned!  

Here are are my Top 10 takeaways from today’s conversation with Marg Hachey of GroYourBiz: 

1. No one of us is as smart as all of us – so make sure you’re a part of a larger community that can nurture your story and boost your business. 

2. The answer is always no until you ask. So don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. 

3. If there’s a gap in your skillset, surround yourself with people who will help you fill in the cracks of your knowledge and expertise. 

4. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth marketing. 

5. Partnership and collaboration are a smart way to grow your business and stretch your budget further. 

6. It’s ok to break the rules. Give yourself permission and get comfortable with risk-taking. 

7. Take the time to get to know your ideal audience and what matters most to them. 

8. Embrace market testing; it’s the best way to create a product or service worth selling. 

9. We all need support. Find your tribe and do what you can to support them in return. 

10. Sharing stories is what connects us, empowers us and equips us for change. 

Thanks so much for listening in to this interview today. If you enjoyed it, take a screen shot and be sure to share this podcast with others. And don’t forget to tag @powerYourplatform. We’d love to share your takeaways with our followers. 

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

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/ 

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

GroYourBiz - https://groyourbiz.com/

When was the last time life threw YOU a plot twist? I’m talking about an unexpected turn of events that really shifted your story path… for better or for worse. The truth is, we all experience plot twists, don’t we? But how we respond to them and how we use them to connect with our core audience is what makes all the difference when it comes to building a relatable story brand.

As any seasoned movie goer knows, a good plot twist is vital when it comes to grabbing and holding an audience’s attention. And the same is true when it comes to brand storytelling.

So today as we talk about plot twists, I’m going to be using four movie analogies to help us connect the storytelling elements we can look for inside our own life experiences.

Ok, so let’s dive into the four main plot twists types. They are:

The Reversal of Fortune - The reason this storytelling technique has always worked so well with audiences is that as humans we can relate when we hear stories about other people’s struggles. Even if those struggles are different than our own, the frustration and exhaustion and fear and desperation that result are all emotions we can relate to.

But when we encounter a rags-to-riches plot twist, we’re encouraged by the hopeful ending.

What are the “rags to riches” elements of your own business story? Did you build your business from scratch? Did you come from humble beginnings? Consider how these could be of interest to your audience.

The Revenge of the Underdog – We’ve all been the underdog before, so we inevitably cheer on the underdogs in stories. We’ve all been in the situation where we’ve felt we were facing insurmountable odds. At its heart, the underdog story pits a weaker or less-equipped character against another stronger, more prepared character. It’s clear from the outset who the underdog is and just how difficult it will be for them to come out on top.

Think of your own underdog stories. Did you build your business from scratch at your kitchen table? Did you start ou tin a small town no one has ever heard of? What odds were stacked against YOU? Tell your audience about it…

The Quest for Meaning – Many companies today that have built their brand story around this idea of a search for deeper meaning and/or a social mission. We call these purpose-driven businesses. Think of Toms Shoes, The Body Shoppe and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.

In each case, these companies claim to have a double bottom line which includes not only financial profit, but social profit as well.

Is there a deeper meaning for YOUR business? Be sure to share it with your audience.

The Unexpected Encounter – This plot twist is familiar to many of us. Perhaps we’ve been moving through life and found ourselves in a familiar pattern when suddenly – quite unexpectedly – we meet someone who shifts our mindset or causes us to look at life in a brand new way.

Has an unexpected encounter ever caused you to look at your business in a brand new light? Maybe that change encounter actually caused you to rethink or reshape your business.

Sometimes the best collaborations and partnerships come out of unexpected encounters. The more unexpected, the more interesting! Share them with your audience.

I’d love to hear about which one of these plot twists jives with your own brand or business, so be sure to let me know by clicking the contact button 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/

In today’s episode we’re going to be hearing from CBC news editor and presenter Sonja Koenig who has made a career of storytelling.

In today’s episode, Sonja and I talk about what distinguishes a good story from a GREAT story, and how YOU can be more effective when it comes to sharing your own story with the media.

She’ll also share with us “the story that got away” and point us in the direction of the hidden opportunities that exist to share YOUR story on a local, national or even a global stage.

There were so many knowledge nuggets buried inside today’s episode, I was taking furious notes throughout the entire conversation. And I hope you do too!

Here are my Top 10 takeaways from today’s interview with the CBC’s Sonja Koenig:

1. Let your curiosity lead the way.

2. Explore new territory, even when it takes you outside your comfort zone.

3. Move your audience from thinking about your topic to feeling something about your topic.

4. Own your story and tell it in a way that’s authentic to you.

5. Build a rapport with individual journalists and help them out when you can.

6. Study the media landscape and find the right home for your story.

7. Tailor your message for the media outlet you’re approaching; one size does not fit all when it comes to media outreach.

8. Look for the hidden media opportunities to get your story out, including becoming an expert commentator.

9. The more we practice storytelling, the better we’ll get.

10. If you have a compelling story, people will listen.

Thank so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode! If you’re looking for support when it comes to building a media strategy for your brand or business, be sure to reach out to me at [email protected]. Together, we can get your story noticed!

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

E

PISODE 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/

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

Today I want to open up a discussion about a question that’s come up a lot lately with my clients and within the general Power Your Platform community. And that question is: is there enough room for MY story on the shelf? The more I speak with women speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs, the more I hear the concern that all the stories have already been told, and the market is already flooded with content: so how could mine ever make an impact?

But the truth is that YOUR story has NEVER been told – not in the exact way you can tell it.

So if you’ve been reluctant to share your story because you believe there’s no room for your story on the shelf, then this episode is an open invitation to reconsider that thought.

Yes, it can be daunting at times to think about where our own story fits in relation to all the other stories – big and small – that have already been shared in the world. But that’s where this podcast comes in as the story coach in your back pocket, encouraging you to move past your fears and find your space on the shelf.

Because there has NEVER been a better time to share YOUR story.

So that’s what we’re going to get into today. Besides reinforcing the message that there IS room for your story, I want to give you three tools to help you get your story noticed.

1. Know your value category.

2. Create an attention-grabbing cover

3. Give it a catchy title.

And remember, if you’re ever feeling stuck with any of these strategies, be sure to reach out to me at [email protected] and let’s book a 1-hour strategy session. We can work at naming or renaming your key content to ensure you’re getting noticed and that your sales messaging is getting you the results you’re looking for!

EPISODE LINKS:

Unlock Your Story Vault Masterclass + Coaching Series - https://www.powerherplatform.com/unlockyourstoryvault

Contact Me - https://www.powerherplatform.com/contact

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

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