In a digital world where it seems like everyone: has the same brand, is using the same stock, writing the same blog posts, and teaching the same things, how the heck can you possibly pull away from the crowd and STAND OUT? Well what I think, and what I know this episode’s guest experts believe is:
- You stand out with your story!
In this episode of the Digital Boss Roundtable we’re talking to 3 Story Experts: Annie Franceschi, Bonnie Bakhtiari, and Mallika Malhotra on how to stand out online with your story.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How they have used their own stories to create stand out brands
- How to find and tell your story
- How to actively use your story in all parts of your digital biz to be seen
Recap Of First Questions + Answers In This Episode
What is the difference between story and message?
Mallika:
Story has a lot to do with who you are as a person and what you believe in. Messaging is more about the platform and what you are looking to do for your audience. Story is more of your personal journey BUT story and message go hand in hand.
Bonnie:
Your story is your experiences, purpose and values behind what you do. Taking all the things that make you unique and incorporating them into what is essentially your story that you are sharing with your ideal client. It’s a great way to experience a deeper sense of fulfilment and authenticity.
Annie:
It’s about your strengths and what you do really uniquely. Then it’s about connecting your strengths and uniqueness into messaging.
What results can you expect from using your story?
Mallika:
Being a photographer, telling my visual story is huge when trying to stand out. Storytelling is a tool that allows you to go deeper and build relationships with your audience without feeling like you are always selling.
Bonnie:
Because of storytelling I have seen an incredible amount of trust. Instead being of a faceless brand I am a real living person who has a story. Because of that I have experienced deeper relationships with my clients. It’s a fulfilling and exciting way to authentically market yourself.
Annie:
Speaking is a huge part of my business and I tell my story everywhere I go. It’s all about empowerment and creating relatability and credibility with your ideal clients.
How and where do you use your story?
Annie:
Everywhere from speaking events to my business cards and stationery. I am always telling my stories in my newsletter, they are often personal stories rather than “Here are 5 LinkedIn tips…”
Bonnie:
Similarly to Annie, my story is everywhere – from presents, business cards and stationery to social media, blog posts and emails. I also incorporate it into face to face interactions with my clients to better serve them.
To Dive Deeper Watch The Full Episode
If There’s One Thing I Know It’s…
Each episode I ask my guest to teach us about a lesson they’ve learned through their business and life experiences, by completing the sentence “If there’s one thing I know it’s..”. I’m always taken back by the incredible insight they have to share!
Annie: Forget the lights and camera and skip straight to action.
Bonnie: Your story has worth and value even if you don’t feel like it does.
Mallika: Growth comes from feeling uncomfortable.
Quotes Worth Sharing
Annie: [bctt tweet=”Forget the lights and camera and skip straight to action. -Annie”]
Bonnie: [bctt tweet=”Your story has worth and value even if you don’t feel like it does. -Bonnie” username=”nevicavazquez”]
Mallika: [bctt tweet=”Growth comes from feeling uncomfortable. -Mallika” username=”nevicavazquez”]
To Keep In Touch With These Ladies
Annie is the owner and creative director of Greatest Story Creative, a branding agency in Durham, NC that tells your story in both your business and your life. After a five-year career in brand management at The Walt Disney Studios, Annie now works with small business owners to turn their story into the creative assets: the name, logo, words, graphics, and website that they need to start the next chapter of their business.
Her website: https://www.anniefranceschi.com/
Her Instagram: http://instagram.com/greateststorycreative
Bonnie is the founder and creative director of b is for bonnie design, a boutique branding studio for creatives. In addition to being a brand designer and strategist, she’s also a small business educator, and founder of the Illume Retreat, which is an intimately restful three-day retreat for entrepreneurs striving to build businesses grounded in a clear sense of purpose. She believes in living life with joy, fierce love and abundant grace as you chase what matters most.
Her website: http://bisforbonniedesign.com/
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniejoymarie/
Mallika of Mikifoto + Co is a fun-loving photographer and brand energizer who works with women entrepreneurs, inspiring them to express themselves, share their stories and unleash their creativity through photography, branding and live workshops. She combines her strategic business sense with her photography skills to help her fellow lady bosses stand out and own their message with confidence.
Her website: http://www.mikifoto.com/
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikifotonj/
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