Power Your Platform Kerry Ramsay, Story Coach

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the 3 Gifts Storytellers give us.

The first gift storytellers offer the world is the gift of
connection. I’ve said this many times before, but stories are the bridges that connect us to each other. When we hear a story, scientific research shows that our brain waves actually start to synchronize with those of the storyteller.

Not only do stories connect our brains, but they also shows us we’re not alone. When someone shares a story
that we can relate to, our reaction is often, “Hey, me too!” And that reaction of seeing ourselves in someone else’s story creates empathy and understanding as well as an undeniable connection to another human being.

The second gift storytellers give us is related to the first –
it’s the gift of community. So often, we walk through life believing we are the only person who has ever experienced a particular emotion or setback or defeat – when in fact, there are thousands if not millions of others who are walking a similar journey. When we share our story, we draw others to us, and that often results in the creation of a common bond or community.

The third gift storytellers give us is the gift of a more diverse
and inclusive worldview. Imagine if all our stories were the same. How incredibly boring would that be? Instead, we have all followed different paths and experienced different moments during our lifetimes. We have encountered
different humans and had different reactions to a wide range of events.

By sharing these stories with others, we contribute to the richness of the story fabric in our own communities and around the world.

When we intentionally seek out a variety of stories and recognize that one person’s story does not represent an entire culture’s story, then we can better appreciate the individuality and uniqueness of the humans who surround us every day.

Not only have these diverse voices taught me new ways of solving problems or thinking about global issues, but they’ve also made me realize my own position of privilege in
the world. And it also reminds me of my responsibility to leave this world a bit better than I found it. 

Thanks so much for listening in today! On behalf of
myself and my family, I hope you have a beautiful Christmas season.

Until next time, remember to own your story, follow
your purpose and raise 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

Every brand has its own story scent – and this story scent
captures what that brand stands for, how it connects with its audience and the impression that lingers long after the first encounter or sales transaction has ended.



In essence a brand’s story scent helps prospective and existing customers catch a whiff of what your brand is all about – and helps them decide whether your product, program or service is something that’s worth pursuing.

 

There are three layers to every scent: the head note, the heart note and the base note. This 3-layered scent approach is how we’re going to examine the essence of your brand’s personality today.

 

Just like in the perfume industry, the 3 layers of the story
scent play off of each other, but also come together to create a lingering and memorable experience. 

 

Head notes are like first impressions, so they’re really
important. Question: what is the scent our brand is giving off within the first few minutes its initial encounter with a new customer? 

 

Heart notes are the second layer of your story scent. Think of the heart note as your purpose-driven mission and vision. At the core of your brand is your authentic, emotional connection with your audience. After all, it’s so important that we connect our audience with the purpose of what we do. When people understand not just WHAT we do, but WHY we do it, we create a more memorable impression. In other words, we stand out from the crowd.

 

The third and last layer of your story scent is the base note. For the purposes of our story scent today, I want you to think of your base note as the values-based foundation of your business. What are the core values that act as a basis for everything you do and how you do it? What’s the foundation of your brand? What is the base note that lasts long after the head note and the heart notes have faded away?

 

When we create a story scent that integrates a balance of all
three notes, we’re able to create a long-lasting impact that adds value to the world and makes us exited to get up in the morning.

 

As one fragrance industry expert once said, “Perfume is
personal magic. It is a first impression and a lasting recollection.”

 

So what’s that smell again? When we take into account all that we’ve talked about today, it sure smells like success to me!



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 want to uncover the power that comes when we explore our 5 story senses.


Because our personal and professional stories are far from one-dimensional – in fact, they are RIPE with juicy details we can hear, see, taste, touch and smell. And when we use all 5 of our senses to communicate our stories, we often
get much better results.



I also want to invite you to join me for a 5-Day Story Senses Challenge inside our free Power Your Platform Facebook group. That’s where our online community of women speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs will be challenged to apply each of the concepts we’re talking about today to their own brand or business.

If you’d like to join us, simply click on the link below to join our free Power Your Platform Facebook Community today. We hope to see you there!



To recap today’s episode, here are the reasons why using our 5 senses in brand storytelling just makes sense:

1.      It creates a complete picture of our brand by engaging our sense of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.

2.      It has the power to create a long-lasting, emotional connection with our audience.

3.      It paves the way to build new collaborations and partnerships with other brands.

4.      It helps us break outside our traditional ways of storytelling in order to reimagine our brand in an entirely new way.

5.      It ignites the imagination of our customers and allows them to think of us in new ways as well.



Thanks so much for listening in to today’s podcast episode on Exploring our 5 Story Senses.



If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to like, rate and review the Power Your Platform Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When you do, we’ll be able to reach even more women and help them get their own story
heard.

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

Today we’re discussing a topic that affects us all as business owners. And that’s how we can share our business story more effectively at networking events.

Now that in-person events are back in full force after taking a dive in 2020, and there are more opportunities than ever to get your brand in front of new audiences.


The question is, how do you maximize events—both in-person and virtual – to get your story in front of your ideal audience?

When it comes to sharing your business story at networking events, there are three key guidelines I like to keep in mind. And I’ll be honest, they’re not rocket science – but somehow, I see people making some pretty common mistakes that are interrupting the flow and the impact of their business story.

The first is to maximize your business storytelling by attending the RIGHT events for you and your business.

What I’m finding right now is that there are so many events to choose from, it can actually be a bit overwhelming for business owners. Most business networking events are generic, meaning there for ALL business owners. And that’s great at times, but I’m a fan of finding your niche. And that applies to networking events as well.

In order to zero in on the kind of events that will get your story in front of potential partners and collaborators and even customers and clients, it’s key to know WHO each event is targeting and what types of people will be
showing up.

The second strategy I suggest for sharing your business story at networking events is to take on a more active role at the events you attend.

Even if you don’t host the event yourself, there are usually plenty of volunteer opportunities. As an event volunteer, you might welcome attendees, hand out resources, help attendees find their way around the venue, collect feedback, track requests or encourage participants to get involved with event activities.

More visible roles at a networking event might include being a keynote speaker, a break-out session leader, a workshop trainer, an MC or a panelist.

And don’t forget that if you can’t offer your time at an
event, maybe you could offer a gift bag item or a door prize. Both are great ways to get in front of a networking event audience with your business story and make an impression.

A third strategy for maximizing your business storytelling at
networking events is to LISTEN. 

The more we listen, the more we find points of intersection
with the people around us. And the more we find these points of intersection – or common ground – the easier it is to relate to them with a story about our own experience or skillset.

When we see those openings, it’s up to us to speak up and
provide examples or stories or insights that reveal who we serve, what we do and why.

By the way, I have two more great tips, but I’m saving those
for our free Power Your Platform Facebook group where you’re welcome to join us after the show. Simply click on the link below to join now -- we hope to see you there!



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

Eventbrite – www.eventbrite.ca  

Fresh Idea Collective - www.instagram.com/freshideacollective

Happy Halloween! In honour of this spooky holiday, we’re going to be digging into a grave discussion about one of the biggest fears on the planet. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s that old-age fear of getting up on stage and speaking in front of an audience.
The truth is, though, that in order to amplify our message, we need to have the courage to speak out. And one of the tools you can use to do just that is my
6-point Fear Formula.
And hey, I’ll let you in on a secret ahead of time, there’s nothing mystical or magical about it – but I do guarantee that if you take each step to heart and practice it over time, then you’re going to see results.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting onstage and speaking in front of a room full of people, then you’re in good company. Even notable celebrities like Julia Roberts, Emma Watson, Nicole Kidman and Barbara Streisand have struggled with the fear of speaking in front of a crowd face-to-face. In fact, one of out every four people experiences some sort of anxiety when it comes to sharing their story onstage.
So what’s at the heart of glossophobia or the fear of public speaking? And why does it affect so many of us?
The truth is that the fear we experience really doesn’t have anything to do with the story we’re sharing. It has more to do what we believe about ourselves.
Psychologists tell us that many people who suffer from the fear of public speaking believe they’re not qualified enough or well-practiced enough or talented enough to be onstage.
At the heart of this fear is that we’ll somehow be rejected or ridiculed when we offer our point of view.
The difference between getting up on a stage and having a private conversation with one or two people is the perception that we’re somehow being evaluated when we take our place at a podium.
In other words, we could technically have the very same conversation with our best friend and share a thought or an idea. And that wouldn’t throw us off. But if we step onstage and make the same presentation to a room full of strangers – or even colleagues – our nerves get tied up into knots.
Isn’t it fascinating the way the human brain works?
So here are the six elements of my 6-point Fear Formula which I’m excited to share with you today. Because if you take them to heart, I’ve seen firsthand the difference this approach can make.
Step #1 is to Love Your Audience.   
Step #2 is to Name Your Fear.
Step #3 is to Own your Awesome.
Step #4 is to Embrace Your Weird.
Step #5 is to Know Your Stuff.
Step #6 is to Do it Scared.
Listen in to the full episode for more ideas under each of the 6 points above!
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

Raise your hand if you’re a Saturday Night Live fan? Anyone? If you are, you’ve likely seen the classic skit from 2013 with Amy Poehler and
Maya Rudolph. The two play Betty and Jodi, two moms from the Bronx who dish on everything from the national news to their own families.

One of my favourite Saturday Night Live skits is the one where Betti and Jodi talk about the change in the weather. And of course, since they’re from the Bronx, so the talk quickly turns to Sweata Weatha, a phrase they say about 100 times before ethe skit ends. It’s pretty hilarious.

So Betty and Jodi are actually the inspiration for today’s podcast.

Because here we are – smack dab in the middle of sweata weatha. If you’re listening in from the future, it’s currently fall and there’s a bite the in air when we get up in the morning. So what typically happens is that we bundle up, right? After all, it’s cold out there!

But inevitably what happens in the region of the world where I live is hat by the afternoon, it’s actually warm again – sometimes even hot. And at that point, people start to peel off their layers -- assuming they were smart enough to layer up earlier in the day.

Because let’s be honest: if there’s one thing Canadians know about, it’s how to layer up for the weather.  

But for me, the idea of layering doesn’t stop with fall fashion. I actually find there’s a ton of valuable in applying the concept of layering to storytelling and brand building.

And I’ve even got a fun acronym that I use. Quite appropriately, it’s HEAT: H.E.A.T. And it’s all about moving your brand audience from cold contact to warm lead and finally to hot prospect for your paid product or service.


Let’s take a look at each stage of the HEAT process: 

#1 – Hook Your Audience

#2 – Earn Their Trust

#3 – Address their Obstacles

#4 – Tell Them How You Can Help.



As you move through these four phases, you’ll create a multi-layered brand story that guides your audience along a customer journey that transforms
them from stranger to loyal fan.

And if that doesn't make you warm and fuzzy, I don't know what will... 

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

SNL Skit: Sweata Weatha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2PuhzO_whY