What is it about stories?

From childhood, you have been relating to the patterns of stories. They provide a roadmap of connecting and finding meaning. Every day you have specific experiences, encounter problems and face challenges. All of these make up your story. Your story is unique, and you have valuable insights that instantly differ you from competitors. When you share your story audiences gravitate towards you as you open up in a way they won’t find anywhere else.

Because there is noise.

You are bombarded by “noise” everyday. Noise is anything that dilutes your message because there are so many others to sift through. For years, marketing included direct mail, print and broadcast. Every time you turn on the TV or listen to the radio you are hit with ads, companies constantly pushing products and services. Add to that pop ups, banner ads, mobile phone ads, social media ads, sponsored posts and search engine ads, and the noise increases. So many brands are vying for attention and in turn, overloading audiences.

These questions remain:

How can you stand out?
How can your message be heard?
How can you connect with your audience?
What is the competition doing?

Traditional marketing and media was the answer to getting your brand in front of the right people. Today, the marketing landscape has changed; the audience is tired of all the noise. They want clear messages that will benefit them in some way.

Just think about your online searches-you have a need or a want, so you Google it. It may be a product or a service, either way you’ll most likely read reviews, research the product and the company before making a buying decision. You want to know about the brand and hear stories about others’ experiences with it.

To reach your audience.

Gen Y (aka Millennials) are the fastest growing segment in the workforce today. Understanding what makes them tick is vital to your success. This generation was born in the 1980’s to early 90’s, so naturally they grew up with technology and rely on it to succeed. Smartphones and other gadgets guarantee unlimited connectivity. They choose texting over face-to-face interactions, and they prefer webinars and online technology to traditional presentations.

It may seem impersonal, but they are looking for real and authentic leaders. The same is true with the information they seek. They aren’t looking for MORE data; they are seeking out information relative to their needs and wants. Beyond that, this generation wants to feel emotionally connected, included and involved. What better way to have a profound impact than to open up and share your genuine story?

So your organization can thrive in the digital world.

The digital world is at everyone’s fingertips. Smartphone and WiFi accessibility have increased device usage across the board. According to a recent Nielsen report, Americans spend almost 11 hours a day consuming media. This number includes tablets, smartphones, personal computers, multimedia devices, video games, radio, DVDs, DVRs and TVs. “Out of 168 hours in a week, we spend more than 50 with devices”, said Douglas Gentile, professor of psychology at Iowa State University.

Let’s take look at the video world alone.

Everyday YouTube has over 30 million visitors watching 5 billion videos.

Online video is the not just the future, but the “right now” of marketing. Taking a unique approach to video and attracting your audience through sharing your story will help you stand out amidst the noise. Audiences will relate to who you are, what you do and how your products or services can add value to their lives.

Successful stories are those that are easy to relate to, helpful and authentic, not interruptive.

The same old marketing campaigns aren’t working. It’s hard being genuine and sharing your story. But those who have stepped out have inspired others with their personal stories and have had great success.

You have a story. When told the right way you will have your ticket to connecting with your audience on a level you cannot achieve with traditional marketing.