Mastering Your Brand's Narrative: The Impact of 'The First' Prompt
June 6, 2024
Marketing
Branding
In today’s world, where many brands have scattered digital presences, storytelling is the key trick that helps really good businesses cut through the noise, stand out, and stand in. (Have you ever read through a digital marketing agency’s copy and wondered why it all sounds the same, filled with similar jargon, limited differentiation, and almost no substance or personality that calls out to you? It's a common feeling. 😴)
Your story, the founder's journey, is the heart of what sets you apart and connects you to your audience.
There's a neat trick called 'The First' prompt that I've learned from the storytelling genius Kindra Hall, and her method to approach writing the founder’s story is a game-changer.
Imagine going back to where it all started – that very first spark that lit up your entrepreneurial journey.
We're talking about the moments that kickstarted a big whirlwind of events, moments that give you all the goosebumps and chills because suddenly, you can see a thread of pattern connecting all the unrelated moments, situations, and people, bringing you to where you are now, just oh-so perfectly!
You know that these 'firsts' in life hit you right in the feels? They're super emotional and carry all the dreams and hopes of the person going through them. Think about Elon Musk starting with Zip2, making digital maps for newspapers, and then boom, SpaceX and Tesla happened. Or how Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak kicked off Apple in a garage, changing the tech world. And Howard Schultz? His humble beginnings from a Brooklyn housing project paved the way for Starbucks becoming a global phenomenon. All these stories revolve around influential 'first' experiences that have not only transformed these protagonists but also are remarkably memorable and transformative for the audience learning about those mega-important 'first' moments in their life.
And here's the beauty of "The First" prompt—it's not just for the big shots. It's a tool for every entrepreneur out there looking to make their mark in the service game, and this is something that I personally really, really love about it.
For starters, I guarantee there’s a lot of connecting experiences between your past experiences and what you’re doing now (and where you’re heading in the future) – even if it doesn’t seem like it.
Your unique blend of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences forms the foundation of your brand story, and the better you can harness and articulate it, the more effectively you can inspire others and make a meaningful impact.
So how can you “connect the dots” of your own story so you can relay it to others with clarity and confidence? Here are a few ways to do so…
01 – Think about what makes you uniquely serve clients and do what you do today.
Ever stopped to ponder how your past experiences have uniquely shaped your journey as a founder? Picture this: your stint in finance instilled a keen eye for detail and a knack for scaling companies. Or maybe your time in sales turned you into a master coach, tailoring advice with precision, thanks to your deep understanding of client preferences and barriers. Or your travel experiences and exposure to different cultures have made you very powerful in conducting business in the foreign markets and mastering relationship building with people across diverse geographies.
So, what skills from your past seamlessly translate into your current venture? What distinct advantage do you hold because of your previous endeavors? Think about those soft skills and tactical know-hows that set you apart. How do these qualities and attributes help you in your current pursuit?
Are there any ideas that you cross-pollinate to benefit your business now? Reflect on your strongest core values and passions. These are the constants that guide you through different phases of life. What are those deeply ingrained qualities and beliefs that define who you are as a founder? How do they shape your decisions and drive your vision forward?
02 – Then, put into words the origin story and also determine your ‘aha’ moment or the turning point that changed the whole game of your business.
First, Think: Where did it all originate and start to take shape? Was there a specific lightbulb moment or experience that sparked this idea? Was it a personal experience, a problem you encountered, or an innovative concept?
What was the catalyst that put things in motion? Think about the first breakthrough or success that validated your vision. How did it feel? What did you learn?
Was there any first major hurdle you faced while establishing your business? It could be financial, operational, or even personal. How did you navigate through them? What lessons did you learn?
Next, think about what started to click for you. When did you realize there was a better and new way of doing things? How did you come to understand your capability to not only bring your vision to life but also support others in their own turning points?
Think of the first prompt as the ‘root’ of it all. The discernable period of time when you started taking steps toward what you do today. Infuse emotions into your narrative. Describe the struggles, fears, joys, or pivotal moments you experienced during this 'first.'
03- The impact of this turning point on your transformation — and now for others
Finally, let's explore how that turning point led to transformation, both for yourself and the people you serve, and where it brings you now or where you're headed. Your journey is a testament to growth and evolution, and it's perfectly fine for your brand story to carry an air of aspiration.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, consider how it shifted your perspective and catalyzed personal growth. How did it empower you to not only transform yourself but also impact the lives of others? Maybe it instilled a newfound confidence in your abilities or deepened your understanding of the needs of your audience.
Then, think about where this journey has brought you. What are your current aspirations and goals? How do they align with your mission and value proposition as a brand?
Highlight how this 'first' experience shaped your business trajectory. Discuss how it influenced your strategies, services, or values.
Conclusion
Your journey as a founder is a culmination of experiences, skills, and values. Your personal story isn't just a narrative; it's your superpower. It's what sets you apart in a sea of entrepreneurs.
Sharing your story humanizes your brand, making it more relatable and authentic to your audience. It helps create a connection based on shared values, experiences, and aspirations. Your story can inspire others, showing them that success is attainable despite challenges and setbacks. Embrace it fully as you continue to shape the future of your business and leverage it to share your vision with the world.
Crafting your founder’s story via the first prompt is the ultimate strategic asset for building trust and loyalty among your customers. So, embrace your story and let it shine as you continue to shape the future of your business.
