TELLING AND ADAPTING YOUR ORIGIN STORY
One of the services I offer clients is a super simple, speedy service called a Bio Builder.
The Bio Builder helps you refresh all those spots your Bio is found: LinkedIn, website, social profiles, and beyond!
When I do these for people, I always have people tell me their story. Why on earth do they do what they do and how did it all begin? I also ask people this in our kickoff calls when I’m doing their website copy from start to finish.
Sometimes people just jump right in and tell me their stories…
And sometimes…
People start their stories with a caveat, “Well, it’s not very exciting but…”
The truth is, you may NOT have some wildly life-altering origin story. I certainly don’t, mine was more in line with Hansel and Gretel… following a bunch of breadcrumbs into pending disaster most of the time. 😂
But, no matter your origin, it’s no less important or exciting, and in this episode and blog, we’re going to talk about extracting all the pieces of it and bringing it to life.
Why Your Origin Story Matters (aka why tell it in the first place)
- Your origin story helps you to be relatable. People can see themselves in your story, what you went through, and how you overcame it. They can see your values, vision, and passion.
- It helps connect people to the brand and establish brand personality
- It helps build trust, expertise, and credibility
- It inspires those coming behind you and walking alongside you
- It helps fill in the gaps and answer questions (even ones people didn’t know they had!)
- It’s a good practice for your own reflection, celebration, and creative process! There are tons and tons of stories within your origin story and I think writing it can help you dig some of them out!
What Elements Make up an Origin Story?
Begin with the end in mind…
Before you decide how to tell your origin story and which parts you’ll share, you have to identify who you’re telling and the context.
We all have stories within our stories.
For example, if I’m giving a workshop, the elements I share might differ from when I’m talking to a client or in my podcast.
I aim to tailor the part of the origin story to the specific topic.
Begin with who you’re speaking to, what you’re sharing about, and why the story is relevant to the given situation.
A few prompts / questions to get you started!
- Why did you decide to start the company, business, or brand? Why YOU?
- What were the moments or experiences that shaped you on your life journey? Which events took place along the way?
- Was there an aha moment for you? If so, what was it?
- Who are the people who’ve influenced your journey? Mentors, friends, family, inspirers, how have they shaped you?
- What challenges have you faced? What obstacles have you overcome? How did you overcome them? Did you have a moment wanted to throw in the towel, how did you stop yourself? Or perhaps someone else intervened?
- What curiosity, passion, or interest has driven you to your work?
- What major lessons have you learned?
Each of these could probably turn into: A series of blogs, a podcast (or two), a dozen social media posts, an email newsletter, the stories within your stories are an abundant source of content!
Where to Share Your Origin Story
Here are some ideas of where to share your origin story and/or elements of it:
- Your website, specifically, your About Page
- When starting a presentation, workshop, or educational talk
- When seeking financial support from investors/lenders
- In a keynote or as the keynote itself
- With clients on Discovery Calls
- On social media
- In blogs
- In emails and newsletters
- On your podcast
- When other other people’s podcasts as a guest
- When networking and connecting
Tips as you get started:
- Be yourself. Even if you’ve been through something similar to someone else who’s origin story is the most amazing thing ever… this is YOUR story, not theirs. Your personality, emotion, character, and humor are all welcome here.
- Be Honest! The Origin Story isn’t the place to lie, embellish, or exaggerate.
- Be concise. You don’t need to include every last detail!
- But do include some detail! Specific details help make your story more tangible. Use details to paint an image in their mind. It helps your story be memorable and places them in the scene.
- PRACTICE with your stories! You’ll refine your story over time, get clearer on what matters most, and get better at how you share it! Practice alone and with others.
What if I’m not where I want to be yet?
If there’s one thing I like more than an origin story, it’s an “I’m on my way story”. Very few of us have “arrived”.
Telling your origin story with modern struggles, ongoing aspirations, things that have changed and shifted, things you wish you knew then that you’re learning, how far you’ve come… it’s all integral and inspiring and beautiful!
Share your stories no matter where you are and where you’re heading!
