God, how I wish I could relive the whole thing. Short of that, I’d like to share the experience, the ups and downs, so that some young man or woman, somewhere, going through the same trials and ordeals, might be inspired or comforted. Or warned. Some young entrepreneur, maybe, some athlete or painter or novelist, might press on. It’s all the same drive. The same dream.
– Phil Knight, Shoe Dog
Phil Knight had a dream and his dream became one of the great American business stories of all time. Stories matter. Stories define. Stories attract. Life and business are less, way less, without them. There’s no denying it, so just do it.
Shoe Dog, A Memoir by The Creator of Nike, just recently published and quickly became a New York Times BestSeller. There is no reason to wonder why. Sure Nike is an iconic brand, but the story, Knight’s story, is what takes Nike to the next level and will bring the brand even more recognition, better understanding, worldwide acceptance and attract even more fans, clients and expand its legacy.
Audiences’ appetites for captivating stories is growing insatiable–so much so that they don’t want to see them end. – Nayomi Chibana
Stories sell, but only because you choose to tell. And let’s look at this basic principle, not in terms of selling, but of giving and attracting. When you share the story of your business, tell the tale of your non-profit or the people for whom you serve, then perspective shifts, a magnetic energy ensues, you change minds and hearts, gaining respect, admiration, attention – profits, productivity, donors, and engagement with strangers, who become fans and friends.
The story of Nike is engaging, thrilling, heartbreaking, funny, completely unexpected and soulfully inspiring. Yet it’s just a business, right? Wrong. Isn’t this what life is all about? Your business is a core piece of your life. The non-profit you build or are part of and your desire to give back comes from the true spirit in your soul, it can’t be denied, you can’t stop it, because if you try it will keep calling out to you. We all need to heed to the voice of our calling. Just ask Phil and this passage from Shoe Dog, the story of his business and his outlook on life:
Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. If you’re following your calling, the fatigue will be easier to bear, the disappointments will be fuel, the highs will be like nothing you’ve ever felt.
When you make something, when you deliver something, when you add some new thing or service to the lives of strangers, making them happier, or healthier, or safer, or better, and when you do it all crisply and efficiently, smartly, the way everything should be done but so seldom is, you’re participating more fully in the whole grand human drama. More than simply alive, you’re helping others to live more fully, and if that’s business, all right, call me a businessman.”
Challenge yourself to grow your business, expand your non-profit by doing the one thing, the only thing that will make you stand out from the crowd, that will define, without question, what makes you unique and has people beating a path to your door.
Share your story. Fill out the form at https://markbrodinsky.com/storytelling/ and let’s get this going. What are you waiting for? How much time do you have left? There is a perfect time to do this and that time is NOW.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Your Storyteller,
Mark Brodinsky
Want Storytelling for your Business? Contact Mark Brodinsky: markbrodinsky@gmail.com /443-865-2795
Or visit, https://markbrodinsky.com/storytelling/ and fill out the online form for a free consultation.
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