is it the Story? or the product that counts?

[winebuddy]

I have found, both in teaching and selling, that the story is one of the most powerful tools there is.

After a little research, I figured out why...

Stories are "hardwired" into humans. It's the basic way that we communicate and has been since the dawn of time. Even when we were hunter/gatherers, the evenings were filled with nothing but stories of the days hunt or catch. "The one that got away" type storys.

In the middle ages, the stories consisted of conquests and battles.

And today, although much shorter, it's the interesting story and the story teller that get the attention. Even Movies and TV shows are nothing but storys. Jokes are just very short storys.

So why bring this up?

Because whether you are writing an eBook, creating a product, or writing a sales page - it's really how you tell the story that will determine the success of the product or the sales page.

I think if more new people in IM would concentrate on telling a good story, most of the other things would take care of themselves...because...

everyone LOVES a good story.

[tommygunn]

To clarify, your saying write the story that leads people to buy the product?

Example: I'm Bob, and like most people, I struggled to make it online. I woke up each day thinking how can I make it online... Yada yada... Then I figured "x" out and now I made it online. Here's how to get "x" so you can make it online too.

[winebuddy]

Tommy,

Sort of but not really...

What makes a good story is the emotional aspects of it and the connection with the reader. So - more like...

Example:

My life changed today. I know it's going to sound preposterous, but here's what happened...and this could happen to you, too. I was sitting in the cafe that I always have coffee at every morning and a fellow came in and sat down beside me.

He was a normal looking chap - nothing out of the ordinary - except for one thing... the sportcoat that he was wearing was one that I had seen in one of those "rich people" catalogues. You know the kind - the kind you look at but could never afford to buy anything out of?

Anyway, as I was a regular, I asked Betsy, the waitress, to come on over and take his order. Then, I complemented him on his coat. And what he said shocked me...

"Thank you - this is my favorite of the 12 I own. They really are very good coats"

Tommy that kind of stuff - REAL story telling that makes you want to read more and then read more. It's not just in your sales page - the same thing works in eBook products and in other types of products like step by step directional products.

if you tell a compelling story as you go along, it adds tremendous value and people will not only like it, but will gladly pay for more.

people BUY storys all the time.... don't they? (check out Amazon.com)

[Peggy Baron]

I agree.
Also, I've found that when I tell stories in my blog posts or emails to my list, I get more people commenting or emailing me back. The story is the bridge that builds the relationship.

Thanks,
Peggy

[tommygunn]

Thanks. My emotional intelligence is... Well, let's just say it could be improved upon, lol. So this type of information is very useful for me.

[actionplanbiz]

stories work very well "on me" it makes me Read a little further than usual

[Fred_Acker]

My life changed today. I know it's going to sound preposterous, but here's what happened...and this could happen to you, too. I was sitting in the cafe that I always have coffee at every morning and a fellow came in and sat down beside me.

He was a normal looking chap - nothing out of the ordinary - except for one thing... the sportcoat that he was wearing was one that I had seen in one of those "rich people" catalogues. You know the kind - the kind you look at but could never afford to buy anything out of?

Anyway, as I was a regular, I asked Betsy, the waitress, to come on over and take his order. Then, I complemented him on his coat. And what he said shocked me...

"Thank you - this is my favorite of the 12 I own. They really are very good coats"

Hey... You forgot to tell us where to get the coats!!! :0)

I'm a "habitual" storyteller. This may have something to do with daydreaming all day but you're right winebuddy... story telling is a great way to sell.

One of the things that always gets me to push the [X] on a website is techy talk. Sorry, I'm a bit slow and a whole lotta attention deficate. But you write like you talk and voila... chances are you've got my undivided attention (especially if you talk like a sexy red head in a string bikini - I'll be right there eyes riveted!!!)

sheesh... Thank God for spell check...

Anyway, this was an excellent post winebuddy, thanks.

Fred

[winebuddy]

and I said, "wow - you must be rich!", feeling stupid just as it came out of my mouth.

And the dapper chap replied, "oh, it's not really all that big of a deal... you could buy coats like these as easily as I do".

I sat there in dumbfounded silence. I had been working my butt off for the last 12 years and I couldn't afford even ONE of those coats. What was this guy talking about - I had to know...

So, as meekly as I could ask, I said "Really? What do you mean by it's not really that big of a deal?" and then there was a protracted silence and I could tell the fellow was thinking about what to say.

Finally, after what I thought was an eternity, he said, "You can do everything I do, and you could probably do it even better. You probably have a much better connection with everyday real people than I do."

anyway....more later :-)

[summer07]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

...And today, although much shorter, it's the interesting story and the story teller that get the attention. Even Movies and TV shows are nothing but storys. Jokes are just very short storys.....

...everyone LOVES a good story.

You made a great point about jokes being just short stories. Which makes me remember that it's important to match the story with the audience, because audiences have different definitions of what a "good story" is.

Some markets like short, jokey stories (but probably not the right formula if you're selling burial plots). Other markets like long and serious sagas about overcoming obstacles (but probably not the right formula if you're selling a children's toy).

So now you've got me thinking about finding out exactly what my target market's favorite story is....

Audre

[Mike Murphy]

Stories are great especially if they do 1 of 2 things for the reader. If the reader can relate to the situation in the story, you've got them hooked and they'll keep reading. The other is the "ooh, I want that TOO" factor which your coat story above has. The reader can likely relate to reading about the affluent chap with the jacket and desired to be wealthy themselves.

It's just important to keep fiction and reality separate.

[Elmer Hurlstone]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

and I said, "wow - you must be rich!"...
...anyway....more later :-)

And, as any good writer, entertainer, comedian or humorist knows, always leave them wanting more...

Don't give away the store. Open the door so they can see all the goodies. Invite them in. Your story got them here. Now it's up to the product and, of course, your presentation of it.

Which may well lead to yet another story...

Elmer

[achivement84]

Hello,

I agree that telling stories in our articles can bring more attention to the, at least you will take the chance of inroducing your items to others without getting them bored,that give a good chance to sell.

Regards

[Nathan Alexander]

As a part-time professional magician for over ten years I am a BIG fan of stories.

Stories work well because they are unassuming and subtle. And while this might be premature (and if I'm not allowed to do this, please delete/igonore this post, I'm not selling anything, yet) you can see a taste of my take on it here.

http://www.storiestoriches.com It's not at there yet, but as a magician I've taken a lot of joy in using what I know to influence behavior into how I run the business of being a magician.

And naturally, it can go on from there.

I DO love reading, telling, performing and creating stories. Everyone should, espcially if your selling your services or a product.

After all, you are always creating a story in someone's head. But whether or not you are doing it intentionally or not with a story you'd like them to have about you is another matter entirely.

Why not shape how people see you when you can?

Now I gotta go buy a coat.