That’s a Really Great Story!

What is your experience with hearing or reading stories?  Maybe you’ve heard someone tell a story – or perhaps you were reading a story in a book – and you’re left feeling confused.  Like “What was the point of that?” or “You lost me part way through.”

A new career coaching client recently started working with me.  His main goal: 

He wants to tell a more powerful story about his career and future goals.

He’s not alone.  When it comes to managing your career, clear, powerful and interesting storytelling is essential as in:

What’s your story – who are you?  What do you do?  Who do you do it for?  How do you do it? And…. WHY do you do it????  (this is where you really draw them in!)

Let me back up for a moment about storytelling.

Nothing sucks me in like a really interesting story.  Like an “I can’t wait to read / see / hear what happens next!” story.  Whether it’s a book, movie, television series… Especially a book at the beach; I can get totally lost in the story and sunburn before I know it!

Conversely, nothing loses me quicker than a confusing or rambling story.

It’s the same thing for people who want or need to tell their professional story.

Wondering how to really nail your story so that your audience is drawn in? 

●     Focus: Make sure there is a clear beginning, middle and end to your story. 

●     Make it interesting: What’s unique about you?  For example, what are you most known for professionally? Where do you do what you do so well? What superpowers and strengths do you bring to your work?

●     Tell it with authority!  In other words, be confident, not hesitant – after all, you’re the character in the really compelling story of your career. (Bonus hint: Being able to do means practicing telling your story.)

●     Be authentic by infusing your story with your own personality and style.

Once you know what story to tell about your professional self, there are so many opportunities to tell it on your career journey:

●     Collateral – including your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional bio.

●     Networking – how you introduce yourself and what you do at events or one-to-one opportunities; your story is your “pitch.”

●     Interviews – stories are important in answering interview questions (including the non-question question “Tell Me About Yourself;”) and doing it in a concise way, sticking to the most powerful pieces of the story, leaving your interviewer wanting to know more!

Not everyone is a born storyteller – and it’s a special challenge when we’re telling our OWN story.  That’s where career coaching can help!  I support my clients in defining their story components, the most natural way for them to tell it, and where and how to maximize it. Schedule time with me here if you want to chat!

After all, when it comes to your career, YOU have a lot of input to the creative story that leads to your own happy ending!

#careercoaching #careermanagement #careertransition #professionalbrand