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6 Ways Your Personal Story Connects You to New Clients

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network success
Joel Brown

It seems that everyone is looking for ways to connect with customers and clients, but many miss quite possibly the best way to connect with those they want to reach: Their personal story.

Your personal story can be the thing that separates you from all other service providers. It can be just what you need to go from being one of all the others offering a similar service to the only choice for your target buyer.

Many people in business try to hide behind the company brand when they reach out to prospective clients and customers. Their websites are stripped of any reference to who they are personally. Their books focus solely on the work at hand. Their blogs are impersonal floods of facts. They struggle to stand out in the minds of their would-be buyers, not realizing it’s who they are — their authentic, unique selves — that matters to those who want to do business with them.

That is because in our online and offline world, getting to know who it is we are talking to, learning from, and working with is part of how we do business.

When you see your personal story in this way, you’ll look for opportunities to tell it in your life and business.

 

Why your personal story helps you stand out in business

 

1. It reflects your values

When you share your personal story, the fact that you did X, Y, or Z might not be as important as the reason you did it. That reason might resonate with your target buyer.

Your personal story can illustrate your values in a way a mere value statement cannot.

 

2. It makes you human

People do business with people. When someone has the choice between two (or 200) service providers, the one who stands out might be the one who takes the time to show that he or she is more than an impersonal service provider, and is a real person who has a genuine interest in the work at hand and not just the dollar value of the contract. This can be a place where you show your prospect how much you and she have in common.

 

3. It creates an emotional connection

We buy because of emotion. Sure, we want all the facts, but we whip out our cards because of how we feel: Will buying this shirt make me look and feel good? Will this designer make my website look amazing so I feel like a winner? Will eating at this restaurant be a pleasant experience that makes my day?

 

4. It inspires

Your personal story can be a powerful tool when it pushes others to be better versions of themselves. This is especially the case when your work is speaking, writing, or some other expression aimed at moving people to act. But it is also the case when your work is related to a particular challenge that you successfully faced and now can help others face. For instance, if you are a wellness coach, then the fact that you successfully overcame an eating disorder can be incredibly inspiring to your prospects who are struggling with the same thing.

 

5. It shows you get it

Your personal story can be the place to illustrate that you truly understand your client and her problem. The way you express yourself through your personal story shows that you know the challenges your client faces and you have a way to address them.

 

6. It invites others to be a part of something bigger than themselves

Your personal story can even have the ability to help you kick-start a movement or to create something for the common good that is bigger than the individual service you provide.

Look for ways to share your personal story in your business. Maybe it’s in a book. Maybe it’s your website or blog. Maybe it’s in your speaking. Maybe it’s in a sales presentation. Opportunities are all around for you to weave your life into your business to become a standout in the eyes of those you most want to reach.

 

Your Personal Brand Picture Quote

Monica Carter Tagore ghostwrites books for life and business leaders. In the process of building a business around her writing, she has ghostwritten or authored more than 40 books, including her latest, Connect and Conquer: Grow Your Business, Organization, and Career Through Online and Offline Relationships. As the co-founder of Life and Business Tribe, she shares insight, tools, tips, and strategies to help others build businesses around what they love.

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Startups

The Top Startups You Can’t Miss: Summer 2024 Edition

These companies are important players to keep an eye on in the changing business and technological scene of 2024

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Image Credit: Midjourney

The Summer of 2024 has come to light a number of creative businesses that are transforming their respective sectors, as the startup world continues to change quickly. (more…)

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How to Build Your Dream Tech Startup Team

Are you starting a startup business? Look to build a tech team for your “newborn organization,” and check out this article for useful tips.

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Building a tech startup in today’s competitive market is a daunting task. While an innovative software business idea is considered a great foundation for success, it is not a guarantee. Instead, how you build your tech startup team plays a crucial role in determining the ultimate success of a venture. (more…)

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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Running a triumphant startup requires juggling numerous responsibilities. From managing operations and coordinating with team members to developing innovative marketing strategies and nurturing relationships with clients, the to-do list seems endless. (more…)

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