SYS 210: Mastering Business Storytelling: How Your ‘Why’ Can Skyrocket Engagement and Success - Interview with Stephen Steers, Founder of Steers Sales Consulting

🎙 In this episode of the Systemize Your Success podcast, Dr. Steve Day engages in a compelling conversation with storytelling expert Stephen Steers, author of “Superpower Storytelling.” They discuss powerful business storytelling strategies and how entrepreneurs can effectively communicate their “why” to captivate potential clients and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

 

Stephen also shares his personal journey in sales, emphasising the need for authentic connections and emotional resonance in storytelling. Furthermore, the discussion covers practical frameworks for crafting impactful narratives, including the significance of mission, vision, and milestones.

 

Listeners will gain valuable insights on leveraging their own stories to foster deeper relationships and drive business success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

💡 The Importance of Storytelling: Sharing personal stories and the “why” behind what you do creates a compelling narrative. This resonates with your audience and encourages engagement. It helps them connect with your business.

💡 Framework for Effective Storytelling: Utilize a structured approach when telling stories by asking four key questions: What’s at stake for the audience? What do they want to learn or achieve? How do you want them to feel? What action do you want them to take next?

💡 Types of Stories to Share: Focus on three main types of stories: your mission (why you do what you do), your vision (what success looks like), and milestones (challenges you've overcome or transformations you've facilitated for clients).

💡 Emotional Connection in Sales: Since 95% of purchasing decisions are made subconsciously, creating an emotional connection through storytelling can significantly influence potential clients and lead to more successful sales.

💡 Building a Story Bank: Maintain a “Story Bank” document where you can collect and organise interesting stories from your life. This resource can help you easily draw upon relevant narratives when engaging with clients or presenting your business.

BEST MOMENTS

00:54 - 💬 “To explain to people on an authentic and genuine level, not just what you do, but more importantly why you do it to compel them to want to know more and to work with you.” - Steve Day

05:00 - 💬 “Why you do what you do is your mission. It's not what your company does.” - Stephen Steers

10:16 - 💬 “95% of purchasing decisions take place in the subconscious, which means people are in an emotional state when they make a decision.” - Stephen Steers

20:42 - 💬 “The reason you tell a story is to better help your audience tell their own.”  - Stephen Steers

37:12 - 💬 “Success means creating the freedom for yourself so you can live out the vision you have.” - Stephen Steers

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

00:00 Transform reactions with storytelling strategies.

04:17 Founders ignoring employee struggles sparks mission-driven work.

08:43 “Empower teams with guiding principles and questions.”

14:16 Super impressed by effective communication of purpose.

19:05 AI's influence on business: help or hinder?

20:54 Guiding self-discovery through relatable personal