1156: Let's Wrap This Up

Over the past 30 days, we've taken a stroll through some of the principles and techniques of business storytelling... Triggers. Subtext. The power of open loops. We've seen how stories start when somene's world is thrown out of balance, unleashing a deep desire within them. The pursuit of that desire is, of course, the story ... whether it's Die Hard, Casabalanca, or Ross and Rachel. Or indeed, the business life that you are building through your work, brand or startup. We've also seen how actions reveal character. We began this journey with Walter White standing over Jessie's girlfiend as she choked to death. If you've seen Breaking Bad, you'll remember how – a few scenes before – he had tenderly turned his infant daughter onto her side. Yes, a loving father. But under pressure, Walter shows us who he truly is. As in stories so in life. We've talked a lot about pressure in this series. The tension between what people have and what they want. The tension between what they say and what they mean. Even the biological tension we feel when a story character get's into trouble. And that's where I want to end this series. Back in the Wall•E post, we talked about the value of empathy and the first commandment of storytelling: MAKE ME CARE. And what do you see when you look at this montage? Buildings? Machinery? Fiscal reports? Of course not. Every image – like every good story – starts with a face. Humans relate to other humans, to you and your story – especially when it speaks to their experience, needs, fears and identity. If nothing else sticks from this series, that's a powerful place to start. Thanks for reading. Nick --- This is one of 30 riffs on #Business #Storytelling. Follow me to get the series. ------------------- The Stories Mean Business podcast with Nick Warren. One Idea A Day, Every Day. Get deeper into business storytelling: https://storiesmeanbusiness.com/storybusiness/ https://storiesmeanbusiness.com/podcast