Founders Are Storytellers
Be Convincing Wherever You Are
Tell your startup story, by kissing the frog! When the princess kissed the frog, she she won her prince. You, too can be as persuasive with any pitch of your business or nonprofit. There are skills to be learned and, of course, you need to practice, but it’s not rocket science. So many of the 50% of startups that fail in the first five years do so because they don’t get their story straight. Read this book and you will lessen your risk of failure!
It’s not so outrageous as that, but just as startling, if you handle it the right way. Of course, you have to live the story, but living it well will give you ample opportunity to tell the story in a convincing way. Being convincing is what startups must be to succeed.
First, you will need to make an emotional appeal to capture attention. Second, your story must demonstrate how your new venture will change the world, providing solutions to problems. Third, your story will need to convince your audience that your business or nonprofit is the one to deliver value.
But it’s not easy, so I wrote a short (75pp) eBook to help you:
- understand why storytelling for startups is vital, and
- improve your startup storytelling skills, using practical steps to pitch the business.
Here’s the Table of Contents of Founders Are Storytellers
Why Read This Book?
Introduction
How The Book Is Structured
Part One: Why Keep the End in Mind
Chapter 1: Tip the Balance in Your Favor: Overtures of Possibility
Chapter 2: Create Expectation: Desire Consequence
Chapter 3: Tell True Stories: Ensure Belief
Chapter 4: Build Community: Generate Enthusiasm
Chapter 5: Drive Action: Achieve Ends
Part Two: How an Effective Story Works
Chapter 6: Be Brief: Use Less to Achieve More
Chapter 7: Be Graphic: Use Metaphors and Anecdotes
Chapter 8: Be Enhanced: Use the Media—Slides, Video, Images, Audio, Props
Chapter 9: Be Selective: Use the Best Means—Elevator to C-Suite
Chapter 10: Be Effective: Use Technique to Confirm the Story Works
Postscript: Preparing and Sustaining Yourself as a Storyteller
Brief Bio of Will
Acknowledgements