What's Your Story?

Every business owner has a story; a story about why they started their business; what the key reasons were at the time and what drove them to make the decsion and to take the first step.

Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart had his story, Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express had his story and Ray Kroc, the founder of MacDonalds had his story. In fact Ray Kroc would sit down with his future MacDoanlds Francishees and before they went on their training and before they got the keys to their new store, Ray Kroc would share his story with them.

Michael Gerber recently started his new business at the young age of 73 and he calls it "The Dreaming Room". His latest bestselling book, "Awakening the Entrepreneur Within" explains his latest story.The book is excellent and takes you on the whole journey of creating a new business from the initial idea right through to getting going. Part of this process is creating your story. It must be compelling and passionate so that people can buy into it. Especially important if you are going to be employing staff. Your new recruits need to know your story - you will need to tell it to them so they know your dream; your vision and they can join you on your journey.

It's often difficult for staff who don't know the owner's story. They do their job but it would be way more fulfiling if they knew the story of the business, the reason why the company is doing what it's doing. Can you imagine how much more exciting it would be if you knew your boss' dream and vision for the business? How many bosses have sat down and told each member of staff their story? Think about how your staff would feel if you took the time to actually sit down with them in the next week and told them your story and how important your business is and what you want to achieve in your business and how you need their help. You're on a journey together and you want their help and their committment. During these tough times you can explain why it might not be possible to give them a pay rise, but by spending some quality time with them, telling them your story, you'll be surprised at how much happier they will be and how much more effective they will be at their job.

If you run your own business then you need to have your story and be ready to tell it at every opportunity. Martin Luther King, Jr had a dream. He knew what his story was and in telling it to the world on 28th August 1963 he changed the course of history.

People buy people and if you have a passionate story then people will warm to you and will be more ready to help you. It will help you when you engage suppliers - they will understand your story and know what you're trying to achieve and be more likely to help you if they can. If they love your story and buy into your story they will be almost as enthusiastic about it as you and be pleased to partner with you.

What's My Story?
I call myself an Internet Evangelist! I love everything to do with the Internet. I'm passionate about helping business owners get back control and stay in control of their online business. So many people don't know where their website is hosted or if the domain name is even owned by them. See my Blog post from June - http://blog.dickiearmour.me.uk/2010/06/are-you-in-control-of-your-online.html . I spend every day helping people get back control of their domain names and it gives me a massive sense of satisfaction. The Internet is perceived to be quite complicated and people get really confiused about domain names, websites, and email and so I love to help our customers understand and I give them help and advice on how they can remain in control which helps them avoid many of the pitfalls.

So what's your story? What's the story of your business and why you started it? Take time out today to hone your story and then go and tell the world! If you have staff make a promise to meet with each of them within 1 week and sit them down and tell them your story and the vital part they play in it.