Luis Miguel and Sabra Rubenstein, CEO and Director of Marketing for Avantpage

#151: How to Use the Story Cycle System™ to Become an Activist Brand

In 2016, Avantpage, an international language translation company, set out to give their already successful company a revamp. They wanted to start standing for more in the world.

They did this by redefining not only their brand strategy, but their brand story. And, it has already increased sales by 30 percent! (more…)

Parker Howell, Virtual Reality Filmmaker

#150: What You Can Learn From Red Bull’s Virtual Reality Storytelling

Nowadays, it seems like our world is bursting at the seams with new technologies. Virtual reality is one of the newest cutting-edge technologies to come onto the scene. But virtual reality spans far beyond putting on a pair of goggles and watching a video. Because, when used correctly, it can completely transform the way you tell your brand’s story.

(more…)

Kylie Slavik, Digital Content Marketer

#149: How to Make Long-Form Story-Based Ads Work for You

When Kylie Slavik took her first job creating an ad campaign, she had no experience in the realm of advertising. So she took her skills acquired from years of being a slam poet and created an ad the only way she knew how—she told a story.

(more…)

Lynn Ferguson, Comedy Writer, Stand-up Comedian, Playwright, Director & Producer

#148: How to Find the Energy and Entertainment in Your Business Stories

You grow up in school writing stories, paying attention to the structure of the stories you’re telling. But when it comes to business, you may need to be doing just the opposite.

(more…)

Nick Westergaard, Author & Brand Strategist

#147: How to Use Your Brand Story to Stand Out in a Crowded, Distracted World

We may not even notice it, but we are being bombarded by brands. Whether it’s a TV commercial, an ad on Instagram, or even just a truck driving by – messaging is everywhere.

But the brands that resonate are the ones that tell a compelling story.

(more…)

Kelley O'Brien, Former Director of Social Media at Krispy Kreme

#146: How Krispy Kreme Delights its Fans Through Digital Storytelling

In 2011, Kelley O’Brien made an ironic transition: she left her career at a health agency to work for one of America’s favorite guilty pleasures: Krispy Kreme.

That’s because Kelly, the former Director of Social Media at Krispy Kreme, is all about bringing joy to her customers, whether through an inventive community health center promotion she used to produce, or planting a donut Easter egg in your Instagram feed. 

(more…)

Michelle Weinstein, Shark Tank Survivor & Entrepreneur

#145: How to Pitch Your Brand Story

Stories sell. And as an entrepreneur, your #1 job will be to sell yourself and your services or products to potential clients. There is no doubt that storytelling works to connect with people on a primal level and move them to action. Telling your story in an enticing and compelling way is half the battle.

(more…)

Michael Backes, Screenwriter, Digital Pioneer, Special Effects Artist & Author

#144: How to Use Inspiration, Relatability and Suspense in Your Brand Storytelling

You may appreciate the importance of using inspiration, relatability and suspense in your stories. But it’s difficult to combine all three elements. We inevitably leave out one of these critical story elements unless we follow proven frameworks to our storytelling.

(more…)

Freya Williams, CEO of Futerra & Author

#143: How Logic and Magic in Your Purpose-Driven Brand Storytelling can Change the World

If you are a leader of a purpose-driven brand, then you appreciate the growing industry of sustainability.  But many brands are still struggling with how to tell their corporate social responsibility narratives and their stories of sustainability – because they’re too often focused on their efforts rather than their outcomes.  

(more…)

Shawn Callahan, co-owner of Anecdote

#142: How to Develop Your Business Strategy Story to Grow Your Brand and Your People

Shawn Callahan, co-owner of Anecdote and co-creator of the Storytelling for Leaders and Storytelling for Sales deliberate practice programs, is an expert at helping people explore ways to put stories to work for their brand and in their business.

(more…)