Entrepreneurs Should Tell a Compelling Story

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Recently I was talking to an entrepreneur and he was giving me his elevator pitch. After hearing it, and asking a few clarifying questions, I didn’t feel moved. I wanted more. I wanted a compelling story. I wanted a raison d’être. Thinking about it further, I realized that entrepreneurs are trained to provide short, simple talking points.

Yes, entrepreneurs should be able to deliver an elevator pitch, but entrepreneurs should also tell a compelling story. Think about the following questions:

Why are you doing what you’re doing?
Why are you passionate about it?
Why are you going to change the world?
What compelled you to action?
What gets you excited in the morning?
What unfinished business do you have?

Find a storyteller to help with the message. Craft a narrative. Get people excited. And, most of all, tell a compelling story.

What else? What are your thoughts on entrepreneurs needing to tell a compelling story?

Comments

9 responses to “Entrepreneurs Should Tell a Compelling Story”

April 14, 2014

Kim

Hi David,

I have been reading your posts for a long time now. I just finished watching this TED talk by “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action and thought I would share it with you as your post seemed to speak towards why the “why” is so important.

I agree with your post and have read many articles about the new CEO, often referred to as the story telling CEO.

Thank you and keep writing.

-Kim

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April 14, 2014

mewruns

Thanks for sharing this topic. So often, companies stop developing their brand story before it has a chance to get truly compelling. Enlist someone who isn’t afraid to ask you the hard questions – it will get you past the ‘commodity’ messages (people! process! technology!) Never forget to look deep into the culture of your enterprise.

And it’s never a bad idea to start with a little research into your competition and audience. After all, you’re not branding into a void, so you’d better understand where your elevator story is going.

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April 15, 2014

menteenotes

Couldn’t agree more. I have been on the receiving end of the typical well rehearsed, eyes glazed over elevator pitch many times. Give me your reason for being and you have me hooked, give me something clinical and you’ve lost me.

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April 15, 2014

nishapereira

I really agree, actually this post had made me consider fine tuning my elevator pitch- that is I’ve already had many ask me why? And I think I’ve given a less than satisfactory response! Thanks for the insight

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April 15, 2014

Forest

Great insight. It is very true that we tend to find a “quick effective pitch” and avoid the details around how and why we ended up landing where we are.

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April 15, 2014

inspireyourbusiness

I agree. I think passion and authenticity are key. You can’t fake genuine passion and enthusiasm for your work and this is what people connect with. An individual story, however quirky it might be, is also a great ‘selling point’ I have found. People buy from people. Thanks for this article.

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April 15, 2014

Jeff Harbeson

David, thank you for sharing this post. Passion must transcend the elevator pitch and become woven into the fabric of those of us that develop.

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April 15, 2014

Mike

Will you give a call to arms for the upcoming startup weekend so we get the best of the best out there an several companies give birth?

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April 16, 2014

udesham

The story is the only personal connection with the audience, therefore the narrative should definitely be given more attention.

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