[Podcast #6] Storytelling framework for startups

In Episode #6 of The Search For Growth podcast, Chris Gibson and myself breakdown Donald Miller’s book “Storybrand: Clarify your message so customers will listen”

Storytelling is a critical part of building a business. Use this framework for building your pitch deck, refining marketing copy, closing new customers, or hiring a team of A+ players.

Don’t just tell people what you do, engage people through persuasive storytelling.

Listen above or choose your favorite podcast player to listen on:

(00:00) Intro 

(01:40) Feedback from listeners

(03:55) Best books on storytelling for entrepreneurs 

(05:20) Chris' company Wavelength

(06:40) Storytelling basics

(09:10) The 7 part framework summary

(11:00) How to use the framework in your own story

(13:10) The Hero has a problem

(22:55) Everyone needs a villain

(26:50) The Hero vs The Guide: How Jay-Z messed this up with Tidal

(30:55) Guide offers a plan

(40:00) Demonstrate the consequences of failure: Superbowl Ad example

(46:00) The promised land 

(47:35) Our newsletters

In todays episode we discuss seven key takeaways from the book Storybrand and how you can build a strategic narrative for your startup. The framework we’ll be discussing is as follows:

1. A Hero

2. has a problem

3. who meets a guide

4. and gives them a plan

5. which compels them to act

6. and helps them avoid failure

7. which ends in success

Resources discussed:

(Storybrand) - the book discussed on the pod

(Crossing the Chasm) - how to structure your go-to-market and pick segments

(Traction) - 19 channels for acquiring customers

(Alfie’s newsletter below)

(Chris' Newsletter below)