Engaging with future business owners and helping them to see the merit in storytelling can be a challenge.This group of young women are attending a GirlBoss session at University of Victoria with me leading and plenty of connections invited. I focused on creating a better understanding of the strategic value of knowing how to tell a good story. Basics like avoiding passive voice, speak with emotion, use verbal grammar (pause, stop, smile, accentuate).

I grew up on the East Coast where a good story teller has the power to influence, persuade and even sell. We worked through building a business story using their LinkedIn profiles which is sharing their own stories. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool but most can’t seem to get past thinking its an online resume. Spoiler, it’s not. I reminded them that when someone says, “Let me tell you a story.” we tend to lean in, hard wired for the adventure to come. We talked about using project results, images and work connections as well as stories of challenges met, overcome and successes achieved. That’s what makes a truly great story – the hero’s journey. For my own story I can confirm we had a great time and these young women learned valuable lessons to serve them as employees or as founders.