Shows
Building your BrandThe One Thing Missing From Your Brand: Discover the Magic of Storytelling with Hilary SalzmanThis episode is brought to you by Riverside, an amazing platform that makes recording high-quality podcasts and videos super easy. Give Riverside a try—it's free! And if you love it as much as I do, use the code lizmosley to get 15% off when you subscribe. Welcome to another episode of Building Your Brand! Today, I welcome Hilary Salzman, a brand storytelling expert and coach. Hilary shares her insights on the importance of storytelling in building a successful brand and provides practical tips on how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. Key Tak...2025-02-1954 min
Creating Happy WritersS3 Ep72: Let Your Story Roar - with Hilary Salzman How often do you use storytelling in your business? Perhaps often. But how often do you share your story, and how does it make you feel when you do? For many small business owners, it makes us feel vulnerable, and we lose confidence in using our voices in the way that feels right for us.
Luckily, this month’s guest author is here to help us.
Hilary Salzman is a business storyteller, writer, podcast host, and speaker dedicated to helping female business owners who struggle to use their voices and tell their stories confidently.
Her...2024-11-111h 05
The Unbound Writer's ClubEpisode 185: The Roar of Her Story with Hilary SalzmanIn this episode of the Unbound Writer’s Club, Nicola’s in conversation with unbound author Hilary Salzman about the birth of her book, The Roar of Her Story: How to tell everyday stories to attract your dream clients and build a business that's unapologetically you. “As I read the manuscript, there were so many light bulb moments,” says Nicola.In this Episode:Who is Hilary’s book for?Everyone has a voice; it's about drawing it outFinding your voice isn't just about writing really good contentHow did Hilary get started with actually writing her book?W...2024-11-0123 min
The Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass : Lesson 5 - Sharing your storyThis episode is the final part of my special Brand Story Masterclass dedicated to getting your brand story written once and for all and giving you the confidence and know-how to get out there and tell it.
If you get your brand story straight, you'll have a whole heap of content ready to go. It's perfect for your website - a refreshing change to an About Me page. Check out Lucy and Yak for a great - and highly creative - example.
Your values also hold exciting content to show others what the experience of...2024-01-2904 minThe Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass : Lesson 4 - Your valuesOk, this is simple. We, as people, look to work with others or buy from brands that share the same values. If you don't talk about your values, how will we ever know what you stand for? It sounds like a lost opportunity to me…
As a brand, your values are the principles that guide you in everything you do. And, if you have people working for you or plan to bring them on board in the future, they also suggest what you expect from others.
Here are my top tips for thinking about your va...2024-01-2904 minThe Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass : Lesson 3 - Your missionIf your vision is where you'd like to get to one day, your mission is what you're going to do every day to achieve it.
It describes how you'll act on purpose to deliver your vision and - most importantly - imparts a whole heap of handy information to your audience to attract them to you in the first place and get them to hang around for longer too.
If you listened to my last episode, you're hopefully already figuring out your vision (if not, it's worth stopping and going back to).
So...2024-01-2904 minThe Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass : Lesson 2 - Your visionIf you want to feel confident, you know where you're heading and be motivated to keep going, even on a bad day.
Or if you want to feel fulfilled and understand why you get out of bed every day. If you wish to stop chasing every brand new sparkly thing that comes your way, then, my dear friends, it's time to figure out your vision.
In the last episode, we examined your purpose - why you do what you do. This time, we'll explore your vision with five questions you can ask yourself.
What...2024-01-2903 minThe Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass: Lesson 1 - Your purposeWhen outdoor clothing company Patagonia say, 'we're in business to save our home planet', wow, do they mean it. They epitomise what it means to be a purpose-led brand and demonstrate it relentlessly.
You may not be a multi-national brand (yet), but in the words of Patagonia's founder Yvon, when figuring out your purpose, "you have to start right from the beginning."
I share three questions to help you think about your purpose as part of your brand story.
How and why did you start your business? What was happening in your life? What...2024-01-2904 minThe Everyday StorytellerBrand Story Masterclass bonus episode. Why figuring out your brand story may be the best thing you do this year.If you want to attract your dream clients, create an audience full of engaged, wonderful people or even land that killer job you've set your sights on, figuring out your brand story is one of THE most important things you can do.
To mark National Storytelling Week (30 Jan - 5 Feb), the podcast is transforming into a step-by-step, day-by-day masterclass that will allow you to talk confidently about who you are and what you stand for.
Most importantly, you'll learn how to use your brand story to lead people in your direction, build the relationships you...2024-01-2907 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to make sure your voice doesn’t get lost over Christmas.Does spending time with your family in the holidays turn you into a person you don’t recognise? Or maybe someone you had really hoped you’d seen the back of?
I share a little bit of advice to get you through the festivities.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave...2023-11-1702 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to find your voice after taking time out.If you’re struggling to find your voice after returning to work having had children, changing careers after redundancy or simply doing something you haven’t done for a while, you are far from alone.
In this episode I share my experiences of returning to my corporate career after 12 months maternity leave and the impact this at on my sense of purpose and voice. And I provide some practical guidance for re-connecting with who you are now and what you have to say.
For women with something to say, The Ev...2023-11-1503 min
Podcasting 101 with RachaelStorytelling for your podcast with Hilary SalzmanWelcome back to Season 2 of the podcast!This week Hilary Salzman joins me to chat all things storytelling.We chat about how storytelling isn't a new concept, we've been doing it all our lives! But it is easy to get caught up in the latest shiny marketing thing and get overwhelmed as business owners.Hilary is the host of The Everyday Storyteller podcast, and she shares her experience on why she decided to start a podcast, how she went about it and how it works for her business.Hilary shares her...2023-09-0445 min
Pitch MastersS1E22 VIDEO VERSION: Hilary Salzman, the Business StorytellerYou've probably heard of the power of storytelling in business, but how do we actually go about doing it - and do we need to be a natural-born storyteller? Enter, Hilary Salzman, the Business Storyteller.
Hilary is the founder of 22-stories.com and she's on a mission to get more people telling stories to grow their business. In this episode of Pitch Masters, we talk about why we should tell stories in business, the science behind creating emotional connections, and frameworks that you can immediately start using to create your own compelling stories. We also tal...2023-06-251h 17Pitch MastersS1E22: Hilary Salzman, the Business StorytellerYou've probably heard of the power of storytelling in business, but how do we actually go about doing it - and do we need to be a natural-born storyteller? Enter, Hilary Salzman, the Business Storyteller.
Hilary is the founder of 22-stories.com and she's on a mission to get more people telling stories to grow their business. In this episode of Pitch Masters, we talk about why we should tell stories in business, the science behind creating emotional connections, and frameworks that you can immediately start using to create your own compelling stories. We also tal...2023-06-251h 17
The Just Bloody Post It PodcastEp #119 Making your podcast possible a LIVE SPECIAL with Nic Redman, Suzi Dale and Hilary Salzman**Mind your ears for mild some swearing**
What a bloody treat! I got to record a real life on-the-sofa-next-to-me show with some favourite work pals at The Podcast Show London 2023. And here it is for you to wrap your ears and thoughts around.
Nic Redman (voice coach), Suzi Dale (podcast producer), Hilary Salzman (copywriting storyteller) and I all have our own podcast. And in this special edition of #JustBloodyPostIt we talk about
what makes it possible to start a podcast
why you'd bother doing something so slightly tricky
why more women aren't doing it
a...2023-05-3141 minThe Everyday StorytellerAm I allowed to tell my story?One of the questions I get asked most frequently is am I allowed to tell my story?
Ok, so obviously, there are no laws in place around who can tell their story. Yet, there does seem to be something unwritten which dictates, in your mind, whether or not you can tell your story.
Today I delve into the barriers we all create for ourselves when it comes to sharing our personal story.
Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?
Find me:
On...2023-05-1203 minThe Everyday StorytellerYour voice is not the bogeyman. It's time to stop being afraid of it.Don't be afraid of your voice. It is one of your greatest gifts, so don't squander it pretending to be someone you are not. If people don't like what they hear – go and seek out those that do – they are your people.
For some of you, speaking with clarity and confidence in your voice may come naturally (and massive high fives if it does), but I know from experience that it's not always easy. So where do you start when it comes to developing your voice?
Begin by asking yourself why you do what you do...2023-05-1103 minThe Everyday StorytellerMemory like a goldfish? I wish.The average human attention span is now allegedly, just 8 seconds. That’s less than a goldfish…
We live in an incredible noisy world which, if you’re trying to be heard, leaves you in a bit of a quandary. Telling stories help you cut through the chatter to make others listen, and remember, what you have to say.
In this episode I share three ideas of how to use your story.
Start with what you know; your story. Why you do what you do and what this means to the people you are trying to eng...2023-05-1002 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to get other people to tell great stories about you.Where do you find the best stories to tell? A great place to start is asking those you’ve helped.
In this episode I look at ways in which you can get other people, like your customers, colleagues or collaborators to tell you story for you.
Here are 5 things to consider when doing this:
A simple quote goes a long way - don't be afraid to ask for a testimonial or use a quick online survey to make it super simple for customers. You’re not asking for War and Peace.
Share any mention they...2023-05-0902 minThe Everyday Storyteller3 reasons why it’s time to nail your personal brand story.If you’re a business owner, it won’t come as a surprise that crafting your brand story can really help you focus and grow, connecting your customers to who you are and what you stand for. But what if you work for someone else? It’s easy to assume you don’t need a brand story.
I’m here, in this episode, to try and persuade you otherwise.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and review...2023-05-0402 minThe Everyday Storyteller3 storytelling myths we need to talk about.I’m all for demystifying storytelling. Changing the narrative, if you excuse the pun, and making learning to tell your story much more accessible and a lot less daunting. It’s one of the reasons why I started this podcast and what motivates me to keep going. So strap yourself in, as I tackle one of the biggest misconceptions about storytelling.
1. Storytelling can only be used when being really creative or “fun”. It’s not for corporate marketing or serious issues.
Wrong. Storytelling is a way to get your message not only heard but embedded in the hear...2023-05-0303 minThe Everyday StorytellerYou don’t have to be a great writer to be a good storyteller.We all have our individual strengths and weaknesses and not everyone is a naturally talented writer. But we DO all have storytelling in us.
In this episode, I show you different ways to tell your story is writing really isn’t your thing - think photos, infographics, hand drawn doodles. Or, just go back to basics and talk to the camera.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show an...2023-05-0202 minThe Everyday StorytellerLife is an (emotional) rollercoaster.The most compelling stories swing between negative and positive emotions. This helps create a sense of conflict, excitement, satisfaction and resolution and prevents your audience from nodding off half way through.
In this episode I explore how using the ups and downs of life help you create more emotionally powerful stories that not only hook in your audience but keep their interest right to the end.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help...2023-04-2803 minThe Everyday StorytellerThe secret to making storytelling less of a mountain to climb.It’s all in the mind. If you think about storytelling as the icing on your cake, it will feel less of an uphill struggle and more of a gentle meander to a place you really want to visit.
Here are 3 tips to help you sprinkle a few stories here and there:
Talk directly to your audience and the needs you know they have. This will make them feel seen and heard. If you don’t know who your audience are or what they need - do this, quick stat.
Use a really simple storytelling structure - like once upon...2023-04-2603 minThe Everyday StorytellerHunting high and low. Where to look for stories.You ARE already a storyteller - you just need to find the stories. Plot spoiler. They’re everywhere.
They’re in your personal journey, how you set up your business, and the mission you’re on now.
They’re in the experiences of your customers working with you and how you’ve impacted their life.
They’re in the people you work with, your teams, those you collaborate with, your community or tribe.
And they’re in the world around us; the things you see and feel, your sense of purpose, your desire to change and make a difference, th...2023-04-2502 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhat ‘winning hearts and minds’ really means and how storytelling can help you.You know that warm squishy feeling you get when you're doing something you know is really right for you? Or you make a decision and your heart literally skips with joy? All of that comes from a part of your brain called the Limbic system.
In this episode, I’m going to show you how you can tap into your customer’s Limbic brain with your storytelling by thinking about what you actually need your story to do for you.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voic...2023-04-2403 minThe Everyday StorytellerAll the stories you can tell. Ideas for telling customer stories with impact.How do you know what stories your audience want or need to hear? It’s time to dig deep and understand what’s really going on with them.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself about your audience - each answer is a potential story to tell.
What makes them happy?
What keeps them awake at night?
What is their greatest fear?
What problem do they need to solve and what will their life look and feel like once they’ve done that?
What do they hope to gain from seeking a solution and what barrie...2023-04-1403 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to get your stories sizzling.Sharing successes, getting creative with what you offer, providing a sneak peek into why you’re so damn into what you do, there are so many ways in which stories can help connect you to your audience and get them to act in the way you need them do. But how do you take content and make it sizzle in a way that others will sit up and listen?
Here’s five ways to turn the blah to brilliant:
Use an instantly recognisable story structure to tell your audience they’re in for something exciting.
Get emosh...2023-04-1303 minThe Everyday StorytellerStories to showcase your personal side.When was the last time you shared the ‘you’ of your brand in a social media post, presentation or even an informal chat? Struggling to remember? Shuddering at the thought of it?
Take a listen to this episode and we’ll see if we can change that.
Stuck for ideas for your content? How about trying these?
Sharing something you love and something you hate
Talking about your first ever job and inviting others to share their stories
The most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you and how you dealt with it
A hobby or...2023-04-1203 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to use storytelling, when you’ve got no stories to tell.Just starting out in business and got no customer stories or testimonials to share? Fret not, I’ve got a plan for you.
In this episode I show you how to get creative with storytelling to craft fictional scenarios that show off what you do in the best light possible - even when you haven’t sold a thing.
Here’s how:
Create a fictional customer - the ideal person you would like to work with
Think about the problem they have (that you solve)
Work up a short imaginary scenario where that person is thr...2023-04-0103 minThe Everyday StorytellerBeing emotional is not a curse. In fact, it could be the thing your audience really love about you.I used to be so fearful of getting emotional when I spoke in meetings that for years, I simply kept quiet. I would hide my true feelings - because that’s what you did in the corporate world right? Well, not any more.
Being emotional doesn’t make me unprofessional. All the evidence of my work, the experience my customers get, the results I deliver for them, that’s enough for others to see how professional I am. Being emotional, well that just shows how much I care. That I have a heart. And that’s...2023-03-2204 minThe Everyday StorytellerStorytelling isn’t just for your About Me page. 5 tips for using stories across your website.Business storytelling is a powerful tool to engage your audience, create connections and motivate them to take action. Which, funnily enough, is exactly what your website should be doing for you. But all too often the only story I see on website is on the About Me page.
I share 5 tips for using storytelling techniques across every page (or through any of your marketing content)
Stories are always about transformation. Make your customer the hero and use your website copy to show them what that journey could look like for th...2023-03-2104 minThe Everyday StorytellerTelling a great customer story is easy when you know how. Or have a template to show you!In episode 88 I shared my secret sauce questions that you can ask your customers to get all the really juicy feedback from them.
Now with all that info in hand, it’s time to turn it into a story you can use on your website, your social media and in your presentations and proposals with my repeatable template based on Donald Millar’s StoryBrand.
Who is your main character? What were they trying to achieve and why?
What obstacles did they face?
What happened when they met you?
What did you do together to solve their prob...2023-03-1703 minThe Everyday StorytellerThe secret sauce recipe to a great customer case studyI share my secret sauce questions you can ask your customers to ensure you get the content you need for a GREAT testimonial.
What triggered you to buy from me? What was life like for you before buying from me and what did you need to change?
What was your biggest challenge and how was it impacting you? What did you fear most?
What helped you make the decision to buy from me? What did you hope you would be able to do after working with me/ buying my product that you hadn’t t been able to do...2023-03-1603 minThe Everyday StorytellerWe’re all just one hot mess. Let’s not try and pretend otherwise.We are not perfect people. I am not a perfect person. We are all works in progress.
Sure you can tell a story that makes you sound like the elixir to all our problems in life (buy my course and make a million pounds in a week just like - sound familiar?) But it isn’t going to do a lot if your customer’s can’t see themselves in it.
In this episode I show you how to write a story that shows your customers you really get what’s going on with them, messy bi...2023-03-1502 minThe Everyday StorytellerHave you ever stopped to think how your words make others feel?“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa.
Today’s episode invites you to think about how you can use your voice to help lift someone up, help them feel you support and show them what type of person you are. What better way to use your voice for good?
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard, I’d love it if you left a 5 star rating or review. It makes me feel loved and more importantly increases the visibility of my show so more women like y...2023-03-1402 minThe Everyday StorytellerAnd the award goes to...Unlike all the Hollywood hopefuls, my chances of winning an Oscar are pretty slim but it doesn’t stop me fantasising about what I would say if I did….
This is such a fun way to talk about your journey so far, giving a nod to those that have helped (or hindered) along the way as you’ve developed your business - and yourself.
It’s the perfect way to inject storytelling into your content and name check those that have made a difference to your story. It’s also an opportunity to share some of your le...2023-03-1302 minThe Everyday StorytellerCan you tell a story about something dull?Can you tell a story about something dull? The answer is definitely yes (and I’ve written plenty of them in my time!)
Whatever you’re selling - sexy or sensible, you’ll be solving a problem for someone - a real life human. And that’s where the interesting story lies.
If you’re still unconvinced, take a listen to this episode to be inspired for telling a good story about what you do (even if it is a little …hmmm… boring)
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast abou...2023-03-1003 minThe Everyday StorytellerIs outsourcing storytelling admitting defeat?There is no wrong or right answer to the question of outsourcing storytelling and copywriting but one thing I am certain of, we are not super heroes. We cannot be good at everything, all of the time. There is no weakness in asking for help. In fact, it can be such a smart business move, it’s quite the opposite.
If you’re unsure about investing in someone to help you (storytelling or otherwise) here are a few questions for you to consider:
What would it cost you to do it yourself? Your immediate thought might be ‘...2023-03-0903 minThe Everyday StorytellerINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL: Why words can sometimes be just as strong as actionThis year's International Women’s Day is all about embracing equity, wrapping our arms around a collective narrative and taking action to drive change to create an inclusive world for all - where all voices matter.
Yes this fight needs to be more than something we just write about - but our words do matter and hold weight when used correctly.
On this most important day, I share my ideas on how you can use your words to drive action:
1. Celebrate the achievements of women you care about and who inspire you
2...2023-03-0804 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhat can we learn from a good ghost story?From spooky goings on in my house to our eternal quest for meaning, I explore why we love ghost stories so much and how we can apply it to our own storytelling.
And I take you through an exercise to explore what shared experiences you have with your ideal clients and what questions they are seeking answers to - the answers to which will help you tell stories that really resonate.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5...2023-03-0703 minThe Everyday StorytellerCustomer success stories are ready-made content. So why aren’t you using them more?Imagine being able to unblock whatever is holding you back from sharing your customer success stories?
If the idea of sharing case studies, testimonials and success story fills you with dread, even though you know you probably - no definitely - should be doing more of it. Or if asking your customers for a review brings on a hot sweat even though you know their really happy with what you’ve helped them with. Rest assured you’re not alone.
I take you through an exercise to switch your mindset about customer testimonials and understand all...2023-03-0603 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to ensure your brand story doesn't end up in the bottom of your knicker drawer?Don't waste your time, money and effort creating a brilliant brand story to tick a box and then doing sweet FA with it.
Here are five ways to stop your brand story from gathering dust and ensure all the hard work you put into crafting it converts into lovely new relationships and sales.
On your website. If you don't use your story to update your about me, you're missing a trick (it's ready-made content)
On your social media - take the headlines - your purpose or vision and turn them into your bio to help people...2023-03-0303 minThe Everyday StorytellerA foolproof way to ensure your stories are always about your audience.Today I'm sharing one of my favourite marketing and storytelling hacks. The 'So What?' Test.
If your customers can quickly understand your value, aligned with the problem they are trying to solve, they are more likely to buy from you. Yet many businesses bury that value underneath a load of marketing fluff designed to make them look clever without ever thinking about the customer.
With this foolproof method, you can put your customer value at the front and centre of every story you tell. So here's the trick. With every statement you make, everything...2023-03-0202 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhy figuring out your brand story may be the best thing you do this year.If you didn’t catch this the first time round, today’s episode is a special extended show looking at why figuring out your brand story may be the best thing you do this year.
If you want to learn more about this subject and work through your brand story step-by-step that will you to talk confidently about who you are and what you stand for, check out the following episodes:
Ep #55 - Lesson 1 - Your purpose
Ep #56 - Lesson 2 - Your vision
Ep #57 - Lesson 3 - Your mission
Ep #58 - Lesson 4 - Your values
Ep #59 - Le...2023-03-0107 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhere do you draw the line between fact and fiction when telling your story?When does applying a bit of creative license turn into defrauding your audience? And does it matter? Answer: YES.
Adding dramatic details to your stories is all part of painting a more engaging picture for your audience. As is creating an imaginary scenario to help your customers see what working with you or using your product could look and feel like for them, providing it's clear it's fictional.
But fabricating and presenting it as real is a different matter and puts your relationships with your audience at high risk.
I'm all for spinning...2023-02-2802 minThe Everyday StorytellerThis episode is brought to you by a chat bot.Unless you've been hiding under a rock recently, you'll have heard about the rise of AI content creators. ChatGPT, Jasper, and even Canva are getting in on the act.
I can see its appeal - we're all strapped for time and money but the big question for me is - can you use AI to create stories?
Yes, of course. But don't expect them to do anything for you.
Storytelling is exclusively human. It's not an algorithm or database. It's woven into our DNA and into our brains' chemical makeup. It's the very essence of what makes us human. And...2023-02-2403 minThe Everyday Storyteller3 simple ways to make your stories more memorable.If you meet someone for the first time and you tell them a story, they’re 22x more likely to remember you the next time. So why do we (me included) feel it necessary to recount our whole CV, all the way back to our weekend paper round when we’re asked to introduce ourselves?
Here are three tips to help you build storytelling into how you describe yourself and your business so that no-one forgets who you are and what you can do for them.
Tip 1 - Talk directly to your audience and the prob...2023-02-2303 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to make sure what you say counts.I’ve been so inspired by the women I work with, driven by their past experiences and determined to share their knowledge or learn from the tough times they’ve experienced, turning the negative into positive life affirming actions that helps others and bring joy, and hope to the world.
In this episode, I explore how you can use your voice to make a difference.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
How about sharing a story that celebrates the achievement of another women you know?
Maybe use your platform to talk about a ti...2023-02-2203 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to use fear wisely - tapping into your customer's worries without scaremongering.Business owners who don't tell their story are 92% more likely to fail in the first 2 years of trading.
Before you start panicking, that stat is entirely made up but I bet it made you look?! Fear is a potent emotion and, as such, should be used wisely when telling your stories.
Trying frighten your audience into doing something send an unmistakable message about who you are and what your brand stands for. I'm guessing that most of you, if not all of you, don't want to be seen like that.
Here are three...2023-02-2103 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhat can you learn from my failed job interview?I blew a massive promotion opportunity by using ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ at the interview because I felt I wasn’t good enough to claim my successes Ias my own. At just 23 I had experienced my first professional bout of imposter syndrome. And it didn’t feel good.
Two decades later, I see small business owners, especially female ones, making the same mistake. And I get it. You want to be taken seriously. You want others to think you’re running a “proper” businesses. Can you really do this all by yourself? YES YOU CAN!
I share why saying...2023-02-2003 minThe Everyday StorytellerAre you a ‘wordy’ and does it even matter?Next time you’re writing something and you find yourself reaching for the thesaurus for the fanciest pants-iest words you can find. Don’t.
Stop and think first about your audience and how you want your words to make them feel.
I explore by writing with emotion doesn’t require you to be an English master.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they c...2023-02-1603 minThe Everyday StorytellerStop telling your life story and tell your customers’ story instead.The most effective stories are those that your customers can see themselves in. Like a mirror being held up. Yes, you might be sharing your experiences, your learnings, your fears but, and here’s the key to great storytelling, you want your customers to feel actually, its all about them.
It’s really the difference between why some stories convert to sales and others, well, don’t.
Today I share an exercise in making sure your story tells your customers’ story too.
Grab a pen and draw three columns. In the first write down a l...2023-02-1502 minThe Everyday StorytellerLooking for love? What online dating teaches us about storytelling.Storytelling is the ultimate match maker, giving you an opportunity to connect what your customers’ need with what it is you can do for them.
But we all know finding the perfect partner goes way beyond what you both look like on paper.
In this episode I explore how you can use your stories to attract your ideal customers and create strong relationships that last way beyond the initial spark and excitement.
I also let you into my own little love story…..
Want to continue the conversation or get some extra supp...2023-02-1403 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhat I’ve learned writing 65 podcastsThere’s a lot to be said for doing something every day. Little by little you learn, improve and your confidence grows. But I don’t think I was quite prepared for what writing a daily podcast would teach me.
In this episode I share how writing little and often for this show has made me more relaxed, more confident and able to speak more naturally - all the things you need to be a great everyday storyteller.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one...2023-02-1303 minThe Everyday StorytellerDon’t leave it up to your customers to fill in the missing gaps.Do you really want your customers trying to second guess you? How are you going to appeal to what they need, if they don’t know the fully story about who you are and how you can help solve their problem?
Moral of the story. Don’t leave it up to your audience to fill in the gaps. Don’t leave answered questions. Give them everything they need to make an informed choice about you and tell your story to give them something to connect and relate to.
In this episode I share a quick an eas...2023-02-1003 minThe Everyday StorytellerLook into my crystal ball... How to use storytelling to create a better future.Fortune telling may not be an obvious marketing too but when you’re trying to show customers why they should buy from you, there’s one trick in the book worth trying.
In this episode I show you how to get creative with your storytelling by sharing a vision of the future - what life could look like for your ideal clients if they bought into what you do.
And I share 3 tips to get you started:
Think about what’s really important to your customer; what are they trying to achieve, what do they v...2023-02-0903 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to use stories to get people to do things you want them to doUsing stories to drive action comes down to one thing - saying the right things, at the right time, to the right people.
But how do you know what you should be saying and when?
Today I share some practical ways to make sure your stories don’t just attract attention, but her your customers to act (and buy from you) when the time is right for them.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ra...2023-02-0803 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to brand yourself when you work for someone else.Creating your own brand story doesn’t just sit exclusively with business owners.
If you’re employed by an organisation not run by you, getting your story straight can really help you as your progress your career, build relationships with colleagues or customers and lead successful teams.
Here are some questions to get you thinking about your story:
What motivates you to do your job?
How do you want to be seen today in your business? What do you want to be known for?
When it’s time to move on, what do you want t...2023-02-0703 minThe Everyday StorytellerThe case of the invisible egg machine (and the storytelling lesson we can learn from it)We all have stories that are so ingrained in our minds we believe them to be true. Sometimes, even though we understand logically they’re probably made up, we continue to believe them as they’re a source of comfort or joy.
But what about the stories that aren’t helpful? The stories that are actually an uncomfortable source of negative emotions. Surely if we can embellish stories because they make us feel good, then we can take away the things that exist to do the exact opposite.
In this episode I explore how to re-thi...2023-02-0603 min
Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps#20 How to use YOUR STORY in your podcasting (A Takeover by The Everyday Storyteller Hilary Salzman)Stories have the incredible power to engage your audience in a way straightforward facts and figures can’t. And you can use stories to convey all sorts of information and ideas entertainingly and memorably throughout your podcast.
As this week is National Storytelling Week we’ve teamed up with a storyteller, who spends her time supporting others to share their stories.
Hilary Salzman- runs 22Stories and is the voice of the brilliant The Everyday Storyteller podcast, which helps women to share their voice and their stories through short daily prompts.
Here are Hilary’s three...2023-01-3004 minThe Everyday StorytellerUp for a giggle? How and when to use humour in your stories.A few little titters here and there, the odd pun or amusing tale can make your content more interesting, put a smile on your audience’s face and keep them hooked.
But only if the proper precautions are taken. And, only if it’s authentic.
Consider the likely humour of your audience before you launch in with the jokes. If you’re in any doubt, don’t.
Try to find some comic relief - it doesn’t have to be a barrage of slapstick remarks, just an amusing observation or anecdote about something that may otherwise be seen as...2023-01-2702 minThe Everyday Storyteller5 practical ways you can use storytelling.When should you use storytelling in your business? Can I give you a hint? Always
In this episode, I share ideas for where you can share your stories.
Customer case studies. Check out the video success stories used by Google Ads for inspiration
Social media. Dove‘s Instagram account is a fab example of combining powerful imagery and cleverly written captions.
On your website. Everyone loves a back-story so how about switching up your about me section with your story. Check out my website for how I’ve put this into action.
Award nominations. Using stories in aw...2023-01-2603 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhat the movies can teach us about fear of change.What’s your favourite movie? Mine’s Shawshank Redemption - not least for it’s wonderful storytelling but also what it teaches us about change. A little lesson I’m going to share in this episode.
Fear of change is often based on stories that stop us from achieving our potential or stop us from seeing when we’ve made massive, positive leaps forward. Stories that are so real and vivid we never think to question them and that society just loves to (unhelpfully) reinforce.
Figuring out your story can re-focus your mindset around change, creating a...2023-01-2502 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow to talk about your values so they are more ‘Yes!’ Than ‘Yawn’Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Fun. Ethical. Sustainable
All very worthy values but yawn, boring as dishwater. And, when something is boring, or says just the same as everyone else, your audience are just gonna sail right on past.
So how do you get them to stop, take note and say Yes! This is a brand I want to work with?
Here’s 3 tips you can start working on straight away
Tip 1 - Make sure your values are yours - not anyone else. Oh and be prepared to defend each value with evidence....2023-01-1903 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow talking about your values could bag you a whole new audience.Research shows 52% of consumers are more attracted to buy from certain brand
over others if these brands stand for something bigger than just the products or services
they sell, which align to their personal values.
So what does this all mean for you?
Whether or not you’re running a business, you are wanting people at the very least to buy
into you. And buying into someone is a lot harder if you don’t know what you’re buying into.
Understanding what you stand for gives your a...2023-01-1802 minThe Everyday StorytellerHang on to your story this year. You may just need it.So 2022 was a bit pants on a global scale. Is 2023 going to be any different? Who knows.
So much of what happens is out of our control, it’s almost worth not worrying about. What we can focus our efforts on, however, are the things we can influence. This includes how you choose to use your voice and the actions you take to achieve your goals.
In this episode I invite you to take a little step back as we explore the role your story can play when it comes to you getting what you wa...2023-01-1603 minThe Everyday StorytellerNobody really wants what you do. They just want you to solve their problem.The best told business stories focus on the outcome of what you do for your audience.
For example, a bakery makes bread but bread is not their outcome. Their outcome is you enjoying that bread and how it makes you feel.
Focussing on this outcome, enables you audience to quickly see how you can solve their problem which, is pretty much all they need to know.
Here are some questions to get you thinking about the problems you solve.
What problems do you solve for your ideal customer (this could be an...2023-01-1302 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhy ‘just showing up’ isn’t always as easy as the experts make out.How do you get others to listen to you and engage with what you have to say? Simple, you just have to show up. It’s easy right. Sure. Until you actually have to do it.
It’s all very well and good saying you just need to show up consistently to build a brand. But what if that brand’s just you. And what if you haven’t ‘just shown up’ before?
In this episode I share a simple framework to help you feel more at ease with showing up and taking about what you do and wh...2023-01-1002 minThe Everyday StorytellerYour values vs your value. What’s the difference?Do you know the difference between your values and your value? And does it even matter?
Yes, yes it does.
Here are some questions to help you think about your value to your audience. Each one would make a perfect story for social media!
What problems do you solve and why?
What is the experience like working with you?
How do you make others feel good about themselves?
How do you make others lives easier, calmer, more full of joy?
How do you help your audience do something better, faster cheaper, more ethically and s...2023-01-0903 minThe Everyday StorytellerCrisis, struggle, resolution. How traditional story structure can be your friend.I’m a storyteller. This is podcast is called The Everyday Storyteller. But have you ever stopped for a moment to think what a story actually is?
In this episode I’m going to be answering exactly that by, you guessed it, sharing a story. And it’s very personal one for me.
Stick the kettle on and listen up.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show an...2023-01-0503 minThe Everyday StorytellerWho are your stories for? A quick and easy way to figure this out.When you tell a story for everyone, you tell a story for no-one. All that effort and hard work you’ve put into your story, that ‘oh my god, shall I share it, what if people hate it, annoying chatter, it all goes to waste if you haven’t thought about your audience.
Here are 4 steps to help you figure out who your stories are for:
Step 1 - Write down who you don’t want to work with. If you’re in any way blocked with how you are for, being clear on who you’re not for...2023-01-0302 minThe Everyday StorytellerStorytelling in the age of the anti-hero; how 2023 is going to be the year for keeping it real.Taylor Swift sung about being one. Movies are now full of them. The anti-hero is really having it’s day. But what exactly does anti-hero mean. And what does it have to do with you being a better storyteller?
Take a listen to this episode, and I’ll show you.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So p...2023-01-0202 minThe Everyday Storyteller5 New Year’s storytelling resolutions you’ll actually be able to keep.Always making New Years resolutions, only to break them whilst the Christmas tree rots outside, waiting to be taken to the tip? Yup, me too. That’s why I’ve come up with some slightly easier ones that maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to keep in 2023.
I’m going to think about who I’m telling my story before I start telling it and tell it in a way that’s true to that audience and my brand
I will not be afraid to share my experiences and ask others to share theirs to build real and authenti...2022-12-3003 minThe Everyday StorytellerYour personal storytelling recipe.Just like that tasty Christmas cake you’re busy devouring, behind every well-crafted story is a recipe for success. And today I’m going to let you into the ingredients for my secret sauce.
Today’s episode is inspired by an American story producer called Cynthia Dieyi. You can find her on Instagram here: @cynthiadieyi
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.
5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure t...2022-12-2902 minThe Everyday StorytellerA story is not just for Christmas. Why consistency is the key to good storytelling.Storytelling. It’s something you have to feel, as well as do. It is not a quick fix. Nor is it something you can always expect immediate returns from. You need to believe in, trust in the process and build it into your everyday, making it a consistent part of the experience you provide your audience.
Looking for inspiration and a template to create more consistent stories. Here are two options:
Download my FREE guide - Power Up Your Content with Stories and get a bonus storytelling checklist
Buy my workbook, How to tell a Business St...2022-12-2203 minThe Everyday StorytellerThe science of storytelling. A Christmas lecture.The brilliant feminist writer, Margaret Atwood said. “You’re never going to kill storytelling, because it’s built in the human plan. We come with it."
In this episode I explore, in brief, what she means by this.
P.S don’t worry, this isn’t a proper lecture. It’s still only a couple of minutes long but it is a slight deviation from the normal content I share. And why not, it’s Christmas after all!
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter...2022-12-2103 minThe Everyday StorytellerThe 3 rules of storytelling.I’m sure there’s a gizzilion different rules but, I’m all for making storytelling simple for you, so I’ve boiled it down to just three.
Rule no.1 - Be engaging and be yourself. Flaws and all.
Rule no.2 - Show others how you can take them on a journey from where they are now to where they want to be.
Rule no. 3 - Make sure you’re clearly tell others how to get started on that journey with you.
For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podca...2022-12-2003 minThe Everyday StorytellerNever assume others understand how you can change their life.It’s a common misconception that storytelling is all about telling people how much you rock. It’s actually all about meeting needs. If you can show someone how you meet their needs and solve their problem better than the next person, you get the gig.
If you’re just telling people you’re great, you’re not solving any problem or meeting any need (other than possibly that of your own ego but that doesn’t pay the bills!).
In this episode, we explore how real life stories can help you show others how you can chan...2022-12-1902 minThe Everyday StorytellerWhy trust matters and how you can use stories to build it.If you want others to buy into what you have to say, then you need to build trust. That trust doesn’t come from pretending to be someone you’re not, just because you feel you have to be a certain person to succeed.
No, trust comes from others understanding who you really are and what, therefore, this means to them. And how do you help others understand you better? You got it - through sharing your stories.
Here are some tips to help you build trust through your storytelling:
Write as you speak to r...2022-12-1402 minThe Everyday StorytellerYou're awesome. It's a pity no-one else knows it.The ultimate tragedy is when nobody knows just how brilliant you are. In this episode, we’ll explore ways to change that.
Nowadays it’s not enough just to do a great job, you need to be showing other people just what impact you can have on their lives. And this is where your personal brand story comes into its own.
Your story lets your audience into your vision of the world; helping them understand the path you’re on, in order to connect that with their own sense of purpose and values so that they w...2022-12-1302 minThe Everyday StorytellerHow do you know when it's time to change your story?I’m spreading a simple message. If things in your life change, it’s ok to change your story. In fact, you should change your story. Or else things will probably start getting a little weird.
Here are four reasons why it might be time to change your story:
Your audience has substantially changed
Your story is no longer relevant to who you are now and the reasons you do what you do
You’ve experienced a life event which has taught you new things, shifted your purpose or made you view the world differently.
Life has na...2022-12-1202 minThe Everyday StorytellerWe shall accept nothing less than an equal voice.Only 22% of top-rated podcast shows have female hosts. Depressing isn’t it?
We often think we’re just one tiny voice, so why does it matter if we don’t speak up. But just imagine if everyone thought like that! If sharing your story scares you, just think of the wider good it could be doing. The women that you could be inspiring, giving hope to, or making them feel less alone.
In this episode I empower you to stop feeling guilty for taking up space and instead, proactively carve out a unique place for your v...2022-12-0902 minThe Everyday StorytellerFollow the leader, leader, leader.“Leaders lead by telling stories that give others permission to lead, not follow.” - Michael Margolis
In this episode we explore the importance of storytelling in leadership and how your story can help give others permission to lead.
Pssst - even if you don’t see yourself as a 'leader' don’t skip this episode. Being a leader isn’t just about managing a team; you might be a thought-leader, someone leading by example or simply leading that tightly oiled ship you call family (yeah right!).
Whatever type of leader you are, or even if yo...2022-12-0803 min