Improve Business Relationships through Storytelling
Storytelling
What does your resume say about you?
0113 days
by Josh
in Storytelling
I recently was asked for my resume for the first time in about six years. Between running TurnStar (nee Textaurant) for almost three years and working for my prior job for three-plus, I haven’t had to update or even look at my resume in quite a while.
To be honest, I kind of thought (hoped) they’d gone the way of the dodo. Between interview websites like TakeTheInterview and the fact that networking is more important – and easier – than ever, it seemed to make sense that nobody would want a single-page summary of what you’ve done and where you’ve been.
Turns out, that’s not how the world works.
So in reexamining my resume for public consumption (even though I’m not job hunting, just networking), I realized that my resume doesn’t reflect me as a person. I put in anywhere from 2-20 hours a week helping run events for Startup Weekend (speaking of which – if you’re in Boston, consider attending SW Boston on Feb 24-26); I was part of the core team for the sold-out RamenCamp 2011 (and RamenCamp 2012, coming in May!); I teach entrepreneurship among other topics to teens on Sundays. These are core pieces of who I am, demonstrating my passion for entrepreneurship, knowledge, and networking, but they would be mere side notes on a resume.
In mentioning this conundrum to a friend, I was surprised by her answer. “You’re a storyteller,” she wrote in an email. “Think of the resume like a story: what have you been doing, what does it matter, what’s the drama, comedy, and action, and how do all those things work together. Oh, and what do you want, obviously.”
Great advice – but harder to put into practice in a way that doesn’t seem flippant. I’ve come up with a pretty unique creation that I think is worth a second look from anyone who sees it – but I wonder if it’s TOO unique and expresses something unintentional, like cockiness or disdain for the process. Drop me a line and give me your feedback.
How does your resume tell your story? How do you stand out in a sea of white paper?
Once Upon a Time > Happily Ever After
0794 days
by Josh
in Storytelling
When was the last time you told a story? Think back, and recall the path that it took.
Odds are good that you set the scene by giving background. You told the “Who,” the “When,” and the “Where,” before setting off onto the “What,” the “How,” and the “To What Extent.” You understood that a story is about the journey, yes, but it’s difficult to comprehend that without being able to picture who or what is experiencing the action.
Now think about this: how many of those stories – the ones that actually took place, not the ones that involved wolves in grandmothers’ clothing, or multiple anthropomorphic bears – had an ending as neat or as final as “… and they all lived happily ever after?”
Your business story isn’t about where you think you’re going to be in two, five, or ten years. Nobody can know that with absolute certainty, and to tell people you do is folly. Instead, your story is about the journey, starting with where you are right now. It doesn’t matter if you’re not where you’d like to be; maybe you have fewer customers, or less revenue, or a team that isn’t quite complete yet. Cinderella began her story as a maid; don’t think you have to be much better off in order to tell a riveting tale about where you’d like to go and be and do.
Weave the pieces of your story into a coherent, interesting, believable narrative. It’s not that there really is a city under the sea; it’s that there could be, and you’re saying, “Let’s imagine that this story is true; here’s what I think is going to happen.” Work with what you have, talk about what could happen, and let “Happily ever after” take care of itself.
Dave McClure: Don’t Pitch, Connect Emotionally
0799 days
I had the good fortune to see startup all-star Dave McClure speak on Wednesday afternoon, when he gave a modified version of his “Startup Metrics for Pirates” presentation.
First thing to note: Dave is not for the faint of heart, or at least the faint of ears. His language is bluer than an ocean.
Second thing to note: Dave is entertaining. He tells it like it is, but he does so in a way that is accessible and enjoyable. Essentially, he tells a story, and lets the listener/viewer figure out how it applies to their individual situation.
So when Dave McClure says, “connect emotionally around a problem,” it’s probably wise that you listen up.
Referenced in this video: “Your SOLUTION is Not My PROBLEM” (yes, Dave is kind of a jerk in this post, but that’s why we love him)
