Whether it’s the internet or traditional media, getting your business noticed requires one thing: A compelling story. That’s why in today’s blog post, we talk about brand stories, from a basic definition to a real-life example of one.
What Is a Brand Story?
Simply put, a brand story is the journey of your company from inception to today.
While this may sound simple, brand stories —and stories in general— are powerful tools.
For example, did you know that studies show that when we listen to a story our brain waves synchronize with those of the storyteller?
This is a testament to the power of narrative arcs. A brand story allows you to use the natural pull of stories to develop a special relationship with your audience.
Brand stories matter because while isolated facts may be impressive, they often fail to capture our imagination.
An Actual Brand Story
Take Uber, for example. Like it or not, this company has changed the world in many tangible ways.
You would think that Uber’s achievements speak for themselves. And yet, the company has crafted a brand story that is integral to their success.
Legend has it that Uber was born when two friends and tech entrepreneurs, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, were unable to get a cab in Paris in 2008. Frustrated, they asked themselves: How cool would it be if you could request a ride from your phone? The rest is mobility history.
Whether the story is totally truthful or not, doesn’t matter. What matters is that this narrative provides some important emotional anchors:
- Dissatisfaction with a clumsy system.
- Desire to innovate and make things easier.
- Awe at the possibilities of technology.
These are the emotions that have powered Uber’s journey from niche app to global powerhouse.
When users realize that they share many of these feelings, they create an emotional connection with the company. They identify with it and before they know it, they feel invested in its success.
More Tips and Ideas
At the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce, we are always looking for ideas that help foster the growth of your business. Here are some previous posts to help you do just that:
- How to use social media to advance your career
- Cybersecurity basics for small businesses
- 3 Simple ways to protect yourself against identity theftÂ
- Common grammar mistakes to avoid in your business emails
Interested in learning more about the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce? Contact us today by email (info@oneinlandempire.com), telephone (951-280-3902), or social media. We look forward to hearing from you!