How to Make Money By Storytelling

My original article was written for Entrepreneur Magazine and this has been modified for my blog. I have added strategic steps to start unearthing your story to connect with your audience and grow your business.

Stories have been the stuff that binds the human race together for centuries. As entrepreneurs and business leaders, it is essential to understand how to convey your experiences in a powerful way to make a significant impact on your bottom line. Your business is your story, and without the underpinnings of a quality narrative, your service and product are just a service or product in the sea of a million others.

Audiences are no longer looking for flashy jingles and product-driven campaigns; they want to connect with brands on a visceral level. This is where storytelling comes in. Sharing your personal experiences, struggles, and successes can build trust and empathy with your audience, leading to stronger relationships and customer loyalty.

THE 4 REASONS YOU NEED TO START CREATING A STORY FOR YOUR BRAND AND BUSINESS

• Forge a powerful emotional connection with your customers by crafting compelling stories that resonate with their deepest desires and aspirations.

• Differentiate your business from competitors by sharing authentic, relatable, and memorable stories that capture the essence of your brand and establish your thought leadership in the industry.

• Understand your audience's needs and preferences to create stories that engage and motivate them to take action.

• Unleash the full potential of storytelling to build stronger relationships with your customers, foster trust and loyalty, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Prince Harry's book, "SPARE," is a powerful example of how storytelling can be used to connect with a broader audience and convey a powerful message. By sharing his personal experiences in a relatable and nuanced way, he has built trust and empathy with his readers while also challenging negative narratives and taking ownership of his narrative.

To effectively use storytelling in your business, it is essential to understand your story, articulate it to your desired audience, and do so with integrity. Start by taking inventory of who you are and why you do what you do best.

Dive deep into your potential customer's pain points and solve their deepest problems.

THIS IS WHERE YOU START:

Define Your Story The first step in understanding your story is to define it.

Consider the following questions:

• What inspired you to start your business?

• What are your core values and beliefs?

• What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?

• What successes have you achieved, and what impact have they had on your business and your customers?

Once you have perfected your strategy, start sharing your story. It can be as simple as making a phone call, writing a blog, or speaking your truth on national television. By providing valuable information and advice, entrepreneurs can build credibility and attract a following of loyal customers.

Storytelling is changing the landscape of business. It builds a connection with the audience, communicates a message, makes the brand memorable, differentiates from the competition, and establishes thought leadership. As an entrepreneur or business leader, understanding and effectively using storytelling can help you stand out in a crowded market and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

YOU GOT THIS-Jules

https://youtu.be/6hqDKDn_OgI

Why listen to me? Do your due diligence. GOOGLE ME: Julie Lokun.

Go ahead--see what you find. I advocate for creatives, authors, and entrepreneurs worldwide. In the meantime:

Julie Lokun, JD. a legal eagle and facilitator of dreams, is changing the trajectory of underserved entrepreneurs who are using their voice to make an impact. As a mom of four (4) boys, Julie has learned to leverage her power to lead a bustling household while also serving as the head maven of Crown & Compass Life Coaching. She adeptly "anoints and points" -- directing the strategic growth of businesses and professionals around the globe. Julie has delivered presentations on the big stage, and in virtual events. With a background in law, she teases through complex information and gets to the root of issues, telling deep, compelling stories that resonate with audiences far and wide. She is a celebrated best-selling author of the entrepreneurial series, Hustle Smart, the owner of The Mediacasters Publishing House with several bestselling titles, and a 5-star business coach. In the spring of 2021, Julie launched a swiftly growing podcast, Obsessed with Humans On The Verge of Change which is already in the top 1% of all podcasts globally.*

5 Tips To Make Money As A Writer

I began my career as a journalist three decades ago. The longevity of my career is paved with unfettered ambition and making ends meet. At that time, I had just earned a $40,000 diploma and demanded a salary as an $8/hour professional writer.

Although I was never good at math, I quickly realized $8 an hour meant I would have to survive on a budget that did not include designer jeans. My diet consisted mainly of ramen noodles and Little Debbie cupcakes. While a decadent culinary combination to some- I hungered for more.

With the freedom youth allows, I made the decision to pursue a degree in law. I will never regret the countless hours dedicated to my studies. I became a keen negotiator and strategic author of dozens of legal briefs. Yet, law school was not my final stop on my career-crazy train. I wandered through various paths, from marketing to international visa advocacy. Yet, I felt most at home when writing. It allowed me to tap into my creativity and reach a state of flow. When I suppressed my creative side, I felt lost and unfulfilled, and my wardrobe lacked any sense of purpose.

As a seasoned writer turned CEO turned media maverick, I encourage you to think outside of the box. Writing well is a lost art and with the onset of AI (artificial intelligence), competition is fierce. Yet, your voice is one of a kind and the unique angle you bring to your pieces can be a game changer.

I have the opportunity to write for Entrepreneur Magazine, Mind Valley, and have several corporate clients who understand the importance of a skilled director of communications. Take a deep breath, and rethink your approach to being a wordsmith.

Start Here:

--> Take a look at your portfolio. Do you have an extensive history of articles or clippings you can share with potential clients? I am a big fan of Muck Rack- (www.muckrack.com) which catalogs all the articles, blogs and RSS feeds you have shared online. It is a one-stop shop for journalists.

Next: Connect and Network.

-->Do an assessment of the content you are creating and determine who you can align with. Networks are essential and getting seen is non-negotiable.

Pro Tips:

• Repurpose your content on Medium. Medium is the gold-standard blogging platform.

• Start your own blog (LIKE THIS ONE). Visibility is everything and you want to make sure your skillset is searchable.

• Pitch different outlets to create a regular cadence of content online. Better yet, get your story in old-fashioned print. A lot of this will be work done for free (at the beginning), but it is imperative you have a curated list of articles to pitch Tier 1 outlets.

Keep Reaching For More

There are several outlets and tools that can help new writers monetize their craft, including:

1. Freelance writing platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients who need writing services. Signing up for these platforms can provide new writers with opportunities to build their portfolios, gain experience, and make money.

2. Pitching to publications: Pitching to publications is a great way for new writers to get their work published and earn money. Many publications, both online and print, pay for contributed articles. Writers can search for publications that align with their interests and pitch story ideas to editors.

3. Affiliate marketing: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services on your website or blog and earning a commission on sales. New writers can join affiliate programs, such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale, and promote products related to their niche.

4. Content creation for businesses: Many businesses need help creating content for their websites, social media channels, and marketing materials. New writers can offer their services to businesses in need of writing support, either on a freelance basis or through a content agency.

5. Self-publishing: Self-publishing platforms, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords, allow writers to publish their own books and earn royalties. New writers can write and publish their own ebooks or print-on-demand books and market them on their websites or social media channels.

FINALLY: Get on GOOGLE- everything you do as a modern writer has to be with foundational knowledge that Google will get you farther as a professional. Be clear on SEOs and be clear on your strategy to be searchable as a writer.

The truth is, is that our journeys as creatives or writers may not see the initial ROI on the blood, sweat, and tears we invest. This initial capital will overwhelm you at points, however with appropriate mentorship, strategy, and getting uncomfortable the payout is tremendous.

You got this--Jules

CHECK THIS OUT⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://youtu.be/3M_i4dokBTg

Why listen to me? Do your due diligence. GOOGLE ME: Julie Lokun.

Go ahead--see what you find. I advocate for creatives, authors, and entrepreneurs worldwide. In the meantime:

Julie Lokun, JD. a legal eagle and facilitator of dreams, is changing the trajectory of underserved entrepreneurs who are using their voice to make an impact. As a mom of four (4) boys, Julie has learned to leverage her power to lead a bustling household while also serving as the head maven of Crown & Compass Life Coaching. She adeptly "anoints and points" -- directing the strategic growth of businesses and professionals around the globe. Julie has delivered presentations on the big stage, and in virtual events. With a background in law, she teases through complex information and gets to the root of issues, telling deep, compelling stories that resonate with audiences far and wide. She is a celebrated best-selling author of the entrepreneurial series, Hustle Smart, the owner of The Mediacasters Publishing House with several bestselling titles, and a 5-star business coach. In the spring of 2021, Julie launched a swiftly growing podcast, Obsessed with Humans On The Verge of Change which is already in the top 2% of all podcasts globally.*

7 Tips On How To Get Media Attention For Your Business

Are you ready to get the attention you deserve?

Let's start at the beginning. Often Marketing and PR are confused. The fundamentals are distinct--yet, they both offer vehicles to build your brand.

What is Marketing? What is PR?

Marketing and public relations (PR) are two distinct disciplines, but they share some common goals and often work together to achieve them. Here are the key differences between marketing and PR:

1. Goal: The goal of marketing is to create demand for a product or service and ultimately drive sales and revenue. The goal of PR is to build and maintain a positive reputation for a brand, increase brand awareness, and build relationships with stakeholders.

2. Audience: Marketing typically targets a specific audience, usually based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. PR, on the other hand, targets a broader audience, including the media, investors, employees, customers, and the general public.

3. Tactics: Marketing tactics include advertising, direct mail, email marketing, social media advertising, and sales promotions. PR tactics include media relations, press releases, events, influencer outreach, and crisis management.

4. Metrics: Marketing metrics typically focus on sales and revenue, such as conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and return on investment (ROI). PR metrics typically focus on brand awareness and reputation, such as media mentions, social media engagement, and sentiment analysis.

5. Timeframe: Marketing campaigns typically have a short-term focus and are designed to achieve specific goals within a set timeframe. PR campaigns, on the other hand, have a long-term focus and are designed to build and maintain a positive reputation over time.

While marketing and PR have different goals and tactics, they both play a critical role in building a strong brand and driving business success. A well-coordinated marketing and PR strategy can help businesses to reach their target audience, build a positive reputation, and ultimately, achieve their business goals.

As an entrepreneur, it's essential to know how to pitch yourself to the media. Whether you're launching a new product, announcing an event, or simply sharing your expertise, getting your message in front of the right people can help increase brand awareness and boost your credibility.

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pitch yourself to the media, the importance of a media sheet, what you need on the media sheet, and how to be your own PR agent.

• Identify your target audience

Before you start pitching to the media, it's crucial to identify your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What publications, blogs, or TV shows do they consume? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your message to resonate with them and increase your chances of getting coverage.

• Craft a compelling story

To capture the attention of the media, you need to have a compelling story. Your story should be timely, relevant, and unique. Think about what makes your product or service stand out from the competition, what challenges you've overcome, or what trends you're tapping into. Your story should also have a human element – something that people can relate to or be inspired by.

• Create a media sheet

A media sheet is a one-page document that provides all the essential information that a journalist or producer needs to cover your story. It's like a cheat sheet for the media. The media sheet should include the following:

• A brief overview of your company or product

• Your contact information, including email, phone number, and social media handles

• A short bio or background information on you as an entrepreneur

• High-resolution images or videos that can be used for the story

• Any relevant statistics or data that support your story

• Testimonials from customers or industry experts

NEXT:--->

• Research media outlets

Once you have your story and media sheet ready, it's time to research media outlets. Look for publications, blogs, or TV shows that cater to your target audience. Study their editorial calendar and see if there are any upcoming opportunities that align with your story.

• Pitch your story

When pitching your story, it's essential to personalize your message. Address the journalist or producer by name and reference their previous work. Start with a catchy subject line that summarizes your story in a few words. In the body of the email, briefly introduce yourself and your story. Then, offer to provide more information or schedule an interview. Remember to attach your media sheet and any relevant images or videos.

• Follow up

Journalists and producers receive hundreds of pitches every day, so it's crucial to follow up. If you don't hear back after a week, send a friendly reminder. You can also try reaching out on social media or through a different channel.

• Be your own PR agent

Finally, to be your own PR agent, you need to be proactive. Don't wait for the media to come to you – seek out opportunities to share your story. Look for speaking engagements, guest blogging opportunities, or podcasts that align with your brand. Use social media to engage with your audience and share your expertise. By being your own PR agent, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and increase your visibility.

I get it, pitching yourself to the media can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy and mindset, you can make it happen. By identifying your target audience, crafting a compelling story, creating a media sheet, researching media outlets, personalizing your pitch, following up, and being your own PR agent, you can increase your

Now that you understand the process here are some of my favorite PR tools:

1. HARO (Help a Reporter Out): HARO is a free service that connects journalists with sources for their stories. You can sign up to receive daily emails with queries from journalists who are looking for sources for their articles. Responding to a HARO query can be an excellent way to get media coverage and increase your visibility.

2. Cision: Cision is a paid service that offers media monitoring, media contact database, and PR measurement tools. You can use Cision to research journalists and media outlets, build media lists, track media coverage, and measure the impact of your PR efforts.

3. Muck Rack: Muck Rack is a paid service that helps you find journalists, monitor media coverage, and track your PR campaigns. You can use Muck Rack to build media lists, pitch journalists, track your coverage, and measure the impact of your PR efforts.

4. Canva: Canva is a free graphic design tool that allows you to create high-quality visuals for your media presence. You can use Canva to create media sheets, press releases, social media graphics, and other marketing materials.

5. BuzzSumo: BuzzSumo is a paid tool that allows you to research content trends and influencers in your industry. You can use BuzzSumo to find popular content, identify key influencers, and track social media mentions.

6. Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track website traffic and measure the effectiveness of your PR campaigns. You can use Google Analytics to see how many people are visiting your website, where they're coming from, and which pages are most popular.

By using these tools, you can streamline your PR efforts, identify media opportunities, and measure the impact of your media presence. PR does not have to cost a lot--it just costs a little elbow grease.

More Questions? Reach out! --> julie@themediacasters.com

YOU GOT THIS--Jules

Check Out My Media Workshp

And don't forget to check out my Media Workshop--

You will get all the tools you need to pitch yourself and create a powerful media presence.