Projects Are Stories

Just the other day I was sharing the idea with you that a toothpaste company had come up with a better story about brushing your teeth. I fear that I made it sound a little too special, as if stories were to be saved for a special product. That’s incorrect — every project is a chance to tell a compelling story.

Motorcycles tell stories about the kinds of adventures these rogues of the road will have if they buy one and ride it off into the sunset.

Health Clubs and Gyms tell stories about fit and healthy you’ll look and feel if you’ll buy the magic membership and rub it twice a day while making your wishes.

Travel destinations are stories of exotic adventures in far off places where you will meet interesting people and be the envy of your friends when you post images of yourself on Facebook and Instagram living your best life.

The day you interviewed for your current job you were sharing story with your potential employer about the kind of employee you are, the type or work you produce, and the level of value you would bring to the work environment. If the person interviewing you liked the story, felt it was believable, and thought it was based enough in reality they have even extended an offer of employment to you.

The last time you presented a proposal to a client in hopes they would hire you to put your ideas into action, you were telling stories about how you delivered success to past clients, about your experience in this type of work, and the results your prospect could expect if they signed a contract with you.

Projects are stories

Some are realistic and believable and make you feel comfortable in investing in seeing the rest of the tale become a reality. Other stories are fantasy and science fiction designed to hook the gullible and desperate.

Every project tells a story and you are the author.