Chasing the Next Big Fish

My son, realizing a childhood dream one cast, one story at a time.

Found in an old notebook, written by me 17 years ago. Jonathan definitely followed this advice (at least the first part). He's fished and filmed on six continents and as I write this, he's back in South America casting for the next big story. He inspires me to continue to follow my dreams and try to catch my next big fish.

Does Your Story Pass the Campfire Test?

Photo: Nathan Lindahl @hip_dinosaur from Unsplash

When's the last time you sat around the campfire and listened to a good ad?

Stories matter to people. They connect, inspire, delight, and persuade. Can an ad do the same thing? Sure, if it tells a great story.

But here's the fundamental difference -- a story can engage your audience in a lasting way. By its nature and shape, a story also presents a greater opportunity to be shared in a wider variety of formats, channels, and opportunities, like around the campfire.

A great story can become the centerpiece of your campaign or communication. And it's sure a lot more fun than telling an ad.

What's your campfire story, that compelling insight, example, or testimonial you tell about your organization that's guaranteed to gain attention and get shared?

Put your story to the campfire test. Commit to telling great stories, stories that are worth sharing, and demand retelling.

5 Ways to Develop Your Storytelling Mindset

1. Admit: “I am a storyteller.” You may think you don’t have any stories to share, but I’m betting you do.

2. Follow your favorite storytellers. Who are your favorite storytellers? Make a list. Read them. Study them. Share them. Learn from them.

3. Think “story first.” Many times we jump into a project or situation only to think later, “Hey, that would have made a pretty good storytelling or story-sharing opportunity.” If you think “story first,” then you’re open to the possibilities of stories all around you and the many opportunities you’ll have to share them.

4. Expand your definition of “story.” Sometimes we think too narrowly about storytelling themes and formats. When we develop a storytelling mindset, almost any situation — from a birthday party, morning hike, or letter to a friend — becomes a storytelling opportunity.

5. Nurture and grow your storytelling efforts. The first way to do this is simply by listening to, creating, sharing, and celebrating stories. More formally, there are dozens of opportunities from webinars to full programs of study to help you improve and grow your storytelling mindset.

These 5 ways to develop your storytelling mindset are adapted from presentations and workshops I’ve given on storytelling. I believe life is story and story is life and I’m always looking for ways to grow my own storytelling mindset. I’d love to hear your ideas and learn what’s worked for you.

Six-Word Hoops Stories

Photo by Alex Perez on Unsplash

Celebrating spring and the start of the NCAA basketball tournament with a few six-word stories:

Full court press...against the couch.

That’s about my basketball speed these days.

Dunking dreams. Waking tired and sore.

I've had reoccurring dreams of dunking in pickup basketball games. Something I've done in reality only once or twice. I guess you could say sleep adds many inches to my vertical leap.

Only foul now is my shot.

Yea. I'm beyond rusty. I have a plan to put a goal up at our house and become this old man shooting and dribbling (in the basketball sense) in our driveway.

Rocking chair league. Ready to join.

Do you think there is such a thing as a rocking chair hoops league? Maybe I should start one.

Best advice: Stay off the court.

It's one way to keep from pulling, straining, or breaking anything. But what fun is that?

Once more up court, knee willing.

When my mind makes a basketball promise my body can't keep.

Morning after hoops. Ankle won't move.

Based on many real experiences.

Geezer hoops: Pick and roll over.

My days of setting a hard pick are way behind me. Another version of this read: "Geezer hoops. Pick and fall down."

Honoring Memory: Yours, Mine and Ours

Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

Something to consider as we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving week to reminisce over old times:

Maybe you & I don't remember it the same way. We likely came to that moment with different experiences & expectations. Much has also happened since. Doesn't mean either of us is right, wrong or crazy. I love you & respect your version. Now pass the #pumpkinpie

— Mike Barzacchini (@MikeBarzacchini) November 19, 2018

Instead of debating the past, how can we best live this current moment on the path to making new lasting memories (even if a few years down the road we will recall them differently)?

Hope you have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving week, full of grace and all of your favorite goodies. — Mike

We're Telling Stories in Remarkable Times

Five generations of audiences. Pew: Generations and Age

As marketers and communicators, we live in remarkable times. This is true for many reasons. But there's one that I spend a lot of time thinking about. We’re communicating and engaging with five generations for the first time in history.*  Pew: Generations and Age

Mix in deep, rich cultural, economic, educational and technological diversity. The result? There have never been more niche and micro markets. And that will only continue. It's an exciting time to be a marketer and communicator. 

At least, “exciting” is how I choose to view it. What’s your word for today’s hyper-niche marketing landscape? And what are you doing to reach these five generations with your storytelling?

Mom has always been my greatest audience.

*Actually, I’m engaging with six generations. My mom, Millie Barzacchini, born in 1918, is still alive, smiling and very engaging. Anyone know what we call the generation before the "Silent" one? It’s “the Greatest Generation.” And if you ever meet my mom, you’ll agree.