Neology | Marketing Communications

Story Craft

Thoughts, ideas, and other ruminations on storytelling and the world of technology marketing

In the Beginning…

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

In the beginningEvery story has a beginning, middle and an end. So, too, do companies and products. Today, I want to talk about the beginning.

In storytelling lingo, the beginning is often called the “catalyst” or the “inciting incident”. It is the big bang, the moment the protagonist loses his job, the death of the beloved king. It is the moment that brings about monumental change to which we as readers can often relate at a personal level.

In company and product parlance, the catalyst is that place where your brand first started talking shape. And, for consumers, it is often that place that explains why companies are doing what they are doing in the first place. In other words, it gives the rest of the “story” meaning and purpose.

Here are some great examples of company catalysts: (more…)

Does Your Brand Have Wings?

Friday, January 7th, 2011

gopher with wingsRecently I walked into a clothing store, and noticed a cool t-shirt hanging on the rack. The front of the shirt was emblazoned with a gopher with wings. As I bent in for a closer look, the salesman piped up: “Do you know the story about our brand?”

A great story is meant to be told

The salesperson explained enthusiastically that the t-shirt’s graphic is the logo of the brand, Topo Ranch, that was founded by folks whose ancestors were survivors of the Donner Party. And that their family did actually own land called ‘Topo Ranch’ from the 1800s until they lost it to the Great Depression. The store’s mission is to (more…)

Story-Selling Ain’t New

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Story-Telling-Why-Stories-Are-Vital-to-Your-SuccessHave you ever heard something that makes you stop?

Steve Kayser’s article “In These Tough Times Here’s a Way to Print Your Own Currency Legally … with Content” had that effect on me.

In the article are the words: “You got no story. You got no game. You got no game – you got no business.” In other words, companies need to use relevant, “educational, entertaining” stories to help sell their solutions.

Got it. Check. I’m with you Steve.

Or at least I was…until I saw this: “Story-selling content is the new advertising, marketing and PR currency“.

Huh? Stop! Did I miss something? (more…)

Going to a Show? Got a Message?

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

With some of the tradeshows I’m familiar with just around the corner (GDC, I/ITSEC, DICE, and others), I’ve been thinking a lot about strategies for approaching events, and just what to advise companies who are thinking about exhibiting. Here are some of my strategic tips:

(more…)

Do You Need a Messaging Expert?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Well, do you? Anyone can write. After all, we are taught to write in school. Some people excel at it, and some people don’t. But putting words on paper is something almost anyone can do. Right?

Not exactly.

(more…)

© Neology 2009

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