Unlocking Forgotten Stories

Do you ever find yourself thinking you don’t have any stories worth sharing? Well, let me tell you a little secret – you’re wrong. Yes, you read that correctly. You do have stories. The only problem is, you’ve forgotten them. But fear not, there’s a simple solution to unlock those forgotten tales and utilize them to your advantage in the realm of business.

The key lies in one word: networking.

I know, I know. Networking can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. It’s daunting, it’s uncomfortable, and oftentimes, it's downright exhausting. But whether you love it or loathe it, there’s no denying its potential to unearth stories you never knew you had.

Let me share an anecdote to illustrate this point. A few years back, I found myself at a networking reception, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. As conversations ebbed and flowed, the topic of business failures emerged. In that moment, something remarkable happened. I began recounting a story I hadn’t thought of in years – a story of failure, resilience, and eventual triumph.

Sitting amidst these new acquaintances, the details of the narrative flooded back to me with surprising clarity. It was as if the act of conversing with fresh perspectives had unlocked a door in my mind, revealing a treasure trove of forgotten experiences.

The significance of this revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was a story that, until that moment, had remained dormant within me, untapped and unexplored. Yet, in the company of strangers, it emerged organically, ripe for sharing.

But it doesn’t end there. This rediscovered narrative held immense potential, not just as a personal anecdote, but as a powerful tool for business inspiration. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a story of perseverance in the face of adversity. And now, armed with this newfound tale, I had a valuable asset in my arsenal – a story to motivate and inspire others in the world of business.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Simply this: the next time you find yourself convinced that your storytelling well has run dry, take a leap of faith. RSVP for that industry meet-up, strike up conversations with strangers, and watch as the magic unfolds. You never know what hidden gems lie dormant within you, waiting to be unearthed by the simple act of connecting with new people.

In the world of business, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or making small talk. It’s about forging connections, broadening your horizons, and, perhaps most importantly, rediscovering the forgotten stories that make you who you are.

So, embrace the discomfort, lean into the unknown, and let the stories flow. Who knows? Your next great business idea might just be waiting to emerge from the depths of your memory, sparked by a chance encounter with a stranger at a networking event.

Kindra Hall

Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Award-Winning Storyteller Kindra Hall, MA, told her first story in the spring of 1992.

Since that time, Hall has become the go-to expert for storytelling in business and beyond. She is the best-selling author of Stories that Stick, which debuted at #2 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List, and companies like Forbes and Gartner say it “may be the most valuable business book you read.” Kindra’s newest book, Choose Your Story, Change Your Life is one of the Next Big Idea Club’s top 10 happiness books.

Kindra is a sought-after keynote speaker trusted by global brands to deliver messages that inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, young son and daughter.

More from Kindra:

https://www.success.com/author/kindra-hall

https://www.inc.com/author/kindra-hall

https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/kindra-hall

https://www.kindrahall.com/about
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Capturing the Moment: The Essence of Effective Brand Storytelling

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What to Do When an Old Story Comes Clean