Overwhelmed? Storytelling ideas to help you do more with less
How to focus your marketing stories when you’re wearing ALL the hats
Running your own business, especially from home, often feels like spinning plates while on fire and juggling priceless china. It’s a LOT and this time of year, it’s probably beginning to feel untenable.
You're the boss, the marketer, the sales person, the accountant.. oh, and you still need to make dinner, remember birthdays, wash PE kits, take the dog to the vet, have a life…need I go on?
Marketing, especially storytelling, can feel like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. How can you possibly create engaging, memorable stories for your business when you're already stretched so thin?
The good news is that when you focus your storytelling efforts, not only do you save time, but you also build stronger connections with your audience.
In the spirit of Christmas, here is my gift to you; some simple ways you can streamline your storytelling and make it work for you, even when you’re wearing all the (Santa?) hats.
Start with your 'why'
Before you even think about writing posts or creating content, take a moment to reconnect with your purpose. Why did you start your business? What are you trying to achieve? What is the problem you set out to solve?
This isn’t just about a vague mission statement. It’s about tapping into the fire in your tummy that got you started in the first place. That believe and the values and experiences that sit behind it is what will resonate most with your dream clients.
Next, get super clear on who you’re talking to. Your dream client isn’t everyone. Who are they? What keeps them awake at night? What would make their day? When you know exactly who you’re trying to reach, your stories naturally become more focused and more effective.
Identify your core stories
The truth is, you don’t need hundreds of stories to keep your marketing fresh. You just need a few really good ones. Here are three types of core stories to focus on:
Your founder story: Share why you started your business. People connect with people, and your “why” is what makes you relatable and memorable. It’s also likely the problem you needed to solve when you set up your business is the same problem your dream clients face today so sharing your experiences is key.
Customer success stories: Showcase the impact you or your product/service has had on others. Hearing how you’ve helped someone else can inspire your audience to imagine their own success.
Behind-the-scenes stories: Let your audience in on your process, your challenges, or what makes your business tick. This adds a personal, human touch that builds trust.
Pro tip: Create a “story bank” where you jot down ideas for each of these categories. Then, when you’re stuck for content, you’ve got shit-tonne of inspiration ready to go. I like to use Trello for this but your phone or a good old fashioned notebook would be just as good.
Focus on the right platforms
When you’re running the show, it’s tempting to try to be everywhere at once; Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, email, blogs, podcasts. Stop. Take a deep breath.
Instead, choose one or two platforms where your dream clients spend their time. Pour your energy into doing those platforms well, rather than spreading yourself thin trying to be everywhere.
And here’s the best part. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel for every platform. Repurpose your stories. That heartwarming customer testimonial? It can be a LinkedIn post, a quick Instagram Reel, and a short email to your list.
Batch your content and plan ahead
Here’s a secret to saving time: batch your content. Dedicate an afternoon to writing or recording a week’s worth of stories. This way, you’re not scrambling every day to think of what to post.
A content calendar can also be a lifesaver. Plan your stories in advance so you can see the bigger picture and make sure your messaging is consistent. Not only will this reduce decision fatigue, but it’ll also help you stay focused on what matters most.
Let go of perfection
Here’s a little secret. Your stories don’t need to be perfect. In fact, audiences often respond better to authenticity than polish. It’s okay if your video isn’t Hollywood quality or your caption isn’t Pulitzer-worthy. What matters is that it feels real and connects with your audience.
Think of storytelling as a process of trial and error. Share a story, see what resonates, and refine as you go. Done is better than perfect and progress is better than procrastination.
Your story can work harder than you do
When you focus your marketing stories, you stop trying to do it all and start doing what matters. You don’t need to be everything to everyone; you just need to be the right thing to the right people.
So, take a moment today to reflect on your core message and your audience. What’s one simple story you can tell to connect with them? Start there.
And if you’re ready to learn how to tell stories that attract your dream clients and build a business that feels true to you—grab a copy of my book, The Roar of Her Story. It’s packed with practical tips, inspiring advice, and a framework to help you tell stories that resonate, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your marketing to the next level.
Because your story deserves to be heard—and it’s time to make it roar.