Listen to the blog here.
Are you having difficulty getting your message out in the world?
I don’t think you’re talking enough about the core problem you solve. Clearly explaining it can lead your audience to greater understanding and, therefore, more motivated to support your work.
Hear me out because I know we all want to steer away from piling on to the problems that exist today – they are everywhere we turn. Most of us here, reading this newsletter, are working to make a positive difference in the world. Our anxiety levels are off the chart, and I won’t list the reasons why – we all know why, and, anyway, doing so only serves to spike my cortisol. Lately, it seems my life is about monitoring my cortisol levels. (Did you know that cortisol levels in women are higher than in men in the morning? And that drinking coffee on an empty stomach only exacerbates your anxiety? Dr. Stacy Sims recommends having some quick protein before your coffee every morning, which does wonders for your nervous system.)
So where was I? The problem with problems.
You’re working to raise money to solve a problem. (Or, you’re selling a product or service that solves a problem) – all the same.
Instead of talking about that problem, you may be talking about what you do or what the product does, and that’s ok for some, but a lot of people don’t get the problem. And that’s why your story may be missing the mark.
Let’s just say you’re supporting public education, protecting the environment, or feeding people experiencing homelessness. If people don’t understand why these issues need support, they won’t see their role in solving them.
Take the education issue as an example. People might think their taxes go to support education and it’s the school that is mismanaging funds. Or they might be retired and think they don’t have to support education because they don’t have kids in the system.
If you don’t talk about the problem, misinformation can spread, which might make your audience feel uncertain or distrustful. Addressing the core issue openly helps build trust and reassurance.
So it’s on you to clearly explain why the problem is a problem and why it matters to people that it be solved, which is vital for inspiring action.
And I get it: you’re worried about focusing on problems in a world of problems. The cure for that: Give them hope, too.
People act on a little bit of anger mixed with hope, hope that we can, in fact, make a difference.
If it’s a hopeless situation, there’s nothing to be done.
If we get people just a little bit angry, they have a sense of urgency. If there is a tangible, easy thing they can do to make a difference, they will do it.
Action = Anger + Hope
Math class dismissed. Be good to each other out there.
When you’re ready, here are a few ways I can help you and your team:
Need to get better at telling your story? (Or the story you tell yourself!) I can work with you one-to-one or with your team to help you prepare for your next presentation, pitch, or even navigate your next big change.
Looking for an engaging speaker? I deliver inspiring keynotes that help people connect to their stories and each other to better engage their teams, customers, and communities.
See a video showcasing my work here and if you need help with one of the items below, let’s schedule a time to talk.
Need something else you think I can help with? I’d love to connect.
Stay in touch.
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