Your Story Matters to Your Networking Partners

Everyone has a story, method, or cause that the world needs to hear. Would you believe me if I said that includes you?

We do business with those we know, like, and trust. When you share your story, it will help build credibility with your networking partners, and it is always inspiring to learn how far someone has come in their personal or business life.

The extraordinary thing about sharing your story is you don’t know how much others need to hear it and the impact it can have on their life. And, today, more than ever before, it’s easy to share your message with others. Sharing your story can go way beyond just telling your networking partners at a face-to-face meeting. We all have an amazing tool at our fingertips to help us reach the masses – our smart devices.

Your message might be… Telling your story of starting over after a brutal divorce. Sharing the latest strategies on how business people can save more money on their taxes. (We all need that!) Spreading the word about your foundation that raises awareness and funds for families with disabled children.

Are you ready for a personal question? On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate yourself in getting your message out to the world?

The 10s are crushing it. They are writing books, hosting regular livestreams, and recording and sharing videos across various social media platforms.

The 5s are saying, “I know, I know… I need to share my message…” They might be taking some action.

The 1s are shaking in their boots asking, “Terilee, what are you talking about? No one would want to hear what I have to say! Who am I to be the one to give this message?”

No matter where you are on the scale of 1 to 10, I get where you are because I’ve been there myself. For years I didn’t share my story because I was afraid if people knew the real me, they wouldn’t like me or want to do business with me.

What holds you back from sharing your message? I can tell you exactly what it is. It’s the “P” word – Procrastination. Procrastination can cause you to shut down and hold back from moving forward because of fear.

What might you be afraid of?

1. You fear being exposed. You don’t share your message because you fear “What will people think of me?” To share the light of your story out in the world, you must first shed light on whatever is dark inside of you.

Over the years as I have shared who I really am, I have learned that people want to be real. They crave the ability to be transparent. When you are real, you give them permission to do the same. When I’m real about who I am and where I’ve been, I’ve only found people embrace, love, and accept me more.

One of the greatest gifts you can ever give yourself is to allow yourself to be loved for who you really are.

2. Fear of exposing a “sticky mess”.

You may also procrastinate because some of the personal issues you would share–integral parts of your story–involve other people. You have a concern about calling out other people for things they’ve done or their role in a particular issue.

Let me put your mind at ease. There are things you can do to get around this in your sharing:

* You don’t need to tell every single detail. There are ways to not give specific details but to get your message across.

* You can also share your story and change their names and include a disclaimer that “some names have been changed”.

3. Fear that you (or your story) is not “good enough”.

Believe me when I say… You are never going to feel good enough to tell your story. You will NEVER feel ready. Don’t wait for that feeling to come!

But I will tell you when it will feel right. The first time someone approaches you and looks you straight in the eye and says, “Thank you so much for sharing your story (or recording that video or publishing that article). I needed to hear this because…” It is these moments when you know it’s the right thing to do.

I hope you will consider sharing your story, method, or cause the next time the opportunity arises. I know you will be glad you did!

Terilee Harrison helps entrepreneurs and small business owners get more referrals, clients, and leads through proven offline and online marketing strategies. Book your referral strategy session here.