Episode 42: The 7 basic story plots - and how to use them in business

Episode 48: SUMMER REWIND - Why your stories aren't landing (and the simple fix)

As part of the Summer Rewind series, we're revisiting some of the episodes that have resonated most over the past year - and contain ideas every business owner needs to hear more than once. This episode is for you if you've ever worried that your stories feel too long, too complicated, or are hard to follow. Join Susan as she shares one of the most simple structures in storytelling, that sits at the heart of almost every story you already know and love. With stories and examples that bring every step of this simple framework to life, you’ll be putting it to use in no time! You'll discover: The simple, five-word structure behind every great movie, book and story - and how to use it in your stories Why the but in your story is where the emotion and connection lives. The biggest mistake that causes people to switch off from your stories (and how to avoid it) How to strip away the waffle without losing the emotion that creates connection. A quick storytelling exercise that will instantly make your stories more focused, engaging and memorable. This super practical episode will help you transform lengthy or scattered stories into powerful, memorable narratives. If you want a simple framework that will help you share stories in your posts, talks and clients stories, so they flow and resonate every time, this episode is a must-listen. If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com [susan@thebusinessofstories.com] FREEBIES: Download Susan’s storytelling blueprint for free here [http://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint] Download her most popular masterclass: Be The Guide here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/] Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/] OFFERS: Check out The Story Source here [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/source] Storytelling Mastery here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/storytellingmastery/] About your host Susan Payton: When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, You the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away! In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life. Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/my-book], hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry. Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business. Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person. In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. See my bio here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-pLB73vQGDytEEn7jhaMulVHoEDHYvC/view] And my speaker page here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-talks/] Connect with Susan: Email: susan@thebusinessofstories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/ [https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/] Produced by http://winteraudio.co.ukWinter Audio [http://winteraudio.co.uk]. Mentioned in this episode: Win a 1:1 session with Susan Write a review for this podcast, and go into a draw - to win a 1:1 session with Susan. It's a full 60-minute session to work on anything you want - your stories, your core message, your content strategy … or how you can implement the 7-step process Susan shared in episode 45 so all your content is highly relevant and relatable to your ideal client. All you need to do is write a review of this podcast - on Apple or Spotify - and send Susan a screenshot via social media or to susan@thebusinessofstories.com. And, if you win, she’ll be in touch to schedule in a time for you to work together.

Episode 47: Become the Only Choice: Building Your Category of One – with Olly Richards

What makes someone choose you - instead of the other 18 tabs they've got open? If you've ever wondered how to stand out in a world that is getting noisier and noisier, this conversation will reframe the way you think about positioning. In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan sits down with entrepreneur Olly Richards to explore how building a "One Person Empire" isn't about working harder - it's about knowing what to leverage and becoming impossible to ignore. You'll discover: * Why trying to be ‘better’ than your competitors is often the hardest way to win * The mindset shift that stops you competing on price, experience or popularity * Why most business owners are squeezing blood from a stone - and what to build instead * Why building an audience gives you far more freedom than constantly creating new offers * The overlooked kind of leverage that can make your business feel lighter, more profitable and far more sustainable * How to uncover the experience, perspective and stories to create your own Category of One Whether you're a coach, consultant or creative building a business around your expertise, this conversation will help you think differently about growth, leverage and what makes you the obvious choice. NOTE: You can find Olly Richards’ blog, courses & contact details at: https://ollyrichards.co/ [https://ollyrichards.co/] If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com [susan@thebusinessofstories.com] FREEBIES: Download Susan’s storytelling blueprint for free here [http://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint] Download her most popular masterclass: Be The Guide here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/] Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/] OFFERS: Check out The Story Source here [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/source] Storytelling Mastery here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/storytellingmastery/] About your host Susan Payton: When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, The response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away! In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life. Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/my-book], hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry. Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business. Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person. In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. See my bio here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-pLB73vQGDytEEn7jhaMulVHoEDHYvC/view] And my speaker page here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-talks/] Connect with Susan: Email: susan@thebusinessofstories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/ [https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/] Produced by http://winteraudio.co.ukWinter Audio [http://winteraudio.co.uk]. Mentioned in this episode: Win a 1:1 session with Susan Write a review for this podcast, and go into a draw - to win a 1:1 session with Susan. It's a full 60-minute session to work on anything you want - your stories, your core message, your content strategy … or how you can implement the 7-step process Susan shared in episode 45 so all your content is highly relevant and relatable to your ideal client. All you need to do is write a review of this podcast - on Apple or Spotify - and send Susan a screenshot via social media or to susan@thebusinessofstories.com. And, if you win, she’ll be in touch to schedule in a time for you to work together.

Episode 46: What I did when I needed to make £20K in 30 days

What do you do when you wake up and realise your business bank account doesn't have enough money to cover next month's expenses? In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan shares a very honest story about being faced with a frightening cash flow situation. And the simple exercise that helped her stop making decisions from fear, and gave her the clarity to create £20,000 in under 30 days. Susan takes you behind the scenes of exactly what happened, what she did differently, and why writing one email became the turning point that changed everything. YOU'LL DISCOVER: * Why the story you tell yourself in moments of fear will determine what you do next * How writing one email from your future self can completely change the decisions you make today * The surprising strategy that helped Susan make £6,000, before she'd even launched her offer * The mindset shift that stops you asking "What if this doesn’t work?” * What to do when sales slow down and doubts creep in * The simple question that will completely change how you feel about what you can achieve This honest and inspiring episode is a reminder that the stories you choose to tell yourself shape the actions you take - and those actions create the results you're capable of achieving. If you're ready to stop letting fear write your story and start becoming the person who creates the future you want, this episode is a must-listen. If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com [susan@thebusinessofstories.com] FREEBIES: Download Susan’s storytelling blueprint for free here [http://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint] Download her most popular masterclass: Be The Guide here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/] Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/] OFFERS: Check out The Story Source here [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/source] Storytelling Mastery here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/storytellingmastery/] About your host Susan Payton: When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, You the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away! In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life. Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/my-book], hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry. Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business. Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person. In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. See my bio here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-pLB73vQGDytEEn7jhaMulVHoEDHYvC/view] And my speaker page here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-talks/] Connect with Susan: Email: susan@thebusinessofstories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/ [https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/] Produced by http://winteraudio.co.ukWinter Audio [http://winteraudio.co.uk]. Mentioned in this episode: Win a 1:1 session with Susan Write a review for this podcast, and go into a draw - to win a 1:1 session with Susan. It's a full 60-minute session to work on anything you want - your stories, your core message, your content strategy … or how you can implement the 7-step process Susan shared in episode 45 so all your content is highly relevant and relatable to your ideal client. All you need to do is write a review of this podcast - on Apple or Spotify - and send Susan a screenshot via social media or to susan@thebusinessofstories.com. And, if you win, she’ll be in touch to schedule in a time for you to work together.

Episode 45: The simple 7-step process that turns stories into sales

If you've ever wondered how to tell stories that truly connect with the people you want to help - without overthinking, oversharing, or wondering whether you're doing it ‘right’ - this episode is for you. For the first time, Susan shares the simple 7-step storytelling process she’s previously only taught inside her live five-day challenges. This practical framework is designed to help you turn everyday moments into powerful stories that do the selling for you. Think of it as a mini storytelling masterclass, complete with a free workbook you can download at thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint [http://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint] - and keep coming back to whenever you need inspiration or clarity. YOU’LL DISCOVER: * The story you need to rewrite before you can confidently share your own * The one quick practice that will always make your stories more powerful * What to do instead of trying to tell your whole story * The simple shift that makes people feel like they're right there with you * The secret to creating stories people don't just read, but feel * How to turn everyday moments into stories that have purpose and impact * The surprisingly simple way to guide people towards the next step without feeling salesy This super practical episode walks you, step by step, through a process you can use over and over again, to transform not just one post or one email, but the way you communicate across your entire business. If you're ready to tell stories that position you as the Guide, and have your content doing more of the selling for you, this episode is a must-listen. DOWNLOAD THE WORKBOOK You can download the workbook that goes with this episode at https://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint/ [https://thebusinessofstories.com/blueprint/] If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com [susan@thebusinessofstories.com] OTHER RESOURCES: Check out The Story Source here [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/source] Storytelling Mastery here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/storytellingmastery/] Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/] Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/] About your host Susan Payton: When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, The response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away! In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life. Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/my-book], hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry. Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business. Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person. In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. See my bio here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-pLB73vQGDytEEn7jhaMulVHoEDHYvC/view] And my speaker page here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-talks/] Connect with Susan: Email: susan@thebusinessofstories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/ [https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/] Produced by http://winteraudio.co.ukWinter Audio [http://winteraudio.co.uk]. Mentioned in this episode: Win a 1:1 session with Susan Write a review for this podcast, and go into a draw - to win a 1:1 session with Susan. It's a full 60-minute session to work on anything you want - your stories, your core message, your content strategy … or how you can implement the 7-step process Susan shared in episode 45 so all your content is highly relevant and relatable to your ideal client. All you need to do is write a review of this podcast - on Apple or Spotify - and send Susan a screenshot via social media or to susan@thebusinessofstories.com. And, if you win, she’ll be in touch to schedule in a time for you to work together.

Episode 44: Journaling your way to clarity, confidence and better stories - with Sally German

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have enough interesting stories to share”, you’re not alone. So many business owners hold back from making storytelling a key part of their marketing strategy because they think their stories need to be dramatic, life-changing or show-stopping. But what if the problem isn’t that you don’t have enough compelling stories - but that you just don’t know where to find them? In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan is joined by journaling coach Sally German, who shares how journaling helped her navigate a major chapter of change, build a thriving business, and uncover the stories, lessons and insights that were hiding in plain sight. You’ll discover: • How journaling can help you notice patterns, build self-awareness and create stories that connect • The powerful exercise Sally uses to better understand her ideal client and the transformation she creates • Why clarity about your business, messaging and audience comes from looking within, not outside yourself • How changing the way you tell your stories can attract the people who are truly ready to work with you • Why throwing out the rule book around journaling can make it easier, more enjoyable and far more sustainable This warm and inspiring conversation will help you slow down, see your experiences through a different lens and build more confidence in the value you bring. If you’re ready to uncover the stories that have been there all along and use them with more clarity, compassion and confidence, this episode is a must-listen. If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com [susan@thebusinessofstories.com] Check out The Story Source here [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/source] Storytelling Mastery here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/storytellingmastery/] Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/] Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/] About your host Susan Payton: When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away! In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life. Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories [http://www.thebusinessofstories.com/my-book], hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry. Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business. Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person. In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. See my bio here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-pLB73vQGDytEEn7jhaMulVHoEDHYvC/view] And my speaker page here [https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-talks/] Connect with Susan: Email: susan@thebusinessofstories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/ [https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofstories/] Produced by http://winteraudio.co.ukWinter Audio [http://winteraudio.co.uk]. Mentioned in this episode: Win a 1:1 session with Susan Write a review for this podcast, and go into a draw - to win a 1:1 session with Susan. It's a full 60-minute session to work on anything you want - your stories, your core message, your content strategy … or how you can implement the 7-step process Susan shared in episode 45 so all your content is highly relevant and relatable to your ideal client. All you need to do is write a review of this podcast - on Apple or Spotify - and send Susan a screenshot via social media or to susan@thebusinessofstories.com. And, if you win, she’ll be in touch to schedule in a time for you to work together.