In the beginning…

Have you given any thought to your origin story?

I was sitting in Kal Tire recently waiting for my tires to be changed. I have a tendency to scan walls of a place if I have to wait.  On the wall next to me hung a photo of the founder, Tom Foord, and a brief story about how Kal Tire came to be. Kal Tire was founded in 1953 in Vernon, BC. It was named after Kalamalka Lake, there are more than 250 Kal Tires in Canada and it’s head office is still in Vernon BC. The brief description tells the story of a man who started a small business, grew it to a national brand and, yet, remains grounded in its local roots.

You all know the almost-mythical stories of tech giants who started in a garage or a basement, or the humble beginning of someone who just wanted to make something better [ Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. comes to mind]. It’s the story that compels you. Some of you use a story as a road map to your own journey. You say to yourself, “If they can do it, so can I”.

Why should you tell your story?

You can discover most origin stories on the “About” page of a website. Your origin story tells your audience who you are and what you do. It helps you to build trust with your audience. When you share who you are and where you come from, you become a person and not just a business. Your audience is more likely to connect with you. You become a reference point. You understand your audience’s struggle because you have experienced the same struggle and, you know how to help them. Above all else, be honest and trust-worthy. Once you have your story, you can adjust it and use it elsewhere; it’s your elevator speech at a networking event, it’s your boilerplate(see definition), and it’s your mission statement and values upon which you have built your business.

What to Include in Your Origin Story

Your origin story does not need to be epic. In most instances, your origin began with the seed of an idea or an “aha” moment. Just take your audience on your journey and tell them what inspired you to do what it is you do.

•  Tell them about the challenges you faced.
• Take them on the journey to overcome this challenge. Include your failures, as well as, your successes that brought you to a pivotal moment.
• Discuss how this “moment” led to you to do or create something that can help others.
• Share your passion and insight.

What’s My Story?

While my story is not epic, it was bold [possibly akin to a mid-life crisis]. I had a good quasi-government job but I was very bored. I was disenchanted and disengaged. I was almost finished my Diploma in Public Relations and wanted to use my new-found knowledge. I was unable to move to such a position within the organization so I sought a one elsewhere. Basically, I quit a full-time job for a volunteer position at a non-profit organization to do what I wanted to do. And, wow, what an experience. I got to create copy, reach out to the media, help craft the details of a major fund raising event , learn about the power of community through social media and, the importance of how the story drives everything. After that experience, I connected with the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and volunteered to help with an event. From there, I joined the chamber to connect with the local business community. I attended a luncheon about email/content marketing and thought, “I can do that.”  Most people don’t have the time to put together the details of a newsletter or a blog. I knew I could help provide this service.

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can say is, “I can do that.”

Which prompts my above question? How did you get started? What was the impetus that finally moved you onto your current path? Some of you experienced an epiphany or life-changing event; others have slowly moved towards the place you are today. Whatever your story, make sure people know it.