A few years ago, I met a young entrepreneur at a café in Mumbai. His name was Rohan. He had built an amazing product-a fitness app that could customize workout plans using AI. But there was a problem. Hardly anyone was downloading it.
Story Telling as a Skill for Greatness
A few years ago, I met a young entrepreneur at a café in Mumbai. His name was Rohan. He had built an amazing product-a fitness app that could customize workout plans using AI. But there was a problem. Hardly anyone was downloading it.
"Bro, the app is solid. But people just don’t get it!" Rohan said, frustrated.
I asked him, “How do you explain your app to people?”
He pulled out his phone and started talking about algorithms, data points, and predictive analysis. It was all very impressive. It was also very boring.
“Forget all that,” I said. “Tell me why someone should use your app.”
Rohan paused. He thought for a moment and then said, “See, my dad had diabetes. He never exercised because every fitness plan seemed too tough. I created this app so people like him could get easy, customized workouts that actually fit into their lives.”
That was it. That was his story. And it was powerful.
Why Storytelling Matters in Business
Business is not just about numbers, graphs, and strategies. It’s about people. And people connect with stories, not sales pitches.
Think about it. Why do you remember Apple’s "Think Different" campaign? Or why do you feel something when Nike says "Just Do It"? Because these brands tell stories that inspire.
A well-told story can make your brand memorable. Facts are forgotten, but stories stay. It helps build emotional connections because people buy with emotions, not logic. A story also simplifies complex ideas. The right one can make even AI sound interesting. And most importantly, storytelling drives action. A powerful story can convince people to invest, buy, or believe in your vision.
How to Tell a Great Business Story
Now that we know storytelling is important, how do you do it well? Here’s a simple three-step formula.
Make It Personal
People connect with people, not companies. Your business isn’t just about products; it’s about real people solving real problems.
Instead of saying, "Our app has the most advanced AI technology," say, "I created this app for my father, so he could exercise without feeling overwhelmed."
Find that one person, one moment, one problem that started it all. That’s your core story.
Keep It Simple and Relatable
Complicated jargon kills good stories. Nobody cares about your "cutting-edge machine-learning-enabled blockchain solutions."
Instead, think of your story as if you’re telling it to a friend over chai. Would they understand? Would they care?
Simple, emotional, and real beats technical every time.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Instead of saying your product is great, show why. Use examples, emotions, and real-life situations.
Look at Zomato. Their social media doesn’t just say, "We deliver food fast." Instead, they use funny, relatable storytelling.
That moment when you’re starving, and the delivery guy is just 500 meters away but stuck at a red light.
Now, you don’t just see Zomato as a service-you feel the hunger, the wait, and the craving. That’s storytelling at its best.
The Rohan Effect: What Happened Next?
Remember Rohan? He took my advice. Instead of talking about AI, he started telling his father’s story. He shared it in his pitches, marketing, and even on his website.
And guess what? People listened. Downloads went up. Investors started showing interest.
Because at the end of the day, a good story isn’t just told-it’s felt.
So, if you’re building a business, stop selling. Start storytelling. That’s how you make people care.
What’s your business story? Share it in the comments. Maybe your next big break starts with the right words.
