The Everyday Storyteller (Hilary Salzman)

Ok, for many of you this might be the thing of nightmares (it is for me!) but imagine for a moment that you’re stood up in front of the Dragon’s trying to persuade Deborah, Steven or Peter to invest in your business idea. All eyes are on you, beads of sweat drip down your face and you just know you’re blushing. What do you do? Baffle them with loads of numbers in the hope it’ll make you sound clever. Or do you tell them a story and win over their hearts and minds? 

In this episode we explore how to use emotion when pitching your ideas and the different stories 

you could you tell to fire up the heart winning chemicals in your ideal client’s brain. 

Want to get ready for next week's masterclass - How To Write Your Story? Download your FREE workbook now and tune in to the next 5 episodes. https://mailchi.mp/22-stories/everydaystorytellermasterclass

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

In today's episode I talk about all the things that could have easily stopped me from starting a podcast and exactly how I overcame them.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Right now there are people trying to dictate our country’s narrative. What can and can’t be said, in the ‘public interest’ whilst the same voices turn a blind eye to corruption happening right in front of them, their inflammatory words fuelling a fire we never thought would burn again in this country. It’s fundamentally wrong. And it sucks. 

Today I am dedicating this episode to freedom of speech and our right to speak out when we see something that’s so very very wrong.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

For many small business owners, selling doesn't come naturally. Yet it's one of the many different hats we have to wear if we want to grow and be a success, whatever that means to you. I definitely learned this lesson the hard way. And now I would like to help you avoid making the same mistake as me!

In this episode I explore how selling what you do is actually more about a shift in mindset, than any swanky tools or techniques and how using your story can help you attract the right audience and get them to buy from you.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Why is it so important to always centre your business stories around your customer rather than you?

1. It makes you more relatable: Customers relate better when your story focuses on their needs and challenges. It creates an emotional connection and helps them see the benefits of your products or services.
2. It informs of your value: By making the story about your customer, you can highlight how your product or services provides solutions to their problems. It shows the value you bring and how you make a positive impact.
3. It shows empathy and understanding: When you make the customer the star, you demonstrate that you understand their pain points and desires. It shows you genuinely care about their needs.
4. It builds trust: Stories with real-life examples or testimonials build trust. Customers appreciate businesses that prioritise their needs and one ay to do them is to make them the hero. 
5. It helps you stand out: Focusing on your customer sets you apart from the competition. It shows you prioritise customer satisfaction and their success.
6. It makes you engaging and memorable: Stories centred around customers create emotional connections and are more likely to be shared, helping to spread your brand message.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Don't waste your time, money and effort creating a brilliant brand story to tick a box and then doing sweet FA with it.

Here are five ways to stop your brand story from gathering dust and ensure all the hard work you put into crafting it converts into lovely new relationships and sales.

1. On your website. If you don't use your story to update your about me, you're missing a trick (it's ready-made content)
2. On your social media - take the headlines - your purpose or vision and turn them into your bio to help people understand the value of working with you at first glance.
3. When you're creating marketing content, use each element (purpose, vision, mission and values) as content pillars and create stories to bring each bit to life - don't forget to make your customer the hero, though, not you and your business!
4. When you're introducing yourself at a networking group or online event =- it's far more interesting than Hello, I'm Hilary, and I run a business teaching people to tell their story.
5. When you're entering an award or pitching yourself for PR, your brand story is a great way to differentiate yourself and create something that will get others to think and make them remember you too.

If you haven't yet started work on your brand story - or indeed, if you're not sure where or how to get started, check back for my Brand Story Masterclass - a week's worth of episodes plus a bonus extended show dedicated to showing you how to define your story and where to use it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Using stories to drive action comes down to one thing - saying the right things, at the right time, to the right people.

But how do you know what you should be saying and when?

Today I share some practical ways to make sure your stories don’t just attract attention, but her your customers to act (and buy from you) when the time is right for them.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I share my secret sauce questions you can ask your customers to ensure you get the content you need for a GREAT testimonial.

• What triggered you to buy from me? What was life like for you before buying from me and what did you need to change?
• What was your biggest challenge and how was it impacting you? What did you fear most?
• What helped you make the decision to buy from me? What did you hope you would be able to do after working with me/ buying my product that you hadn’t t been able to do before?
• What did you enjoy most about working with me or using my products? How would you describe the experience?
• How specifically did I help you find the answers and support you needed to make a positive change?
• How has this impacted your life? What do you think/feel/do differently as a result?
• What would you tell someone else experiencing the same problems as you?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa.

Today’s episode invites you to think about how you can use your voice to help lift someone up, help them feel you support and show them what type of person you are. What better way to use your voice for good?

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard, I’d love it if you left a 5 star rating or review. It makes me feel loved and more importantly increases the visibility of my show so more women like you can benefit from it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Imagine being able to unblock whatever is holding you back from sharing your customer success stories?

If the idea of sharing case studies, testimonials and success story fills you with dread, even though you know you probably - no definitely - should be doing more of it. Or if asking your customers for a review brings on a hot sweat even though you know their really happy with what you’ve helped them with. Rest assured you’re not alone.

I take you through an exercise to switch your mindset about customer testimonials and understand all the magical things they can do for you and your business.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

If every story you tell, about your experiences, the experiences of your customers, the things you care most about is positive and all you ever do is paint a rosy picture, before long people will stop believing you. Why? Because we know that’s not the reality. And it’s fine. We can take it. 

We know that not everything is perfect because we experience this in our own lives every day. So stop kidding us that there is some state of nirvana just waiting out there for us if only we did the thing or bought the widget. We want to buy from real people telling real stories that fit with the way we see the world. 

In this episode I invite you to think about your own vulnerability and how sharing a little bit of it may just be the thing you need to build solid, trusted relationships with your customers. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

If your vision is where you'd like to get to one day, your mission is what you're going to do every day to achieve it.

It describes how you'll act on purpose to deliver your vision and - most importantly - imparts a whole heap of handy information to your audience to attract them to you in the first place and get them to hang around for longer too.

If you listened to my last episode, you're hopefully already figuring out your vision (if not, it's worth stopping and going back to).

So now it's time to get your mission statement sorted. And to make it super easy - which is what The Everyday Storyteller is all about, here's a simple framework for you:

1. Explain your product and service offering (make it short and sweet)
2. Identify the problem you're solving and for who
3. Connect how your offering solves the problem and the value of this back to your vision
4. Condense these three statements into one - making sure it's clear, concise and free of fluff.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one.

Do you want to continue the conversation or get extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

The brilliant Suzi @story_publishing produces this podcast.

Acronyms, clichés, self-centred language, and other misleading tactics get in the way of effective communications and turn your customers right off.  So how do you keep your communication customer-centric, authentic, and free from buzzwords to make a lasting impression?

• Say no to TLAs (Three-letter acronyms) as they can be confusing 
• Avoid cliches and focus instead on being honest and original in describing the value your business offers. 
• Make sure your customer is always the hero of your stories - avoid starting every sentence with ‘I” and focus on more inclusive language like “you”, “we” and “us”
• Avoid any false claims and focus instead on showcasing your strengths and what makes you different. 
• Let your customers see your expertise through concrete examples and customer case studies

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

We can all tell predictable stories about our business but unfortunately (and check LinkedIn for evidence of this) when you’ve heard one, you’ve heard them all.

To help get your creative juices flowing here are some ideas for more unique stories you may not have thought about. 

• The Community Impact Story. This is where we share how our small businesses have positively influenced our local communities. 
• The Behind-the-Scenes Story. This is the part where we give our audience a sneak peek into the daily operations and the hard work that goes into running our businesses. Check our Belinda at Pothies for great examples of behind the scenes content shared over Reels and TikTok
• Your founding story. This one's always special because it's your unique journey. 
• The Failures and Lessons Learned Story. Yes, we've all faced setbacks, made mistakes, and encountered challenges along the way. But guess what? These stories can be incredibly inspiring and insightful.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Worrying that your story isn’t interesting enough to share? If you’ve gone to all the effort of setting up and running your own biz, I bet you a year's worth of biscuits that you’ve got something interesting to say off the back of it.

To help you get started - or give you some inspiration for story-led content you can share on your socials, in your newsletters etc here are 8 questions to ask yourself and write a response to.  Make sure you show customers why your answer should matter to them and don’t forget a clear call to action for what you want them to do next!

1. Why did you set up your business initially? What problem did it solve for you?
2. What did the first 3/6/12 months teach you?
3. If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently and why?
4. What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve overcome? What did it teach you?
5. How did you name your business and what does it mean?
6. What’s your proudest moment and why? What about your most embarrassing?
7. Who else has been part of your business success? Who would you like to thank?
8. What’s next for you? 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When there are some many different choices on offer to us as consumers, we need to find a way to filter our options. And aligning with brands that share our values has become an increasingly important way of doing that. 

Are you clear on what your values are and more importantly, how do you share these values with your customers. 

In this episode I share why your values matter so much to your customers and how to start thinking about yours. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Let's get real – back-to-school photos. We all know you're proud of your little one dressed in their finest, but does anyone else care? Do you even care? Or is it just a case of "everyone else is doing it, so I must too”?

I have to admit, I'm guilty of it too. When my daughter started primary school, there I was, snapping away and posting it on Facebook with #proudmummy. So I'm not one to judge. But there's a business point here, and it goes like this:

Your ideal clients don't come to you for the same old, same old. If they're giving you their precious time and attention, especially if you want them to take action like buying from you, you need to make it worth their while. Your clients crave new, fresh, and, most importantly, relevant stories. They want something that tells them a little about you but a lot more about them.

So, if you're selling unique interiors or providing financial services to small business owners, little Doris or Donald in their school outfits won't add much value to your audience. However, if you've created an innovative gadget for labelling school clothes or you're a family photographer offering to capture special memories, clever back-to-school content could be a game-changer.

Bottom line: Share stories and content that are informative, relevant, and valuable to your audience. It can be personal, sure, but not just because you find it interesting or cute, and certainly not because everyone else is doing it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When we were children, before countless individuals dampened our creativity, crushed our dreams, and made us feel the need to conform for acceptance we possessed vivid imaginations and the ability to think beyond the obvious. We had the innate power to connect with others simply by sharing what was on our minds, unfiltered and uncensored, wearing our emotions on our sleeves. But all to often now, as adults, we are bound by the "should haves" and "aught to’s.”. 

In this episode I question what would happen if we adopted the mindset of a child when it came to allowing ideas to flow freely, embracing our emotions and quite frankly, just having a bit of fun with out stories. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

A lesson in getting the basics right when launching your website. 

All too often I have business owners coming to me because they’re struggling to write their website copy. So what, I hear you say, that’s not particularly unusual. I guess not, but what if I was to tell you that a high proportion of them are struggling because they don’t actually know what their business is?

So before you tie yourself up in knots trying to write your website, take a moment to breath and run through the following questions. 

1. Who are your target audience? What do they look like, what do they value, what problem do they need solving and why do they need it solving right now?

1. What is your proposition? How does what you sell or produce help your target audience solve their problem, how do you do it better than your competitors and what will life look and feel like for them as a result?

1. What is your brand story and how does this relate to your audience? Why do you do what you do, what are you trying to achieve in the long run, how are you doing this day-to-day, what do you value and why does this all make a difference to your customers?

1. What are you actually selling? Is it a physical good or service or what that actually does or makes someone feel? For example do you make children’s games or bring joy and fun into the lives of children and adults alike?

1. And finally what do you want your website to do. Is it just somewhere for prospective clients to come to and validate you are who you say you are or do you need it to generate sales for you? If the latter, how will it do that? What are your call to actions? Will you offer a free download? Can people buy directly from the site or do they need to set up a call with you. If so, can they do this via the site?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Success doesn’t come from countless accolades and shiny trophies strategically placed in front of your Zoom camera for all to see. It doesn’t come from 6 figure earnings. Or 10,000 followers. It doesn’t come from corporate sponsorship deals or seeing your face on the side of a double-decker bus. 

For me - and maybe for you too - success comes from helping one person when they need it most. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in comparing ourselves to others - seeing one person’s successes as your own failures. 

One of the keys to good business storytelling is knowing your audience - but even more so, understanding that you are not for everyone. And you can use your story to help you find those people, reach out to those that need your help the most, and not worry about mass appeal - unless that’s your vibe, of course. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters, too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Have you ever sat in a Pret a Manger in Paddington and cried? I have. It wasn't pleasant, but it taught me a crucial lesson. Over four years ago, I consciously uncoupled from the marketing agency I co-owned. Things hadn't been working for a while. It was a mutual "It's not you, it's me" situation.

As hard as it was to leave a lucrative business and a team I helped grow, it was the right choice. The lesson? If you don't take control of your story, you become part of someone else’s.

So, today, assess where you are and what you do. What do you love? What would you change? Are you telling the story you want or letting others dictate it? If you need help shaping your story, book a call with me.

Own your story. You deserve it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

In this episode, I open up about the unplanned break I took and how surprisingly, the world didn't fall apart. No flooded inboxes or Twitter rants – just a much-needed breather.

Being a good storyteller doesn't mean constant output; it's about understanding your audience and providing value. Consider what you could pause or stop doing to create some breathing space.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I explore the universal fascination with eavesdropping on other people's conversations. Delving into the innate curiosity that drives this behaviour, the episode highlights its connection to our deep-seated need for human connection and provides valuable insights into using eavesdropping as a tool for business storytelling. 

From casual conversations to social media interactions, the episode emphasises the importance of keeping one's ears open for storytelling inspiration. However, it's vital to remember to respect boundaries and seek consent when incorporating private conversations into narratives.

By acknowledging our natural nosiness and learning to harness it responsibly you can engage and connect with an audience more effectively.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

How many times how you found yourself stuck to the same script in your business? Saying the things you think you should instead of sharing your unique story. 

I get it. We stick to the script because it feels safe but what if there’s more power in breaking free? Instead of same old, same old, consider this: your story is your strength. Break free and share what makes you, your journey and your business special. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

The Everyday Storyteller celebrates the power of the female voice, creating a space where all voices are welcomed, sharing experience and learnings. But even bigger than that, it sends a message to the world that we’re here to be heard.

In this episode I share my own story about why my voice matters and encourage you to think about why yours is important to you.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Unlike all the Hollywood hopefuls, my chances of winning an Oscar are pretty slim but it doesn’t stop me fantasising about what I would say if I did….

This is such a fun way to talk about your journey so far, giving a nod to those that have helped (or hindered) along the way as you’ve developed your business - and yourself.

It’s the perfect way to inject storytelling into your content and name check those that have made a difference to your story. It’s also an opportunity to share some of your less glamorous moments, all of which have made you the person you are now. The person your customers are dying to get to know more.

Hear my acceptance speech and be inspired to write your own.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Do you know what the first story ever told was about? No, me neither. But I can hazard a guess that it probably had something to do with survival. And that’s the thing. Most stories today, one way or another are about exactly the same; helping us make sense of the world around and what we need to do to survive, physically, mentally, financially, spiritually. But, why exactly is that? Why are stories just so damn important to our everyday decision making?

In this episode I explore this question - and give you some guidance on how to think about what survival needs what you do taps into.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

The ultimate tragedy is when nobody knows just how brilliant you are. In this episode, we’ll explore ways to change that.

Nowadays it’s not enough just to do a great job, you need to be showing other people just what impact you can have on their lives. And this is where your personal brand story comes into its own.

Your story lets your audience into your vision of the world; helping them understand the path you’re on, in order to connect that with their own sense of purpose and values so that they will join you on your mission.

A brand story is made up of 3 parts - your vision, your mission and your values and we will unpick each of these in more detail in future episodes.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Virtue signalling - superficial displays of virtue and value, does absolutely nothing when it comes to maintaining authenticity and building trust with your audience. I would go as far to say, it can actually be pretty damaging to your brand too. But it’s not always easy to know when you’re doing it, especially if there something happening in the world that everyone seems to be commenting on (think Black Lives Matter, International Women’s Day, Pride month etc)

In order to make sure you don’t fall into the tap, I share some tips to help you think about your messaging and stay authentic to what you believe in. 

1. Be genuine
2. Focus on action, not just words
3. Focus efforts on providing value to your audience 
4. Promote inclusivity and diversity
5. Be transparent
6. Engage in meaningful chat
7. Avoid overusing buzzwords and trends
8. Back up your claims.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I’ve been so inspired by the women I work with, driven by their past experiences and determined to share their knowledge or learn from the tough times they’ve experienced, turning the negative into positive life affirming actions that helps others and bring joy, and hope to the world.

In this episode, I explore how you can use your voice to make a difference.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

• How about sharing a story that celebrates the achievement of another women you know?
• Maybe use your platform to talk about a time you overcame a challenge when facing inequality or gender bias and how it made you feel.
• Tell a story about a woman close to you who has inspired you to be who you are now
• Share how you help others learn how to make their voice count, for example teaching your children (daughters AND sons) about the importance of gender equality or championing diversity and inclusivity in your business and the people you work with.

Whatever your experience, your can use your voice as the power to challenge what’s not right and create a more inclusive world for all minorities, not just women especially those who don’t currently have that right.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

This episode is the final part of my special Brand Story Masterclass dedicated to getting your brand story written once and for all and giving you the confidence and know-how to get out there and tell it.

If you get your brand story straight, you'll have a whole heap of content ready to go. It's perfect for your website - a refreshing change to an About Me page. Check out Lucy and Yak for a great - and highly creative - example.

Your values also hold exciting content to show others what the experience of working with you or buying your products would look and feel like them. Bring this to live on your website or social media. Oatly is bloomin' brilliant at this.

But beyond just your website or social media bio, where else can you use your story?

• Introducing yourself at a networking group. No more scrabbling around for the right words to say; your brand story drips effortlessly off your tongue.
• Entering your brilliant self for an award or pitching yourself to journalists or investors? Your brand story makes for a much more interesting that'll catch their eye and make you more memorable.
• Sharing real-life stories of when you went above and beyond to help someone. Or when you responded to a social, political or environmental issue that's part of your story that highlights your values.
• Bringing your vision to life creatively by painting a picture with words of your future-inspired world.
• Sharing your journey and how you ended up doing what you're doing now. Don't forget to include what you learned along the way (good and bad) and how this helps you now solve your customer's problems.

If you'd like more ideas, grab a copy of my workbook - How to tell Business Stories, which includes ten story templates you can customise and make your own.

Do you want to continue the conversation or get extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

The brilliant Suzi @story_publishing produces this podcast.

In episode 88 I shared my secret sauce questions that you can ask your customers to get all the really juicy feedback from them.

Now with all that info in hand, it’s time to turn it into a story you can use on your website, your social media and in your presentations and proposals with my repeatable template based on Donald Millar’s StoryBrand.

• Who is your main character? What were they trying to achieve and why?
• What obstacles did they face?
• What happened when they met you?
• What did you do together to solve their problem?
• What might have happened had they not sought out your help or product?
• What did success look for them in the end?

Now, stick it all together and bosh - there’s your customer story. Try summarising the story in 1-2 lines with the outcome as the perfect hook. And don’t forget the call to action. What do you want your audience to do as a result of reading this story?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

From spooky goings on in my house to our eternal quest for meaning, I explore why we love ghost stories so much and how we can apply it to our own storytelling.

And I take you through an exercise to explore what shared experiences you have with your ideal clients and what questions they are seeking answers to - the answers to which will help you tell stories that really resonate.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

One of the key lessons I’ve learned so far with running a business, even launching this podcast, is that if you wait around for perfection, it will never happen.

In this episode, I explore the concept of MVP - Most Viable Product and how this can help you get more stories out into the world before it’s too late.

I also set you the challenge to hit the ‘post’ button on a story you’ve created, without spending hours overthinking and editing it!

So, have a listen, write your story and tag #theeverydaystoryteller so I can read it too.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

If you’re a business owner, it won’t come as a surprise that crafting your brand story can really help you focus and grow, connecting your customers to who you are and what you stand for. But what if you work for someone else? It’s easy to assume you don’t need a brand story.

I’m here, in this episode, to try and persuade you otherwise.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

One of the biggest hurdles the women I meet have with sharing their story is fear. Fear of judgement, being laughed out, failing to be heard, getting it wrong. 

If you take the time to break these down, are they real fears or just the result of panic? If you were able to approach storytelling calmly and just go about sharing your experiences building your business, helping your customers, making a difference, would it really be that terrible? 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

They say don't mix business and family. Seeking their opinions can limit your growth. Loved ones, with the best intentions, may emotionally invest in your well-being, leading to phrases like, "Shouldn't you just find a proper job?" that can knock your confidence.

Through the work I do, I’ve seen many of my clients struggle to share their real stories. They grow when confidently sharing their truths with me, only to have family or close friends question and water down their narratives out of love. Red pen edits and a diluted version of their truth often result.

My experience has taught me to handle this delicately. But honestly, it's often best not to go there, unless family members understand your goals.

Today, seek diverse perspectives beyond family and friends. Connect with mentors, collaborators, or even customers for a fresh viewpoint. For an unbiased perspective to help you express your truth, I'm here for you. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

A few little titters here and there, the odd pun or amusing tale can make your content more interesting, put a smile on your audience’s face and keep them hooked.

But only if the proper precautions are taken. And, only if it’s authentic.

• Consider the likely humour of your audience before you launch in with the jokes. If you’re in any doubt, don’t.
• Try to find some comic relief - it doesn’t have to be a barrage of slapstick remarks, just an amusing observation or anecdote about something that may otherwise be seen as quite serious or, even slightly dull.
• Only use in-jokes if you are certain people will get it and won’t feel alienated by it
• Use self-deprecating humour - poke fun at yourself (it’s a lot less risky than poking fun at other people and can shows signs of humility, confidence and a level of comfort on your own skin - all perfect if you’re trying to get others to trust you and what you have to offer)
• Use humour sparingly, like tabasco sauce and avoid all together if you’re not sure of your audience’s taste.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Whenever I get creative block I find myself annoyingly singing Natasha Bedingfield lyrics. Which as you can imagine, doesn’t help at all. But if you were a teenager of the 90s, you’ll probably recognise it… Tryna find the magic. Tryna write a classic. Don’t you know/ Wastebin full of paper. Clear rhymes see ya later! Oh and the best line of all - nothing I write is ever good enough. 

Truth is, even the most imaginative minds sometimes experience creative block when it comes to telling their own business stories. Don't fret! Today I’m going to share some effective ways to overcome creative block and unlock your storytelling potential.

• Be vulnerable and share genuine experiences
• Seek inspiration beyond your niche
• Revisit your core purpose and passion
• Don’t limit yourself to a single medium or channel
• Reach out to other women for brain storming sessions or collaborations
• Don’t forget your customer’s stories
• Break free from perfectionism!

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Can you believe it? This is the 149th episode of The Everyday Storyteller and the final one before I embark on a well-deserved summer break. So it seems fitting I use this episode to explore the positive impacts having a rest can have not only on your energy levels but also your creativity, ensuring you can show up for you audience in the most brilliant way possible. 

Thank you for all your support this season and the love you’ve shown the show. I'll be back in September with more stories, tips, and guidance.

If there are any topics you'd like me to cover, please let me know via the Q&A (if you’re on Spotify) via email or DM message.

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is am I allowed to tell my story?

Ok, so obviously, there are no laws in place around who can tell their story. Yet, there does seem to be something unwritten which dictates, in your mind, whether or not you can tell your story.

Today I delve into the barriers we all create for ourselves when it comes to sharing our personal story.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I share 5 tips for using storytelling to engage and grow your audience.  

Tip 1 - Find your story; identify your key message and purpose.

Think about what your audience care most about (not just what you think is interesting). Look at what problems they’re looking to solve. And use this to create an engaging and compelling story that resonates with them. 

Tip 2 - Spend the time to figure out your hook - you’ve only got a couple of seconds to make an impact. 

Drama and emotion are good for this. Why not share a time something went epically wrong to create intrigue and a desire to listen on?

Tip 3 - Use anecdotes and examples to bring your story to life.

Avoid listing facts and figures and use real-life examples to show your audience what you mean and how this can help them. That’s not to say don’t include data in your content if it’s relevant (cleverly placed data can boost credibility) but tell it in a story that will pique the interest of your average client. 

Tip 4 - Collaborate with other storytellers

Work with other content creators, storytellers and small business owners to reach new audiences and connect with like-minded people who share similar stories and experiences. 

Tip 5 - Be yourself. 

Sharing stories is a chance to let your audience get to know the real you. Talk how you usually talk. Be genuine, honest, and authentic. A little bit of humor doesn’t go a miss (audience-appropriate, of course!)

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Welcome to this special Everyday Storyteller Masterclass series, 5 short episodes designed to help you take the theory of storytelling and put it into action by writing your own stories. 

When it comes to storytelling, structure really is your best friend. In this episode, I take you through a standardised structure (the exact one I use) and how to make it your own when writing and telling your business stories.

To help you even further, I’ve also created a FREE workbook to accompany the series which you can download here: 

Want to get some extra 1:1 support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Have we all got a story to tell? Yes.

Does it have to be life changing? No.

Do your customers want to hear it? Yes, 100%

Do I have to share everything with everyone? No, not if you don’t want to.

Will storytelling help me build my business. Yes. Why don’t you try it and see?

Here are a few tips to help you get started - or remind you of the basics if things are feeling a little tough right now when writing or sharing your stories. 

• Identify your core message: Determine the key takeaway you want your audience to remember and align it with your business goals.
• Craft a compelling narrative: Structure your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end and put your ideal client at the heart of it. 
• Connect on an emotional level: Share personal anecdotes and moments of vulnerability to build trust and establish a genuine connection with your audience.
• Practice active listening: Pay attention to your audience's needs and feedback. Adapt your storytelling style accordingly to ensure resonance and engagement.
• Use different mediums: Experiment with various storytelling formats, such as written articles, social media posts, videos, or podcasts. Find the way that best suits your style and resonates with your audience.
• Continuously refine your storytelling skills: Seek feedback, learn from other successful storytellers, and consistently practice and refine your craft.

I will be taking a short break for summer soon but all my episodes will be available for you to dip back in and out of whenever you need a refresh or confidence boost.

Keep an eye out throughout August on my Instagram or LinkedIn for details. All my contact information is below. 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Let me blast a common misconception out of the water. You don't need some 'I was down to my last 20p before I spotted a massive opportunity and now I'm a squillionare' tale of inception to have something interesting to say.
Talking about how you started your business works on many levels
First up. It helps your ideal client understand more about the person behind the brand i.e. you which good for trust and great for relationship building
Next. It shows others the problem you initially set out to fix (which is likely to be the same problem they have now) and gives them confidence in your ability to help them, because you've 'been there, done that'
And finally. It helps unite your audience around your common purpose; this story shows them what's important to you and what drives you so they can connect their own journey to yours.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

“Leaders lead by telling stories that give others permission to lead, not follow.” - Michael Margolis

In this episode we explore the importance of storytelling in leadership and how your story can help give others permission to lead.

Pssst - even if you don’t see yourself as a 'leader' don’t skip this episode. Being a leader isn’t just about managing a team; you might be a thought-leader, someone leading by example or simply leading that tightly oiled ship you call family (yeah right!).

Whatever type of leader you are, or even if you’re not sure if you are a leader (you are!), do listen.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

If you want others to buy into what you have to say, then you need to build trust. That trust doesn’t come from pretending to be someone you’re not, just because you feel you have to be a certain person to succeed.

No, trust comes from others understanding who you really are and what, therefore, this means to them. And how do you help others understand you better? You got it - through sharing your stories.

Here are some tips to help you build trust through your storytelling:

1. Write as you speak to really get your personality across. Cut out the fancy pants words you feel you have to include to sound clever (unless of course that is how you speak). And then read it aloud. If it feels uncomfortable it’s likely you’ve unwittingly written it in someone else’s voice
2. Don’t be afraid to show a slightly less polished version of yourself from time to time. Stories of failure and vulnerability create strong emotional connections as we can all relate - you’re human after all!
3. Let your voice be your difference. Be true to yourself as you share your stories to stand you apart. If people don’t like what they hear - go and seek out those that do - they are your people.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

You can’t get away from the fact Taylor Swift is EVERYWHERE right now. And rightly so, in my opinion. I won’t deny her catchy tunes are fun, but for me, there’s a whole other level to her that can really help you up your storytelling game. 

Here's how you can apply her brilliance in your business storytelling:

• Include relatable emotions
• Paint vivid pictures with your language
• Use real characters like satisfied customers or your ideal client
• Highlight conflict and resolution
• Add a personal touch with your own anecdotes
• Use metaphors and analogies
• Vary your tone and mood to match your message
• Be mindful of cultural aspects to connect with a diverse audience.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters, too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

How do you get others to listen to you and engage with what you have to say? Simple, you just have to show up. It’s easy right. Sure. Until you actually have to do it.

It’s all very well and good saying you just need to show up consistently to build a brand. But what if that brand’s just you. And what if you haven’t ‘just shown up’ before? 

In this episode I share a simple framework to help you feel more at ease with showing up and taking about what you do and why.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I’m a storyteller. This is podcast is called The Everyday Storyteller. But have you ever stopped for a moment to think what a story actually is?

In this episode I’m going to be answering exactly that by, you guessed it, sharing a story. And it’s very personal one for me. 

Stick the kettle on and listen up.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I’m a people pleaser. Fact. I’m getting better now - or at least I’m more in control of it simply because I’ve experienced the destructive consequences it brings. 

I often tell this story to help others going through similar experiences because by sharing your unique story, you can connect with others and provide them with valuable insights based on your own experiences. In turn, they will support your vision, cheer you on, and remind you to be true to yourself.

Have a think today about the following questions and explore whether now is the time to start re-writing the story you really want to tell. 

• What do you want your story to be? 
• What do you believe in?
• What do you want to be know for?
• What do you want to sound like?
• How do you want your life to feel - and how do you want to make others feel?
• How do you want to be remembered?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When it comes to business storytelling being specific is your new best friend. But how do you go about getting specific?

Step 1 - Define your ideal client/s so you can personalise your message specifically to their needs, wants and desires. Make them the main character of your stories - rather than you or your products or services.

Step 2 - Think about that ideal client every time you pick up the pen or open your laptop to write. Make sure every business story you tell is about them, the needs they have and how their life is made better as a result of their decision to buy from you.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

One of the trickiest things, once you’ve found your voice, is knowing what to talk about. So if you’re after some quick inspiration, listen on.

In the last episode (Sharing. Or over sharing?), I mused about how much is too much when it comes to sharing publicly.

In this episode, I’m going to share a few ideas for personal stories that shouldn’t have you running for the hills.

And don’t forget to tag #TheEverydayStoryteller in any stories you post on social media so I can read and share them.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I blew a massive promotion opportunity by using ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ at the interview because I felt I wasn’t good enough to claim my successes Ias my own. At just 23 I had experienced my first professional bout of imposter syndrome. And it didn’t feel good.

Two decades later, I see small business owners, especially female ones, making the same mistake. And I get it. You want to be taken seriously. You want others to think you’re running a “proper” businesses. Can you really do this all by yourself? YES YOU CAN!

I share why saying ‘I’ when your brand is just you is an empowering and powerful action which also helps you build connection and trust with your audience.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

You want to make it super easy for potential customers to know whether you can help them or not. Like instantly. Or else they're likely to look elsewhere until they find their answer.
Of course this does rely on one thing. You understanding what the problem is you solve in the first place. 

Stories that describe your ideal client and the problems you solve for them helps others quickly see whether you're a good fit. For those that are, they will connect more deeply with you, knowing that their needs are being listened to.
And for those that are not well suited? Well, let's just say no-one's time will be wasted. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

You know that warm squishy feeling you get when you're doing something you know is really right for you? Or you make a decision and your heart literally skips with joy? All of that comes from a part of your brain called the Limbic system.

In this episode, I’m going to show you how you can tap into your customer’s Limbic brain with your storytelling by thinking about what you actually need your story to do for you.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Does spending time with your family in the holidays turn you into a person you don’t recognise? Or maybe someone you had really hoped you’d seen the back of?

I share a little bit of advice to get you through the festivities.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Just because the world has gone to pot, is this a reason to stop sharing positive stories?

Today I explore why storytelling in times of crisis is so important and share tips to help you get the right tone in your stories.

5 Star reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Imagine this. You put your heart and soul into writing a brutally honest story that highlights just why you’re so bloomin’ brilliant and then, urgh, someone you know actually reads it. Worse still it’s “that” mum on the school run. What do you do?.

Ok so that’s just a bit of fun but trust me, this is a real fear for many including myself.

In this episode, I unpick why we worry so much about the judgement of others and how you can shift your thinking to make sure this is no longer a barrier to telling your stories.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

15 years ago, I started my first business by myself, facing panic attacks, and a lack of support from friends and family. Fast forward, I realised I wasn't alone; many women share similar experiences and now, with the growth of social media, there’s a platform to share them. 

Connect Through Stories: Humans seek connection and shared experiences. Stories provide a platform to connect with your audience on a deeper, emotional level, making them feel seen and heard.

Expand Your World: Stories introduce us to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy, understanding, and personal growth. They connect us with people worldwide, despite differences on paper.

Combat Loneliness: Stories help people feel less alone in their struggles, empowering them to carve their space. Storytelling celebrates differences and builds invisible bonds.

Take Action: Consider sharing stories that resonate with your audience's needs, whether it's overcoming fear or dealing with loss and failure. Your voice and confidence can make a difference.

Subscribe to my podcast and leave a 5-star rating to help more women discover how to make their voices matter.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Did you know that research shows 62% of customers actively seek out brands whose values align to theirs?
There's no getting away from it. We want brands to do do better. And we only want to give our money to those that do. 
By sharing your higher purpose - the things that really matter to you, above and beyond making money, your customers can make an easy choice about working with you. 
Sharing stories of how you live and breath your values everyday or how you specifically support a cause or movement helps them understand the impact that buying your products or services could have not just on then but the wider world view you both share. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When was the last time you shared the ‘you’ of your brand in a social media post, presentation or even an informal chat? Struggling to remember? Shuddering at the thought of it? 

Take a listen to this episode and we’ll see if we can change that.

Stuck for ideas for your content? How about trying these?

1. Sharing something you love and something you hate 
2. Talking about your first ever job and inviting others to share their stories
3. The most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you and how you dealt with it
4. A hobby or passion that’s outside your work; focus on why you do it and how it makes you feel

It doesn’t have to be your darkest secrets by the way - just a little insight to show the world who you really are.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

As storytellers, it is not our role to lecture our customers or cajole them into buying from us simply by telling them how great we are. Instead, we need to show them that we understand them, that we can indeed solve their problem and what life will look like for them when we do. 

Showing, not telling, is really about five key principles, so why not try and re-write your piece of content with the following in mind, share it and see what response you get? 

1. Talk about real problems - either your own or, ideally your customers

2. Use emotion to help others feel the impact of this problem - dig deeper than using words like scared, nervous or happy and describe how this looked and felt like for the lead character in your story. 

3. Show how you / your customer overcame the problem and what this felt like again. Analogies and metaphors are a great way to help people understand feelings - for example, Following the steps that Vanessa’s coach had taught her, she sailed through the presentation, leaving the stage to rapturous applause, feeling light as balloon, floating up into the sky. 

4. Provide a step-by-step process. Rather than say, ‘I help you feel confident in yourself’, show exactly how you do that every step of the way to make it more believable and allow others to imagine themselves going through the same experience. 

5. Avoid sharing general opinions or facts. It’s boring, doesn’t add value and takes up valuable space/time when you could be talking about far more interesting things that will drive your customer to act. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

If you meet someone for the first time and you tell them a story, they’re 22x more likely to remember you the next time. So why do we (me included) feel it necessary to recount our whole CV, all the way back to our weekend paper round when we’re asked to introduce ourselves?

Here are three tips to help you build storytelling into how you describe yourself and your business so that no-one forgets who you are and what you can do for them.

Tip 1 - Talk directly to your audience and the problems they face, whether that’s face to face or through content. Make them the hero of your story (not you, your business or what you sell) and show them exactly how you’re going to help them and what this will mean for them.

Tip 2 - Stories follow an arc of crisis, struggle and resolution. Share a mini-crisis of your own, how you overcame it and what you learned to create impactful drama. Don’t forget to tell your audience what this experiences means to how you help them now.

Tip 3 - Impact a bit of personality and fun into your content. If you’re in person, be expressive in your body language, get up and walk round the room or share pictures as you’ll telling your story. Or create characters to tell your story for you - great if you’re selling products as you can give them their own unforgettable voice.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

It’s all in the mind. If you think about storytelling as the icing on your cake, it will feel less of an uphill struggle and more of a gentle meander to a place you really want to visit. Here are 3 tips to help you sprinkle a few stories here and there: Talk directly to your audience and the needs you know they have. This will make them feel seen and heard. If you don’t know who your audience are or what they need - do this, quick stat. Use a really simple storytelling structure - like once upon a time - or even re-write a popular story like a fairy tale or a movie you’ve watched at the weekend as if you’re customer was the main character…and you were a Yoda-type character guiding them on their journey. Think about the words you use and trying adding in some more emotional or sensory words, describe how things feel, taste, sound, smell as well as just the obvious descriptors to help your audience create a mental picture. For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time. 5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one. Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? Find me: On Instagram: @22storiesandme On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman Online: www.22-stories.com This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

The average human attention span is now allegedly, just 8 seconds. That’s less than a goldfish…

We live in an incredible noisy world which, if you’re trying to be heard, leaves you in a bit of a quandary. Telling stories help you cut through the chatter to make others listen, and remember, what you have to say.

In this episode I share three ideas of how to use your story.

1. Start with what you know; your story. Why you do what you do and what this means to the people you are trying to engage with
2. Use the words of others to tell your success stories and help show people why they simply cannot afford not to work with you
3. Use stories to share your values, your vision and your purpose so your audience can see how well you align to their own ethos, helping them make a more informed choice.

Keep it short. Keep it simple. Make your stories about your audience. And have some fun

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Next time you’re writing something and you find yourself reaching for the thesaurus for the fanciest pants-iest words you can find. Don’t.

Stop and think first about your audience and how you want your words to make them feel.

I explore by writing with emotion doesn’t require you to be an English master.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Did you know that some of the most powerful stories you can share for your business are the ones that come out of your customer’s mouths? But they are not always free flowing. It’s time to dig a little deeper beyond the surface and engage in some more meaningful conversations with your customers. Here are some ways to help you do just that.  

• Truly listen to your customers. Practice active listening by giving them your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in their experiences. Encourage them to share their stories and allow them the space to express themselves fully. By actively listening, you create a safe and open environment where customers feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotion - empathy, good for trust and relate tips 

• Instead of asking simple yes-or-no questions, ask open-ended questions that encourage customers to elaborate and share more details. For example, ask questions like "Can you tell me more about that?" or "How did that experience make you feel?" This prompts customers to dive deeper into their experiences and provides you with richer, more insightful stories.

• If 1:1 interviews are not your thang, consider surveys instead - Survey Monkey is a great tool for this. Design questions that explore their motivations, challenges, and the impact your product or service has had on their lives. This allows customers to reflect on their experiences and provide thoughtful responses that can form the basis of powerful stories. Understand why the challenge matters to them; ask for their drivers, what they’re trying to achieve personally, what will happen if they don’t get it. And use this info - create different personas and target your stories to them.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

We are not perfect people. I am not a perfect person. We are all works in progress.

Sure you can tell a story that makes you sound like the elixir to all our problems in life (buy my course and make a million pounds in a week just like - sound familiar?) But it isn’t going to do a lot if your customer’s can’t see themselves in it.

In this episode I show you how to write a story that shows your customers you really get what’s going on with them, messy bits and all. And how you can use your experiences to demonstrate empathy not just with what they’re trying to achieve but also why it’s hard for them to get there.

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard, I’d love it if you left a 5 star rating or review. It makes me feel loved and more importantly increases the visibility of my show so more women like you can benefit from it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Did you know that Joan Collins, famed actress, 80”s glamour puss and AUTHOR who penned an entire autobiography without actually writing? And what did she do instead? She dictated it all onto a recorder.

So, if writing really isn’t your thing, why not record what you want to say into your phone and transcribe from there? There are even apps that can do that for you. Or why not go bold and ditch the words altogether. There are lots of great illustrators out there who can take your ideas and turn them into pictures. One of my favourite’s is a lady called Sam Warburton.

https://samwarburtoncontentcreator.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sam_warburton_contentcreator

Or just take some snaps on your phone, share them on your Instagram and let them tell your story and engage your audience. Or why not try an Infographic - there are some great templates on Canva which you can use and make your own. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

The most effective stories are those that your customers can see themselves in. Like a mirror being held up. Yes, you might be sharing your experiences, your learnings, your fears but, and here’s the key to great storytelling, you want your customers to feel actually, its all about them.

It’s really the difference between why some stories convert to sales and others, well, don’t.

Today I share an exercise in making sure your story tells your customers’ story too.

Grab a pen and draw three columns. In the first write down a list of the challenges/problems that led you to do what you do now. In the second column write down what you did to overcome each of them. And finally in the third, write down how that experience helps you lead your customers through similar challenges.

For every challenge, solution and experience, there’s a powerful story right there waiting to be told.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

As small business owners, we often have to make tough decisions, like putting up our prices to ensure we’re paid our worth against a back drop of a cost of living crisis.  

But here's the thing: by incorporating storytelling techniques, we can not only communicate the reasons behind the price increase but also help our customers see the value and benefits they will receive.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Business storytelling is a powerful way to sell without selling overtly because it engages and persuades through narratives and emotions rather than resorting to aggressive sales tactics.

I share examples of stories you can tell to help your sales process:

• Start by establishing relatability. You could share a story about a challenge or problem your business faced and how it overcame.
• Share stories of satisfied customers who have benefited from your product or service. These success stories serve as powerful testimonials that showcase the real-world value of your offerings.
• Tell the story of how your business began, highlighting the passion and vision that drive your company. This personal narrative can make your brand more relatable and appealing.
• Offer educational and informative content that demonstrates your expertise and positions your business as a helpful resource. Storytelling can be used to simplify complex topics. Example: A financial advisor shares stories that explain investment concepts in relatable terms, empowering her clients to make informed decisions.
• Share stories that convey your values and principles. This helps attract customers who share those values and believe in what your business stands for. Example: A sustainable fashion brand tells stories about ethical sourcing and environmental practices, appealing to eco-conscious consumers
• Take your audience behind the scenes of your business operations. This transparency can build trust and show the dedication and passion of your team.
• Share stories of how your business persevered through challenging times or setbacks. These narratives demonstrate resilience and determination.
• Share your vision for the future and how your product or service fits into it. Inspire customers to become a part of that future by using your offerings.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Being a female business owner, you can sometimes feel like you’re a square peg in a round hole. But when you find others just like you, that changes everything. Suddenly, you're not alone in your journey; you're part of a collective force, each with your own unique experiences and stories.

So, how do you spot when a group of people are right for you? Here are 5 green flags to look out for:

1. You feel energised, not drained, after spending time with them
2. There’s a genuine exchange of support and ideas
3. They celebrate your victories as much as you do
4. You can be vulnerable without judgement
5. They inspire you to grow and evolve

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

We all have stories that are so ingrained in our minds we believe them to be true. Sometimes, even though we understand logically they’re probably made up, we continue to believe them as they’re a source of comfort or joy.

But what about the stories that aren’t helpful? The stories that are actually an uncomfortable source of negative emotions. Surely if we can embellish stories because they make us feel good, then we can take away the things that exist to do the exact opposite.

In this episode I explore how to re-think your negative stories for a more positive outcome.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Only 22% of top-rated podcast shows have female hosts. Depressing isn’t it?

We often think we’re just one tiny voice, so why does it matter if we don’t speak up. But just imagine if everyone thought like that! If sharing your story scares you, just think of the wider good it could be doing. The women that you could be inspiring, giving hope to, or making them feel less alone.

In this episode I empower you to stop feeling guilty for taking up space and instead, proactively carve out a unique place for your voice to be heard and celebrated.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Aida. Is it a tragic Italian opera or a hack for crafting compelling stories?

I'm talking about AIDA: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action—the key to stories that get your customers to act.

Start with Attention: Grab your audience with a captivating hook—a question, fact, or anecdote. If it's an email, the subject line can be your hook.

Interest: Build it with context—characters, setting, and conflict. Make the audience care. In business stories, your customer is the hero.

Desire: Create a desire by showing how your story aligns with their needs and the value it offers.

Action: Call them to action—buy, book, support, sign up. Clearly state the action.

By applying the AIDA framework to your storytelling, you'll create narratives that not only captivate but also drive desired outcomes. Happy storytelling!

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Creating your own brand story doesn’t just sit exclusively with business owners.

If you’re employed by an organisation not run by you, getting your story straight can really help you as your progress your career, build relationships with colleagues or customers and lead successful teams.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about your story:

• What motivates you to do your job?
• How do you want to be seen today in your business? What do you want to be known for?
• When it’s time to move on, what do you want to be remembered for?
• What are your guiding principles when you make decisions in your job?
• And finally - how can you tell your story in your business. Can you use it as a way to motivate other to share their stories too to create a more open culture?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

In the last episode, I shared 5 shortcuts to help you get your stories out into the world easier and faster. But not every quick fix is quite what it seems. 

Here are 5 potential shortcuts you’d be best to avoid:

1. Copying other people’s work. It’s an absolute no-no. You will be caught out and it won’t be fun when you do. Being inspired by others is fine - but always make sure you credit them. 

1. Sticking to the same tiresome formula. Using templates and recycling content using different formats are great shortcuts but saying the same things, in the same way, over and over again are not. Think about changing your hooks, adding some humour, or starting your story at the end and telling it backwards. 

1. Leaving it to someone else to tell your story for you (who isn’t actually a storyteller). Many storytellers are also copywriters but not all copywriters are storytellers. A good storyteller slash writer should be able to create content that sounds undeniably like you, like it’s come straight from your brain via your own mouth. If they can’t, don’t waste your money. Find someone that can.

1. Telling one story and expecting all the world’s riches to come to you. Storytelling is not a quick fix. Telling your story little and often, creating consistency in your voice, will have greater impact (and will make it a lot easier for you to do it in the long run)

1. Making up your story coz you think it’s easier or quicker than trying to figure out what you really want or need to say. If you don’t believe what your touting, never will your audience. Take the time to work on your story. It will make it much more comfortable for you to tell it in the long term.  And will save you constantly re-writing it.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

The best told business stories focus on the outcome of what you do for your audience.

For example, a bakery makes bread but bread is not their outcome. Their outcome is you enjoying that bread and how it makes you feel.

Focussing on this outcome, enables you audience to quickly see how you can solve their problem which, is pretty much all they need to know.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about the problems you solve.

• What problems do you solve for your ideal customer (this could be an actual paying client, another team you support, people within your community)
• Pick one problem as your headline message - this is your promise to them so I would recommend the problem which you think either the majority of people have and that you are best placed to solve.
• Look at everything you do; the service or product you offer and think about specifically how it helps solve that headline problem.
• Finally, think about what stories you can tell to show people that you understand their problem and how you are best positioned to help them get the outcome they need. Sharing how you’ve done this for other people is perfect authentic story content.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Where do you find the best stories to tell? A great place to start is asking those you’ve helped.

In this episode I look at ways in which you can get other people, like your customers, colleagues or collaborators to tell you story for you.

Here are 5 things to consider when doing this:

1. A simple quote goes a long way - don't be afraid to ask for a testimonial or use a quick online survey to make it super simple for customers. You’re not asking for War and Peace.
2. Share any mention they make of you on your own social feeds and thank them for it. For a great example of someone who does this brilliantly, check out Lucy and Yak on Instagram.
3. Ask them if they would mind recording a short video and send them a treat for doing so! It's good publicity for them too!
4. If it's a real success story you're proud of, spend the time to write it up into a case study story you can share on your website or as part of your pitch deck
5. One final thing - social media is a great platform for collaboration - why not invite a happy customer to do a joint LIVE on Instagram or get them to drop into a webinar or course you're running to share their experiences.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Everyday Storyteller!

Today, we're diving into the beauty of beginnings. Your first TikTok, newsletter, or podcast episode might not be a masterpiece, but guess what? You can't reach 150 without that first step.

Let's face it, we all start somewhere. My initial podcast episodes were far from perfect, but they led to growth and impact. The same goes for your storytelling journey.

Fear and ego often hold us back. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just starting, silence those doubts and take action, big or small. Share your business story and connect with your audience.

Over 150 episodes, I've learned that progress comes from persistence. Starting is the key to making a difference, for both you and your customers.

Why not get started on your ‘thing’ today, and we'll celebrate again at your 150th! Remember, your story matters, imperfections and all.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Using business stories as a tool to break down barriers with your audience can be a powerful way to connect on a deeper level and foster meaningful relationships, especially when you are a new entity to them. Here are some ways you can use business stories for this purpose.

• Authenticity is the foundation of building trust. By being open and vulnerable, sharing genuine stories that reflect your values, experiences, and challenges, you create an atmosphere of authenticity that resonates with your audience and encourages them to relate to your journey.
• Find common ground with your audience by identifying shared experiences or challenges. Craft stories that highlight these shared experiences, demonstrating that you understand their perspective. When your audience sees themselves reflected in your stories, it creates a sense of familiarity and breaks down the barriers between you.
• Encourage feedback, comments, and dialogue around your stories. Actively respond and engage with your audience, showing that you value their input and perspectives. 
• Understand the pain points and challenges faced by your audience, and incorporate stories that address these issues. Share how your business or products have helped overcome these obstacles and made a positive impact. By showing empathy and offering solutions, you build credibility and establish a bond with your audience.
• Break down barriers by using your business stories as a means of education. Share stories that inform and enlighten your audience about topics relevant to your industry or niche. This not only positions you as an authority but also demonstrates your willingness to share valuable knowledge and insights.
• Create opportunities for your audience to share their stories with you and with each other to foster a sense of community. Actively encourage and showcase user-generated stories, testimonials, and reviews. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When someone mentions storytelling, do you roll your eyes, fearing yet another new skills you just haven’t got time to learn? You’re certainly not alone.

In this episode I share why learning to tell better stories should be a habit, not a headache and suggest some ways to make it easy for you to hone your skills.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

If you're ready to discover what your voice can do for you, subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.

5 Star reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Creatively do we ever reach a point when we’ve said it all? Maybe, maybe not. But as long as we’re experiencing things, meeting people, growing our businesses, living our lives, surely there is always a story to tell?

In this episode I challenge you to pick 5 pieces of content you’ve shared over the last year and see if you can make relevant again by applying to it something going on right now or a new experience you or maybe your customer has had. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Do you really want your customers trying to second guess you? How are you going to appeal to what they need, if they don’t know the fully story about who you are and how you can help solve their problem?

Moral of the story. Don’t leave it up to your audience to fill in the gaps. Don’t leave answered questions. Give them everything they need to make an informed choice about you and tell your story to give them something to connect and relate to.

In this episode I share a quick an easy way for you to figure out if you’re answering all the right questions for your customers in your content and on your website.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Analogy. Metaphor. Simile. You might wonder, "What do these fancy words have to do with business stories?" In this episode, I'll show you how you can use them to add some interest, creativity, and clarity to your narratives, making them memorable and engaging.

Enjoy!

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

When we embrace our own struggles and share how we’ve triumphed over them, we can inspire others and give them hope - surely that’s worth any comfortable feelings or fears you might have?

Take a moment to consider how you could delve into your own personal stories as a means of offering guidance and hope to others. 

• Being vulnerable and open about your insecurities can foster a profound sense of connection and motivate others to embrace their own vulnerabilities and find strength. 

• Celebrating successes and milestones demonstrates that progress is possible, reassuring others and encouraging them to preserve and celebrate their own wins. 

• Share resources, strategies and experiences to provide hope for those seeking supporting or looking for a way forward. 

By living your truth and being unapologetically you, you become an authentic role model for others. Your courage, resilience, and determination inspire others to embrace their own stories, dreams, and aspirations, instilling in their ability to create positive change and fostering hope for a brighter future. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Like collecting stamps, I greatly advocate collecting and curating stories. 

Next time something interesting happens in your life (or anyone else’s, for that matter), take note and jot it down. Voila! You’ve got yourself a genuine story.

Now, think about your customers and what they need right now.

How would your story resonate with them? Can you add a. Business meaning to it? Use it to explain something about you or your business. Or use it to show customers who you are as a person and why they might want to buy into you.

Find the human element.

Find the emotion

Find the barriers and triumphs

Find out what we can all relate to

When you’ve found all that, you have a story. 

Then all that’s left is to tell it as only you can.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I work on a lot of brand stories for small and independent brands. You would be surprised how many business owners realise, when prodded a little by me, that their ideal customer is actually themselves. Perfect - you’ve got the ideal insight into what your customers are struggling with, how they see the world etc, because it’s you (word of warning - do test your views once in a while, they may be similar but assumption is never a good thing)

But what happens when you’re selling to an audience unlike yourself?

Even if we can’t truthfully identify with our audience, maybe you sell predominately to a different gender, different ages or people who come from a very different culture to you, we can take the time to understand them by inviting them to share their stories and more importantly, by listening to them. 

Because you never know where you will find the connections, things in common, similar world views, value or ethics. And once you do, these are the areas you can use to build stronger, more trusted relationships based on shared experiences, fears, hopes and dreams. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Do you ever feel like someone else is pulling your strings? You know you’ve got things you want to say but when they come out of your mouth, they sound so completely different you don’t recognise yourself?

In this episode I explore why figuring out your story is such an important step to getting the life you deserve and give you a quick and easy way to start.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

If you're ready to discover what your voice can do for you, subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.

5 Star reviews help other women discover the show and learn how they can make sure their voice matters too. So please, don’t forget to leave one.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Your brand story (purpose, vision, mission, values) helps you create an emotional connection with your customers, building trust and loyalty. It sets a foundation for the company's reputation and helps clients understand the values behind your products or services.

Your business stories provide transparency and authenticity, showing the human behind the curtain and demonstrating how you’re able to overcome challenges and deliver on your promises.

Listen to today's episode to find out more.

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5 Star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

If you’re at the beginning of your biz journey or about to launch a brand-new product or service, I’ll forgive you for thinking just because you haven’t sold anything yet that, you don’t have a story to tell. But you do. There’s always a story to tell.

You’ve got your obvious stories: your founder story, why you do what you do, your brand story. 

But don’t stop there. As I said, storytelling is about communications and - connections. If you don’t have a customer success story yet, make it up. Disclaimer - I am not telling you to lie here. But you can get creative to show the difference you could make to someone, and here’s how. 

1. Create a fictional customer - the ideal person you would like to work with
2. Think about the problem they have (that you solve)
3. Work up a short imaginary scenario where that person is thriving as a result of working with you
4. Write/tell it in 1st person - like you’re speaking directly to that one ideal customer

Listen to the episode to hear me putting all this into practice. 

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters, too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

I used to dream of being Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City.

Not that I was in the slightest bit interested in fashion or bullish New York gentlemen, but I wanted to sit in a stylish apartment, doors flung open, chiffon curtains blowing in the wind, cigarette in hand, writing, being a journalist, having others hanging off my every word. I would regularly think to myself, what do I have to do to live like Carrie?

Plot spoiler: I never did, but I’ve come to terms with that. 

In this episode, I share how you can use customer success stories to make what you do/sell and the life you create for others through your services and products irresistible to future clients. And by doing so, leaving them in no uncertain terms that you are the only person who can answer their key questions of:

“What do I have to do to feel like that?” 

“How could my life change too?” 

“I’m experiencing exactly the same challenges, could this work for me too?”

“I’m ready to feel like that customers does. Where do I sign up?”

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time.

5-star ratings and reviews help other women discover the show and learn how to ensure their voice matters too. So please, don't forget to leave one. 

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

For women with something to say, The Everyday Storyteller is a podcast about making your voice matter, one day at a time. 

The daily show is hosted by Hilary Salzman, a firm believer that our stories are what connect us as people.

In each short episode, I'll share one thing you can do, write or think about to explore your story and create the daily habits and mindset to be your own everyday storyteller. 

Together we'll break down the barriers that stop us from using our voices to achieve what you want. Whether that's growing a business, landing a dream job, championing an important cause or getting those you care about to understand you a little bit better.

For too long I let other people write my story for me, I felt guilty for taking up space and I lost sight of who I was. 

Well not any longer. I've taken control of my story and so can you. 

Through bite-sized information shared daily, along with tips gained through my years as a business storyteller, you'll learn to use your story to unlock your potential, connect to the people that matter and achieve what you deserve in your everyday lives, business, career and relationships.

All whilst having the confidence to say "My voice matters and I'm not afraid to use it"

If you're ready to discover what your voice can do for you, subscribe to The Everyday Storyteller so you don't miss an episode.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

In this episode I reflect on why I don’t lose any sleep over not winning awards. And I share the 3 reasons why entering anyway can be really great for your business story:

1. Submitting an award entry is a great opportunity to spend time refining your story. The questions that often get asked - who is your audience, what problem are you solving for them, why are you better than anyone else at doing it - are all the things you need to be asking yourself when writing your story or creating marketing content. 

1. In the time it takes to overthink whether or not you should enter, if you’re good enough, imagining all the scenarios in which you’re not and all the judges laugh at you, you could have written your entry. So just do it. You actually have nothing to lose. 

1. Once you’ve done it once, you can re-use the content - for other award shows, presentations, social media content, refreshing your bio etc. IT. IS. WORTH. THE. EFFORT

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Picture this: over beers, my friend and I discovered we used the same supplier, drawn in by their values-driven promise. But reality didn't match the story we were sold, leading to disappointment. We vented our frustrations, not the brand's desired outcome, right?

I'm not naming names, but I'm sharing this tale to highlight the consequences of saying one thing and doing another in business.

Storytelling builds trust, but it can crumble if the customer experience doesn't align. So, here are my tips for consistency:

• Align your words with your true beliefs, not what you think others want to hear.
• Back it up with evidence – showcase how you live your values.
• Update your story when circumstances change.
• Be mindful of your audience's perspective and adapt your content.
• Stay consistent. You never know when customers might chat about you over drinks.

Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover the show and empower their voices.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Fun. Ethical. Sustainable

All very worthy values but yawn, boring as dishwater. And, when something is boring, or says just the same as everyone else, your audience are just gonna sail right on past.

So how do you get them to stop, take note and say Yes! This is a brand I want to work with?

Here’s 3 tips you can start working on straight away

Tip 1 - Make sure your values are yours - not anyone else. Oh and be prepared to defend each value with evidence.

Tip 2 - Be specific - vagueness helps no-one.

Tip 3 - Ditch the boring language and have fun with it.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about why your values matter so much, check out my previous episode - How talking about your values could bag you a whole new audience.

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

For many years, I have firmly believed in story-related copy always being about ‘you’, i.e. the client, rather than about me or ‘I’, but is it what your customers want?

The truth is, as much as they want to be able to relate to your content and understand how you can help them, they really want to know who you are, too. 

• They want to hear about your personal journey and experiences - not only does it humanise your brand and make you more relatable, but it gives customers something to hang on to when they are otherwise spoilt for choice. 

• They want to know they can trust you - you aren’t going to screw them over on price or provide shoddy goods, so understanding your values, your hopes and fears, and your responses to times in which you have been treated badly, are all a great indication of the experience they’re likely to get from you. 

• They want to understand your credibility and expertise. Not because your 25 years of experience impresses them but because they want to know they’re not about to waste their hard-earned money on someone who hasn’t got a clue what they are doing. 

• They want to feel motivated and inspired even by the people they choose to work with or buy from. Hearing how you’ve overcome obstacles is a key part of this. 
  

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story? 

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is edited by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing

How do you know what stories your audience want or need to hear? It’s time to dig deep and understand what’s really going on with them.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself about your audience - each answer is a potential story to tell.

• What makes them happy?
• What keeps them awake at night?
• What is their greatest fear?
• What problem do they need to solve and what will their life look and feel like once they’ve done that?
• What do they hope to gain from seeking a solution and what barriers might they have to doing this?
• What are their goals?
• What experience excites them the most?

Want to continue the conversation or get some extra support with telling your story?

Find me:

On Instagram: @22storiesandme

On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarysalzman

Online: www.22-stories.com

This podcast is produced by the brilliant Suzi @story_publishing