Find a Role Model

We all have role models.

People who have made it doing exactly what you’re doing, or similar.

You might not necessarily want to be them, but of course you want to get where they are (or you’re inspired by their story).

But where are the gaps between you and them?

A lot of times it’s things as simple as confidence, the way you present yourself, and the stories you’re telling.

In other words, communication.

How well are you telling your story? Does it resonate? 

Being an entrepreneur, a key leverage point is your personal brand.

For me, one example of someone who did this incredibly well, is Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water.

• Through his twenties, Scott got consumed by the club lifestyle and all the vices therein. He spent a number of years as a nightclub promoter, then, after a hungover spiritual awakening, did a complete 180 and decided to dedicate his life to charity work.

• After volunteering on a hospital ship in Liberia for two years and seeing the effects of dirty water on people, Scott decided that there was no excuse for people anywhere to not have access to clean drinking water.

He then founded charity: water and raised over $796M to fund over 154K water projects in 29 countries, to provide over 18.6M people with clean drinking water.

When it comes down to it, his story is inspiring: a man rising from the ashes of a life of sin to become a savior.

It’s captivating. Redemptive. Compelling.

And his ability to tell his story made a massive difference in their success that followed.

It also had a profound impact on me. I was moved by Scott’s story years ago. The way he turned his life around, and the massive success of his charity, planted a seed in my mind.

Eventually that seed, along with a few others, grew into my idea for the KINN.

This is the power of storytelling – and why it’s so important to have role models. 

It’s very rare that you have one single moment of realization that leads to the big idea that instantly blooms into your business. It’s usually a process of watching, tending, curating, as the idea grows – while seeking out new, uncomfortable experiences (and failing multiple times). 

And through the process, we look for those inspiring people who light us up, who walked a similar path.

And once you’ve gotten to the point of actually creating your business, your story matters more.

An article in Forbes from earlier this year states that “people remember stories 22% better than facts, according to research from Stanford University. In particular, people remember stories that appeal to them on an emotional level.”

The inspiration wouldn’t be there if Scott hadn’t told his story in such a captivating way. 

But many entrepreneurs don’t work on communicating better.

There’s a reason why so many founders are online right now. The digital world can be an incredible boost to your mission.

But as a freelancer, or solopreneur, you have to stand out from the crowd. You have to really build your personal brand substantially, otherwise you’re going to get left behind.

Flashy websites or sophisticated SEO doesn’t substitute for great communication. 

Both online and IRL. 

If you want your brand to stand out, you have to get out there and get real-world feedback. See what resonates with people face-to-face versus guessing behind a digital screen. 

This shortens your feedback cycle by a crazy amount, and literally all you’re doing is talking to people. Seeing if your story, and your brand, resonates with them.

So, what do you want to be known for?

If you don’t have an answer, that’s a good question to continually ask yourself.

Keep looking for those inspiring people who light you up, who walked a similar path.

We all have a story to share. We all have our own experience of life.

We all want our story to be heard.

The difference is being able to tell it. And how you tell it.

So listen to the stories that inspire you. 

Who do you look up to? Who’s inspiring you to walk a similar path?

Feel free to reply and let me know.

Until next time,

Oliver

PS. If you’re interested in actively developing this skill further,

Check out the 4-week Public Speaking & Communication course we’re hosting at The KINN.

We brought in Tony Robbins’ legendary public speaking coach, Richard Greene, to teach it. 

You’ll join a curated cohort of other entrepreneurs to become a more confident, clear and impactful speaker.