What separated Steve Jobs from other CEOs and startup leaders? There are millions of answers to this question. Perhaps it was his sheer will, relentless ambition or bold determination. August Turak, Forbes Contributor, contends that what truly set Jobs apart – both in the beginning of the Apple corporation and throughout their successful run – was his incredible and dominating communication skills. We’ve heard stories of Jobs berating and yelling at employees, not always the best boss, but we’ve also been regaled by accounts of his amazing ability to communicate with potential investors and the media was second to none.
August Turak says in his article “Steve Jobs and MTV: Nine Steps to All the Power You’ll Ever Need”, “I still get goose bumps when I recall the story that a young Steve Jobs used in the early 80s to lure John Scully away from his heir apparent position at Pepsi: “It all comes down to this. Do you want to spend the rest of your life peddling sugar water to little kids or come to Apple and change the world?” This two sentence story isn’t a business case. It turns Jobs into a prophet offering Scully a mission from God.”
What Jobs knew how to do, probably better than any businessman in recent history, was tell a story. Your story tells the truth about your work, your mission, your vision, and your goals. Your story compells investors, shoppers, friends, colleagues, employees. It makes them want to work hard for you, for your business, and for your mission. So what’s the secret to telling great stories? Turak gives us 9 phenomenal tips in his article at Forbes. Check it out now by clicking here.
And while you’re at it, take some time today to tell your own story. How can you implement your own storytelling in your career today?
- Update your LinkedIn profile. Let LinkedIn tell a story about you, not just the timeline of your employment. Use the “Summary” section to introduce your story, and recommendations to support its findings.
- Write a killer bio. Even if you’re not a writer, a speaker, or a public figure, you should have a kick-ass bio that explains exactly what your story is; your history, your passions, your future.
More tips at Forbes.com, check it out now and follow in the footsteps of Steve Jobs, amazing storyteller.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Marcy, one good turn deserves another. Great article. Got me thinking about my own linked in profile. Got to make sure I eat my own cooking.
All the best. august turak
Thanks, August! So honored you found something that worked for you! I look forward to reading and sharing more of your work on my site.