The Power of Your Story: How to Stand Out as a Coach or Entrepreneur
Hey there, fellow coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed a common challenge in our vibrant marketplace: standing out. We all learn incredible tools and strategies, often from similar certification programs. So, what truly makes us unique? My recent conversation with the brilliant Amanda Johnson, a true master of storytelling, shed powerful light on this very question.
Amanda and I chatted about the art of storytelling, and it quickly became clear that it’s not just a skill – it’s the very essence of what makes you, well, you. As she wisely put it, your story is your unique differentiator.
Your Story Isn’t Just for You – It’s for Your Audience
Amanda primarily works with high-performing individuals who have achieved great things and are now looking to package their wisdom to help others, whether through books, talks, or curricula. These are people who want to give the next generation a “shortcut,” sharing insights they wish they’d known 20 years earlier.
This resonated deeply with me. It’s about more than just data or skills; it’s about the lived experience. Amanda emphasized that the core of truly impactful coaching lies in building safety and trust. This relationship, she says, is everything. Our presence, our ability to genuinely listen and accept someone where they are – in their magical moments and their messy ones – is what allows true transformation. We can get caught up in perfecting our methods, but the real change happens through human connection.
The Identity Struggle: From Master to Novice
Many of us, especially those new to coaching or entrepreneurship, find ourselves grappling with a “novice identity.” We might be masters in our previous fields, but stepping into a new space can make us feel like we’re starting from scratch. Amanda shared a fantastic example of a client who excelled in sales for decades but struggled to write her book because she didn’t see herself as a “writer.”
The key to overcoming this, Amanda explained, is getting crystal clear on your existing mastery, and the best way to do that is by examining your story. Her client realized her exceptional success wasn’t just about sales techniques; it stemmed from the relational wisdom absorbed from her mother during childhood cooking sessions. This deeply personal, emotional intelligence was her true differentiator.
This highlights a crucial point: our society often obsesses over measurable results, sometimes overlooking the emotional intelligence (EQ) that truly fosters connection. As Amanda pointed out, if your story is just a narration of plot points without feeling, it won’t land. People connect when they feel seen, when they know you’ve “been exactly where they are, making those same exact mistakes, feeling those same exact feelings.”
Vulnerability: The Bridge to Trust
The conversation naturally led us to the role of vulnerability. Amanda beautifully articulated that if we want people to care about our message and mastery, they need to know we can help them. And they’ll only believe we can help if they know we’ve walked a similar path.
It’s not about choosing between showcasing milestones and sharing struggles; it’s a both/and situation. We need to present our skills and tangible results, but also the journey, the “where have you been and where are you going?” that invites others to join us. As Amanda emphasized, it’s about inviting them into a hero’s journey, showing them you’ve lived in their “ordinary world” and have a map to guide them.
Character vs. Narrator: Processing Your Story
One of the most insightful takeaways was Amanda’s framework of being the “character” versus the “narrator” of your story. Many experts are great at narrating what happened but struggle to connect because they haven’t fully processed the emotional weight of their experiences.
If you’re stuck in the “character” role – feeling like life is happening to you – you need to regulate your nervous system and gain a narrator’s perspective to widen your lens. But if you’re constantly in “narrator” mode, avoiding your own emotional landscape while helping others, it’s time to re-enter the story as the character. Feel those past moments, process them, and then you can truly guide others without activating your own unresolved issues. Amanda shared a powerful cautionary tale of someone telling an unprocessed story on stage and “wrecking the room” – a stark reminder that healing your story before sharing it is paramount.
The Power of Community and Writing Your Book
This journey of self-discovery and storytelling isn’t meant to be walked alone. Amanda’s community, Safe by Story, provides a space for people to process and share their narratives safely. I see this power in my own mastermind, where the accountability and celebration within a trusted group amplify individual progress. When peers resonate with your story, they become your biggest champions, reminding you of your purpose when doubt creeps in.
Amanda firmly believes every coach should write a book, and I couldn’t agree more. Beyond traditional publishing goals, writing a book offers:
- Clarity on Mastery and Identity: It forces you to articulate your unique framework and approach.
- Healing and Processing: It’s an opportunity to work through personal “tender spots” that might otherwise get activated by clients.
Connect with Amanda Johnson:
- Amanda’s website: https://savedbystory.house/foreshadows/
- Amanda’s book “You Can’t Make This St*ry Up”: https://amzn.to/3YOWo89