Inspire, Educate, Entertain, and Entice: Become a Thought Leader
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The Power of Personal Stories
"He's been shot."
This refers to my father, the eldest sibling of the children living across the street. On that day, he was playing baseball with me in our front yard in Northeast Philadelphia when he was hit. Thankfully, it was merely a BB gun that caused the injury. The memory of that day has lingered with me for years.
I often reflect on what might have transpired had my father not intervened. After all, I was just a short distance away from him at home plate. Yet, the significance of that day resonates with me for reasons beyond the obvious.
Initially, my parents decided to send us to the neighbor's house while the boy's parents brought him over to express their regrets. My two younger brothers and I observed from the window. True to his character, my father forgave the young boy.
As a child, you remain blissfully unaware of the complexities surrounding you; your world is simply your own. Years later, I asked my father why he chose to forgive. He replied, "That was the day my mother passed away." At that moment, I understood — he put his own grief aside to fulfill his role as a father.
In addition to the emotional turmoil of losing a parent and the physical discomfort of being shot, my father couldn't bear to add to the distress of the boy's family by involving the authorities. My dad epitomizes loyalty and steadfastness; he is the family's foundation, always ready with a laugh. His passion for baseball was something he passed down to me, and he is truly one of the most reliable and kind-hearted individuals I know.
Introducing the IE3 Method
Let me share a key component of my new approach: the IE3 Method. It’s structured as follows:
- INSPIRE: Share stories that motivate or transform.
- EDUCATE: Offer narratives that impart knowledge and insights.
- ENTERTAIN: Use engaging tales filled with humor or drama that are easy to digest.
- ENTICE: Craft stories that serve as testimonials or calls to action.
Utilizing these categories will enhance your storytelling abilities. Your narratives may begin as rough drafts, and that's perfectly acceptable. However, refining them to fit within these classifications can yield better results.
Why is this important? The IE3 framework helps you connect more deeply with your audience.
For instance, if you're working with older adults aiming to shed pounds, share inspiring stories about their weight loss journeys. If your focus is on first-time parents, aim to educate them with useful information. For entrepreneurs, entertaining anecdotes—perhaps even accompanied by memes—can draw attention. If your niche is home decor, consider using client testimonials and before-and-after images to encourage a response to your call to action.
For example, if I were addressing fathers interested in understanding responsibility, I would share a compelling story that captures their attention and illustrates how they prioritize their families.
Kent Evans from Manhood Journey, who was featured on my podcast, Dad Devotionals, introduced me to Chip Ingram's book, Portrait of a Father. In it, Ingram advises fathers to "Be the kind of person you want [your kids] to become." Whether you’re a parent serving as a role model or a fitness coach guiding your clients, embody the qualities you wish to see in others. Become the thought leader.
So, take time today to craft the story that captivates your audience and helps you build a loyal following.
In the Meantime, Here Are Additional Resources for You…
Want to establish yourself as a thought leader? As a startup founder, creator, or solopreneur, your time is limited, making it challenging to distinguish yourself online. I can assist you as a ghostwriter—simply send me an email, and we can explore how to collaborate.
Unleash your inner Copywriting Storyteller! You can learn the fundamentals of storytelling in my free Storytelling Starter Series. Access it here.
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A version of this article was originally published in The Copywriting Storyteller.
The first video, "The Thought Leadership Journey: How To Become A Thought Leader," delves into the essential steps to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
The second video, "Becoming Known for Your Story, Perspectives, and Expertise," provides valuable insights on how to effectively share your narrative and expertise to enhance your thought leadership.