MONDAY BYTES – October 21, 2013
We each have stories we tell about ourselves—these are anecdotes that reveal in a nutshell our perspective and approach to others and to the challenges we face.
For example, in workshops I lead, I often tell the story of how I got into this work as a music career development specialist and consultant, so that people hear my perspective on careers that morph and develop, and so that they hear what I love about the work I do.Sometimes I tell the story of how I came to study in Paris for two years in between completing a master’s and doctoral degree in cello, so that people can hear my perspective on setting goals, applying for grants, and having a network of supportive people who challenge our assumptions.
With clients I may tell the story of how I prepared for my first college teaching job interview, so that they hear the importance of doing mock interviews and gaining presentation skills.In each case I’m telling a story with one or more purpose:
- to help establish a level of comfort and connection
- to highlight my perspective on handling challenges
- to reveal my motivation for and commitment to the work I love
- to give a sample of the tone and approach for the work we might do together.
We all need stories: narrative is how we humans make meaning in life. Stories are the shortest route to understanding.
For this week: What are a few stories you can tell about yourself that reveal both who you are as a person and as a musician—that reveal what you are committed to and why? This is not about bragging, it’s simply about appropriately introducing yourself in networking, in interviews, in your promotional materials. I’d love to hear what you use—please send me your stories!
For extra help fine-tuning the stories you tell, read this terrific short article From Fast Company, “Once Upon a Time at the Office: 10 Storytelling tips to Help You be More Persuasive” by David Lavenda.
Bonus: If you don’t know about the Moth, the live shows and the radio broadcasts, you are in for a treat.
For info on working with me: details are HERE.
Monday Bytes archived posts are HERE.
Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
