Being ordinary, a problem or an opportunity

Working with several different gurus lately, one of the things they all advise is that  you help your audience identify with you. Tell them your story so that they see you are just like them and they can trust that your solution to the problem works.

That is great in theory but what do you do if you think that you are ordinary?

English: Helen Keller (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is ordinary?

Ordinary is considered the normal or commonplace. That seems to imply that most of us are similar so why do we need an exceptional story.

Who is Extraordinary?

Have you listened to stories told by people like  W Mitchell and Helen Keller?

I love their stories. They overcame so much and they are inspirational. Many people listen to them and think, if they can I can too.

But they also demoralize other people. When there is no great obstacle to overcome, no trauma or disaster, how can you tell your story?

Your Story 

It is a matter of perspective. If there are more ordinary people in the world than exceptions, you are part of a majority. So telling your story is about sharing something from your journey from where you were to where you are.

When you have enough – money, relationships, health and well being then you are successful. When you are happy or joyful, you are successful. Yes being rich and famous is nice but only if that was your aspiration. Money often makes people unhappy.

So your story, the story that helps people identify with you and your solution is an ordinary story. The secret is how you tell it.

You can tell your story – I did this and then that happened and then I became…..

or

You can tell your story as I was sitting under an apple tree one day and looking out at the orchard and thinking about how we stay on the ground rather than floating away when suddenly an apple struck me on the head and I realized that there was a force which I later called gravity that kept us on the earth.

• Find ways to make your ordinary sound interesting.
• Make your story relevant to the people you are talking to.
• Put emotion into your story. Tell your story with passion and purpose.
• Be open and personal. Authenticity comes because you talk from the heart.
• Yes you may be ordinary but you are unique so ensure that when you share your story, you truly share you.

Privacy has a place but people like to know about you so share the real you. That will help people see that you are – JUST LIKE THEM!

So tell me your story in the comments box – what makes you unique even if you are ordinary just like millions of others.

May all your ideas = $$$$$s

Roberta Budvietas