Storytelling Manifesto

The secret to persuasion, influence, and motivation is deeply grounded in storytelling.

We are hardwired to seek and make sense of the world through narratives. Storytelling.

Anthropologists contend that 70 percent of everything we learn is through stories. Even as we grow into stubborn adults set in our ways, we fundamentally remain a storytelling species. This is just one of the reasons why 175,000 new blogs are started every day. The real promise of technology and the Internet revolution is that everyone is now a storyteller. Finding real meaning and substance in our Twitter/Facebook chatter is another matter. Despite all the noise, in the words of Joan Didion, “We tell stories in order to live.”

As a leader trying to influence and inspire others, you are measured on your ability to tell stories that make others care, believe, and act on what’s most important.

Are you a change-maker? Are you an innovator?

If you are trying to get others to see what you see (whatever your objective might be), you need to understand the fundamental role of storytelling.

The storytelling manifesto Believe Me has been read and shared by 11,000+ from around the world.

For anyone trying to get their audience to own the story, read this book! Believe Me reminds us that real lasting engagement requires a much, much bigger story. Margolis reframes the conversation of social transformation in a very refreshing manner that will be useful to any leader doing something meaningful to create change in their organizations or communities.

- Judy Braus, SVP, Education & Centers, National Audubon Society

Believe Me presents 15 storytelling axioms that will shift how you think about the world.

In this quick and provocative read, you’ll explore a new mindset for better relating to others in this new age of communication. This storytelling manifesto takes you on a three-act journey that explores: how ideas become reality, engaging the status quo, and finding relevance.

If you’re trying to influence, persuade, or convince others to believe in your message, you need to read this book.

It’s designed to provoke, inspire, and get you thinking in a more expansive manner. And on the way, you’ll learn to see the bigger story you’re really meant to tell.

In Believe Me, Margolis describes the many factors reshaping the rules of business. If you want to excel as a leader of tomorrow, storytelling is a core thinking skill you can’t afford to miss. This short little manifesto is an awesome and provocative addition to any business school curriculum.

- Paul Dillon, Mgr. of Learning Strategies, Schulich Executive Education Centre

The storytelling axioms in Believe Me are time-tested principles for achieving lasting change in your organization or community.

Each axiom is supported by examples and inspiring quotes from recognized luminaries, including: Barack Obama, Seth Godin, Gloria Steinem, Tom Peters, and Joseph Campbell. Believe Me will equip you with the knowledge you need to create change at the deepest levels, including:

• What people really buy (hint: it’s not the product, service, or idea you’re selling)
• What causes the power of your story to grow exponentially
• What do the stories from all great leaders have in common

If you want to change the world, change your story. Download it here.

Reading the book Believe Me offers you a guided tour through the world of your business, customers, or personal life in a way that makes existing stories pop out for you to see. Once you map the stories that exist, then your talent for storytelling, our ‘most basic technology’ will be spirited along with Margolis’ guidance and suggestions.

- Annette Simmons, Author, The Story Factor, and Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins