... "this 1 time, at band camp" ... [🐝U]

Even if you’ve never seen the movie American Pie, chances are you’ve heard this phrase
& you have an idea (along with an uncomfortable visual) of the “punchline”.

26 years later, it’s still a go-to for sharing funny or embarrassing stories.

In the movie, Jim gets himself into epically cringeworthy situations that his entire school learns about … everyone except Michelle

At first, Jim’s relieved there’s still someone who hasn’t heard of (& is laughing at) his mishaps.

Unfortunately for Jim, relief quickly turns to dread.

Everything Michelle says has a story connected to “this one time at band camp”

She thinks her stories are relevant & funny
Jim doesn’t.

“… we weren’t supposed to have pillow fights & we did anyway …”
“… we all lost our music & we were supposed to play this song, so we just made it up …”
“… when we all had a campfire …”

You could visually see him cringe every time Michelle started saying the phrase.

Eventually, Jim got “lucky” & finally heard something he was interested in.

But here’s the thing …

In American Pie, Jim was stuck.
He didn’t have a choice.
He had to sit & listen to every one of Michelle’s boring & awkward stories.

Your audience isn’t like Jim.

Just the opposite.

They won’t put up with boring or irrelevant things.
They have choices … hundreds & sometimes thousands of them.

Even if they’re desperate for help
If your message is off-topic, self-indulgent, or irrelevant, people will leave.

They’ll unfollow, unsubscribe, & check out your competition.
a LOT faster than you can say “this one time, at band camp”

Some easy “tips & tricks” in not making it boring or irrelevant

Start with your audience’s interests, not your ego.

“What’s in it for Them?”
It’s not about what you do/offer … it’s about what that does for them
Does it answer a question, spark curiosity, solve a problem?

& they need to know they have a problem
If your prospect doesn’t know they have that problem or need, you’re spending a LOT more time (& money) educating them before you can “sell” them on your solution

Connect your “band camp” stories to their interests

All stories are powerful IF they’re relevant … just ask Jim!

Learn how to write stories readers will love so much, they tell their friends about it.

& if your stories are book-size, you need to know how to package, market, & sell them (even if they’re not band-camp-eque like!)

Keep it clear & concise

Use fewer words & shorter sentences
Use “everyday” words you’d use with kids, not fancy ones for an academic dissertation
Show specific proof with real examples & facts instead of exaggerated fluff

Make it a great “relevant story-filled“ week!
EG

PS:

📈 Want help with your “band camp” stories? Find a time that fits your schedule.

PPS: