I swear I’ve heard this line more times than I can count.

Last week, a prospective client said the same thing.

Again.

All I had to do was ask:

“How did you go from being a VP at a top engineering firm to a financial coach helping people get out of debt?”

And just like that

He lit up. He started sharing.

One moment led to the next.

Stories. Turning points.

Setbacks. Wins. Lessons.

He only stopped to catch his breath an hour and fifteen minutes later.

He didn’t even realise they were all stories.

So I have got to tell you this (again):

We don’t lack stories.

We lack the lens to see our stories as valuable.

We’ve been tricked into thinking storytelling is about impressive events.

But storytelling, especially for business, isn’t about performance.

It’s about connection.

The most powerful storytelling skill?

Spotting the small stories that make people say:

“You get me.”

That’s what today’s letter is about.

The mistake most of us make?

We think a story needs drama,

a big win, or a major turning point.

So we go quiet.

Or worse, we write something that feels forced.

The truth, though?

Real stories don’t shout.

They whisper.

And when they whisper just right,

Someone reading it thinks:

“That’s me. This person gets me.”

You don’t need to be entertaining.

You just need to be honest.

Here’s the part most people forget:

You can tell a story

– where things didn’t work out.

– where you tried, and it got messy.

– where you learned something small, but meaningful.

These stories build trust.

They reveal your values.

They make you human.

And when your audience sees your human side?

They find it in themselves too.

They lean in to feel connected.

So how to find your “You get me” moments?

If you’ve ever changed your mind,

hit a wall, felt stuck, or

seen things differently over time …

You already have a story worth telling.

Here are 3 simple prompts to spot these stories:

– I used to think _____, but now I think _____

– I used to be someone who _____, but now I _____

– I used to hate _____, but now I _____ because _____

Each one is a bite-sized story.

Each one is a bridge to connection.

I’ll be real with you.

If your stories feel “blah” to you,

It’s only because you’re too close to them.

But I assure you, someone out there needs to hear it.

When you finally share it?

They’ll say

“You get me.”

And that’s a BIG win in my book. 

Keep telling your stories.

Even the small ones.

They matter more than you think.

I’m in awe of what Siddharth Rajsekar (Sidz) has built.

Sidz understands something most people miss:

To create something amazing,

you have to connect countless dots,

cross-pollinate existing ideas from a wealth of unrelated disciplines …

And write your own unique story.

This was my fourth time at FBR.

And this time, I took my wife along to experience the magic too.

Each time I go, I remember:

I fell in love with coaches long before I fell in love with coaching.

For me, FBR is a celebration of that truth.

Here I’m reminded of this powerful line from Blair Singer:

“The magic is in the room, not on the stage.”

The people you meet here are not just attendees.

They’re stories waiting to be heard.

And every time I hear Sidz say

“Welcome Home”

It reminds me 

why I do what I do;

that I belong among this greatness.

That’s the power of story.

Just like FBR …

It builds a common ground for shared experiences.

It helps people feel seen.

It turns a message into a memory.

It creates connection that can’t be explained on a sales page.

If you want your content to stick,

don’t start with “What should I post today?”

Start with:

“What have I lived through, that someone else is living through now?”

Your story is your UVP.

Use it to create a niche of one.

Most people are trying to stand out.

But the ones who truly connect –

are the ones who show up and open up.

They don’t just teach. They share.

They don’t just inform. They relate.

So how do you find storytelling ideas that make people care?

Here’s how I do it:

– I put the phone off.

– I peer within my soul.

– I seek at what’s shifting in me.

– I find a real story that made a shift happen.

– I turn that story into something useful for others.

That’s it. 

That’s what I’m doing right this instant.

No hacks.

No templates.

Just truth.

Because today I doubt people want more information.

But they’d honor connection. 

They crave transformation.

– A brand shows a transformation.

– An offer helps people make a transformation.

– A story carries people through transformation.

Here’s what you can do today:

Think of one moment from your life that changed what you believe.

It doesn’t need to be a big moment. 

Even a small shift creates significant ripples.

Now write it down.

Not the polished version.

The real one.

Because when people see your real story,

they find their own answers in it.

And that’s the point.

We’re not building content.

We’re building safe spaces.

For people who are searching.

For people who are learning.

For people who are ready.

So open the door.

With your story.

If it were me, I’d be so dejected, I don’t think I’d have had the courage to conduct it at all.”

This is what a friend said to me after one of my weekend Story Selling Alchemy workshops.

I scratched my chin and let out a thoughtful “Huh.”

It’s true.

In the past, I wouldn’t have conducted it.

I’d have felt dejected.

But now, I see things differently.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some amazing mentors and, over time, developed the resilience to treat setbacks as stepping stones instead of signs to quit.

Let me tell you a secret.

I’ve run workshops with zero attendees.

Yes, ZERO.

I’ve delivered sessions to an empty room, speaking to an imaginary audience.

I see it as practice – a Riyaaz, like a musician perfecting their craft. Each moment, no matter how small, is helping me grow into who I am meant to be.

But this mindset wasn’t always there.

Back in early 2022, as we were stepping out of the pandemic, I was lost. I’ve never been an ambitious person, but that time was a true low point.

I struggled to find myself.

I was simply surviving.

Bored.

Hating myself.

Overwhelmed by anxiety.

And no hope for the future.

I drove my wife crazy, asking,

“What’s my purpose?”

I felt like everything in me needed fixing.

Ironically, when I stopped trying to fix myself,

I finally found myself.

Maybe that’s why failure doesn’t bother me as much now. I’m okay with it.

I dive into things I wouldn’t have considered before.

I show grit where I’d once have turned tail.

I smile through most adversity.

Perhaps it’s maturity that comes with age – the clarity of who I am and who I want to become.

The first time I read Wayne Dyer’s words, they sang straight to my soul.

“Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.”

And that’s the heart of what I want to share today.

We all carry stories that keep us stuck.

These are the stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years.

Crippling stories like:

– “I’m too busy to focus on what truly matters.”

– “I’m falling behind while everyone else is ahead.”

– “I’m unsure of what I really want or where I’m headed.”

– “I have to be everywhere and do everything to stay visible.”

These stories can keep us trapped, but there’s a way out.

Let me share how I began to reframe those stories,

and how it helped me not just in my business but in life.

1. Reframing Time:

I used to believe I didn’t have enough time for the things that mattered. But I realized it wasn’t about time. It was about priorities and focus. I started carving out just 20 minutes each night to reflect on my day and jot down “Story Notes.” 

I wanted to make every day matter. That small shift made a world of difference.

2. The Comparison Trap:

We’ve all been there.

Looking at someone else’s success and thinking, “Why am I not there yet?” I used to get caught in this loop. But then, I learned to flip the script. Instead of shrinking away, I asked myself, “What can I do today that I didn’t do yesterday?” I only wanted to compete with myself.

This shift made me look within and honor my own story.

3. Knowing What You Don’t Want

When we feel lost, it’s easy to think we don’t know what we want.

But sometimes, the first step to clarity is knowing what we don’t want. Too many choices can paralyze us. By eliminating what doesn’t serve me, I created space for what does. It’s liberating to cull the options that drain you and, in doing so, make room for what actually counts.

4. Less is More

The myth that you have to post all the time to stay relevant is exhausting. More is only better when it is intentional. Trust me, it’s ok to post less but with purpose behind your words.

Share what matters. Don’t just fulfill some arbitrary quota.

It’ll bring more engagement and impact than you ever expected.

Why does all of this matter?

Because it’s not just about changing the stories you tell your audience. 

It’s about the stories you tell yourself.

The stories we believe shape our reality.

When you reframe those stories, you open yourself to new possibilities.

Take a moment and reflect:

– What stories have you been telling yourself?

– Are they empowering you or keeping you stuck?

If you’re ready to reframe your story,

to inspire both yourself and your audience,

have the courage to take that first step.

I’m here to help.

Talk to me – https://swiy.co/claritycall 

I swear to God, 

as soon as my boss said those words, 

I felt eyes burning into the back of my head.

I had no say in the matter. I was a rookie journalist, pranked and sent to cover the “grand” reopening of a renovated public toilet at one of Mumbai’s busiest railway stations – Churchgate.

Annoyed but resigned, I grabbed my gear, called my cameraman, and made my way there. But as I neared the station, I threw my hands in the air and said:

“F#$& it!

I’m already stuck with this.

I might as well try something different.”

So, instead of treating it like a dull, throwaway story, I started looking for a fresh angle. I asked my cameraman to get a clear shot and roll as soon as the chief guest arrived.

It was a public health officer, droning on in front of the press. And after what seemed like an eternity, he finally cut the tape.

The moment he did, 

a swarm of commuters shoved him aside and rushed in.

It was hilarious. 

I had the footage to prove it.

But the real story revealed itself when I jokingly asked some commuters who had barged in if they really missed the public toilet.

One man told me it was the only place to relieve himself before his two-hour commute home. In the two weeks the facility was closed, he had developed a urinary tract issue.

“Nature doesn’t like it when its call goes unanswered,” he said with a shrug.

That was it. The story had a spin, a human insight.

I didn’t think it was funny after that.

Was I made fun of back at the station? Yes.

But my boss smiled and told me I handled it well. That small moment boosted my confidence and taught me a lesson that still shapes my work today:

The best content isn’t about what you say.

It’s about how you say it.

Find Your Angle

Most business owners struggle with content because they think more content = better content.

They focus on volume, trying to keep up with trends, rather than focusing on what truly makes content work:

Perspective.

You don’t need to create more content.

You need to create better content.

That means:

– Finding the angle no one else is taking.

– Looking at common topics through a unique lens.

– Bringing in personal insights, experience, and storytelling.

In journalism, a unique angle is the difference between a forgettable story and one that captivates an audience.

The same applies to your business content.

If you want to stand out, ask yourself:

– What do I love talking about?

The topics you can’t shut up about are where your best insights lie. Use them.

– What frustrates me about my industry?

That’s your opportunity to challenge the status quo and connect with an audience that feels the same way.

– What values do I stand for?

When your content aligns with your beliefs, it attracts the right people and builds trust.

Why Unique Perspective Matters More Than Ever

Every niche feels saturated today.

Everyone’s talking about the same topics – marketing, coaching, business growth …

But the problem isn’t what they’re saying.

It’s how they’re saying it.

Most content lacks a distinct point of view. And in a world where AI-generated content is everywhere, the only thing that makes content truly valuable is insight.

Here’s an example:

Think about the fitness industry.

Every personal trainer is talking about weight loss, muscle gain, and nutrition. But not all of them approach it the same way.

– One coach focuses on meal plans and workouts.

– Another approaches weight loss through psychology, helping clients fix their mindset first before ever touching a dumbbell.

Same topic.

Completely different impact.

The difference?

Yep. Perspective.

The best content shapes how people see that information in a way that only you can.

How to Find Your Unique Content Angle

Here’s how you can start thinking differently about your content:

1. Use Your Personal Stories

Just like my urinal story, your everyday experiences hold gold. What unexpected lessons have you learned that others in your field haven’t shared?

2. Challenge the Norm

What industry advice do you disagree with? What’s a common belief that you think is misleading?

3. Infuse Your Values

When your content reflects what you believe in, it attracts an audience who aligns with you. If sustainability, authenticity, or innovation matter to you, let it show in your messaging.

4. Make Boring Topics Interesting

Sometimes, the best content isn’t about finding a new topic; it’s about presenting an old one in a fresh way. Look at how comedians take everyday life and turn it into a hilarious insight. You can do the same with your content.

5. Ask, “Why Should Anyone Care?”

Before you hit publish, ask yourself, “Why would someone stop and engage with this?” If you can’t answer that, go deeper.

Your Unique Angle Is Your Superpower

My story taught me something most content creators never learn:

Even the most mundane topic can be interesting

IF you look at it the right way.

Your perspective is your edge.

It’s what makes people pay attention, come back for more, and, most importantly, trust you.

So, what’s the angle only you can bring to your content?

For most of my life,
I played small.
I never aimed to win.
I did things for the sake of it.
Sometimes for fun, but never with ambition.

But I know something has changed.

It took me over 40 years, but I finally see who I want to become.

The journey has been about stripping away the noise, uncovering the essence of my story, and realizing my vision is too big to ignore.

Some days, I doubt I’ll make it.
On other days, I know my dream is so big that it HAS to come true.

A few years ago, my wife and I were searching for a meaningful gift for her grandmother’s 80th birthday.

We chose stationery, hoping she would write down her stories – the folklore, the wisdom, the moments lost with time. I had lost my own grandparents without capturing their stories.

That loss hit me in the gut.

Sure, storytelling can be about being relatable, getting known, and building influence.

But for me, it means far more.

Storytelling is about preserving what matters.

And that’s what fuels my ambition and vision as a Story Content Coach.

I’m writing this to you on World Storytelling Day because storytelling is what makes people take notice, care, and connect with your vision.

Why Your Brand Vision Matters

Storytelling has become a buzzword,
But most people don’t know how to use it well.

Many stop at a simple brand origin story, “Why I started my business”, and miss the deeper power of storytelling.

Your vision is the foundation of your influence.
Because people want to associate with people and brands with a clear vision.

Steve Jobs once said:
“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.”

It’s true.

Your audience needs to see a compelling character – YOU – leading the charge.

The only question is,
Will you take charge of the narrative of your future?

How to Share Your Vision Through Storytelling

Every great story follows a structure.
Here’s a simple way to craft yours:

The Challenge: What obstacle did you or your audience face?

The Realization: What moment changed your perspective?

The Action: What did you do differently after that realization?

The Impact: How did it change your life, and how can it change theirs?

Let’s break this down using me as an example:

The Challenge:
Business owners, coaches, and consultants struggle with content. They feel invisible, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to get noticed.

The Realization:
The world rewards those who share their stories with clarity and confidence.

The Action:
I immersed myself in the art and science of storytelling, studying its power and practicing it daily.

The Impact:
Now, I teach story content strategies that help business owners be remembered, attract influence and impact.

Ann Handley said, “Your FROM Line matters more than your SUBJECT Line,” because YOU are what people buy into – your hopes and dreams merging with theirs.

Oprah Winfrey built her influence by sharing stories that empower.

Seth Godin turned marketing into a movement by making people believe in the power of ideas.

Their brand vision shaped their influence.

The same is possible for you.

So, what’s your vision?

Don’t just create content.
Make people care.
Share your story.

Today take a moment to define your brand vision,
And tell the world about it with pride.

But there was a time I found it extremely hard to keep up.
I stood at a crossroads.

Two voices pulled me in opposite directions:

Somedays, I felt:
“I’m doing so much, but the needle moves so slowly.”

Other times:
“I’m not doing enough. That’s why it isn’t moving as fast as I wish.”

Both felt true.
Both weighed me down.

I had a choice:

• To sit in defeat.
• Or to take imperfect action, even when progress felt invisible.

I knew what I had to do,
but something was holding me back.

Right then, a thought crossed my mind:

“Can someone who is known for showing up share their inability to show up?? Would my vulnerability make people doubt me, make them think less of me?”

I teach storytelling. I help business owners, coaches and consultants show up with confidence in their content.

So, shouldn’t I have it all figured out?

That’s a strange paradox, isn’t it?

We hesitate to share our lows, fearing they’ll make us look weak, unqualified, or less of an authority. We convince ourselves that vulnerability will hurt our credibility.

But the truth?
It’s the opposite.

When was the last time you were moved by someone’s story?

• Was it a polished, flawless version?
• Or was it the one where they admitted their messes, misses, and struggles and showed how they pushed through?

People doubt perfectly crafted narratives.
But they do connect with real ones.

So here’s the shift I made:

1. I embraced the struggle.
   Instead of seeing doubt as a failure, I reframed it as proof that I care about my craft and my impact.
2. I took action, even when it felt pointless.
   Progress isn’t always visible, but showing up consistently creates momentum.
3. I shared my story.
   Not for sympathy. Not for validation. But to lead by example. Because if someone like me can push through, so can YOU.

And that’s exactly what I want you to do today.

Take a moment and think:
What stories do you avoid telling?

It’s likely the one your audience needs to hear most.

So, here’s what you MUST do:

• Share a moment when you struggled, doubted yourself, or felt stuck.
• Then, share how you moved forward (or are still moving forward).
• Don’t overthink it. Keep it real, keep it simple, and press post.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness.
It’s empathetic leadership.

Your audience needs someone who understands their journey and leads them to their desired state.

Will you be that person?

“If you’re so good at online marketing, why are you invisible?”

His words stung.
My ego took a hit.
But he was right.

I had spent years promoting others while neglecting to tell my own story.

That moment, coupled with a heartfelt push from my wife, was the wake-up call I needed.

Fast forward less than a year, and embracing personal brand storytelling led to 15 million impressions, over 50 leads, and 9 new clients.

Here’s the truth:

In today’s world, the internet is splitting in two.

On one side, there is AI-generated content – quick, optimized, and impersonal. 

On the other, there are people – real, imperfect, and memorable.

Personal brand storytelling is how you ensure people remember you.

It’s not just a marketing tactic.
It’s a way to build trust, establish credibility, and connect with the people who need what you offer.

So, how do you use it to stand out?

1. Mine Your Life for Stories
   Your most powerful stories are already within you. You just need to recognize them.
   • What pivotal moments shaped your perspective?
   • What challenges did you overcome that align with your audience’s struggles?
   • What small, everyday experiences reflect your values?
     
2. Use Those Stories to Show How You Help
   • Instead of saying, “I help businesses grow,” share a personal story about the challenges you faced and the lessons you learned.
   • Instead of listing your services, explain why your unique journey makes you the right person to help them.
     

When you share your experiences with authenticity, people don’t just listen.
They relate. They trust. They choose you over someone else.

Your story is your unfair advantage.

Use it wisely.