astravue

Avoid Getting Grilled at Work

Group of employees discuss business in open space

People love stories.

It’s true across generations, cultures, and industries. Whether it’s children gathered around a grandmother, fans waiting for the next movie sequel, or a pitch meeting with investors. Stories captivate.

But storytelling is more than entertainment. It’s a superpower in business,especially in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Childhood Memories That Sparked a Realization

When I was younger, there was no internet, no smartphones, and television was still a luxury in many homes. Yet, every evening, something magical happened in my uncle’s neighborhood.

People would gather around his house- children, parents, grandparents,all eager to listen to his stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He had no props, no slideshow, no script, just his voice, expressions, and presence. But he had the entire crowd hanging on his every word.

Years later, I experienced this magic again, this time, on a train from Salem to Chennai. My uncle began narrating a story in the coach. What started as a casual conversation became an all-night session with a dozen passengers fully immersed. Some were so absorbed that they almost missed their stops. That night, I realized the emotional pull and staying power of a great story.

Using Storytelling in Presales: A Turning Point

Fast forward to my career as a presales consultant. I wasn’t just showing software features, I had to solve business problems, gain trust, and win hearts.

I took a page from my uncle’s book.Instead of leading with technical specs, I opened my demos with real-world challenges my audience could relate to. I used storytelling as a bridge, to connect the product with the person in front of me.

I’d walk them through a relatable scenario:

“Imagine you’re a project manager juggling five client deliverables and still waiting on one team’s update…”

That one sentence was often enough to grab their attention. From there, I walked them through the solution. And just like that, the demo wasn’t a dry presentation—it became a compelling experience.

 

Today, as an Entrepreneur, It Matters Even More

Now, as an entrepreneur, storytelling isn’t optional. It’s essential.

I’ve seen my peers pitch the same kind of software or service, but the ones who frame it with a strong story on why they started, what problem they solve, who they’ve helped, they stand out. They connect. They sell.

Buyers today don’t just evaluate products. They evaluate founders, teams, and missions. A compelling story builds credibility, empathy, and trust—often before they see a single feature.

But Here’s the Catch: The Story Has to Be Real

Let’s be clear: Not every story works.

It’s not about theatrics or exaggeration. It’s about authenticity and relevance.

If your story doesn’t resonate with your audience, it falls flat. Think of it like a movie,if the characters feel fake or the plot feels forced, the audience disengages. But if it’s real, raw, and relevant? You win hearts, and sales.

Your Product is Great. But Will They Try It?

Here’s the hard truth: A great product isn’t enough.

People often try a product not just because of what it does, but because of why it was built and who built it. Your passion, your journey, your commitment—that’s what gives your product soul. That’s what makes them trust you.

So, if you’re building something, or selling something, ask yourself:

  • What’s the story behind this?

  • Who are you trying to help?

  • Why does this matter to you?

 

Learn to Tell That Story

Your story is your differentiator.

Use it in your pitch, your website, your emails, your social media. It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be real.

At Astravue, we have our own story about why we built a new kind of project management platform and what problem we’re solving. It’s deeply personal and rooted in our own challenges as project managers. But that’s a story for another day

Key Takeaways:

  • Storytelling builds emotional connections that features alone cannot.

  • In presales, storytelling helps frame your product as a solution to real problems.

  • Authentic stories win attention, trust, and loyalty,especially in early-stage startups.

  • Your story is a powerful differentiator. Use it in every part of your business.

Final Word

If you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, or salesperson, hone this skill. Learn to tell your story well. Because in a crowded market, people don’t just buy what you sell.

They buy the story behind it.

Share this post !

Keep Reading