The stories you have inside you right know are worth something to someone else.

They might be worth real money. In the form of more loyal, trusting clients, a promotion, or a new job.

Or they might be worth something more than money. Like the satisfaction of knowing you inspired someone who needed it.

What’s the value of your stories? Only one way to find out.

How to get started saying your important sh*t

The first thing you need to realize is that you probably don’t think your own stories have value. I’m here to tell you they do.

• That time you helped a customer solve a tough problem
• That important lesson you learned from your first boss
• That big misstep you had that you turned into a success

Those are just a few of the stories you might have inside your head that could help other people. The key is to draw them out from the depths of your mind, and onto a page.

The best way to do that is by starting with the people you want to reach. Who is your audience? How can you help them, and how do you want to be known by them? It could be customers, or employees, students, investors.

Or even people who would follow in your footsteps.

Then, think about what that audience needs to know. If they could understand just one thing that you know, it might change their lives.

What is that one thing?

Finally, think about how you came to that realization. What experience did you have? What mistakes and hard lessons did you learn? Was there someone who helped you learn that lesson?

When you can answer questions like these, you have the beginnings of stories that people will find valuable.

Worth the effort

I get it. This is not easy. It requires introspection that can be difficult for some people.

If you’re one of those people, you might consider talking with a friend or colleague, or working with a storytelling or content coach (hey, that’s me!).

However you do it, it’s worth the effort. Because it will pay off in ways you might never anticipate.

• Employees who are loyal and aligned with your vision
• Customers who trust you
• A higher caliber of job applicants
• More attention from your boss
• The admiration of people who want to be like you

And, yes, more money.

You have important sh*t to say. The world needs to hear it.

And they will reward you for it.