Dog Whistles and Sailcloth Wallets
What is your earliest memory of money?
Mine involves my friend Ricky. We were 8 years old and had just returned to my house from a trip to the local mini grocer down the street. And we were excited. We ran to find my mom and breathlessly explained that we needed to earn some money to make an essential purchase at the local grocer.
“What do you want to buy?” my bemused mother inquired.
“A dog whistle.”
After doing the chore to earn the $2 we ran to the store and bought the dog whistle, ran home, and I remember, literally, Ricky and I were dancing - yes *dancing* - with excitement about that dog whistle.
We ran to find my blissfully innocent dog Freddie, now bemused himself, receiving more energy and attention from us than ever. I ripped open the packaging and handed our new treasure to Ricky, who did the honors of blowing, with all his 8-year-old might, into that whistle.
And, nothing??
Freddie was OUT.OF.THERE. Gone.
I remember Ricky and I looking at each other, like, what just happened? The disappointment was epic. We were certain we had been duped. (My mom later explained how dog whistles work… it didn’t alleviate our dismay).
Ah the impulse buy - a sneaky little devil. I’m not sure about you, but REI is my kryptonite. I mean, why put off until tomorrow what I can purchase today? That recycled sailcloth wallet would be the perfect companion to my next excursion.
Here’s what goes through my mind, to this day, when my impulse-buy nerves start twitching: Dog Whistle.
You’re welcome.
As simple (and silly) as my dog whistle story is, it covers two important elements:
- It’s emotional - memories can pull on the heartstrings and often bring a smile to our faces (appealing to our heartbeats).
- It’s credible - I can see you nodding your collective heads (and perhaps rolling your eyes) at your own impulse buying experiences (appealing to our brainwaves).
By incorporating both of those components, my silly story becomes exemplary, motivating people to act (and hopefully remember).
Aren’t stories amazing? How do you tell the stories of your cause? Do they have a ‘stickiness’ factor with your supporters and those you are seeking to serve?
Some additional tips on storytelling:
- Encourage a storytelling culture within your organization so there’s a continual influx of fresh stories.
- Focus on the SOTO (Story Of The One whose life was transformed as a result of your mission).
- Ask this question: Do your stories inspire hope that your vision is possible?
May you have a blast telling stories and may they inspire people to take action in supporting your cause!
And, next time you’re standing in that Hobby Lobby checkout line, may you hear the faint call of the undemanding dog whistle.
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I look forward to hearing about your good work.
Blessings,
