👋 Hey there!
🚅 Welcome to the 56th edition of the Double E Bullet where I deliver two impactful insights to support your journey from being a full-time founder to becoming a part-time CEO in your business.
Recently, while engrossed in Mission Impossible 7, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite the movie’s thrilling stunts, they might have lost their way in the plot – not that Mission Impossible plots have undergone many transformations over the years 😅. But sometimes when Hollywood revisits blockbusters, they tend to lose the plot.
This got me pondering about the stories we, as founders, weave for our teams, clients, and investors. How can we be certain we’re not veering off course? Is there a structured approach to crafting captivating narratives, whether it’s for the silver screen or a business presentation? Or are we losing the plot?
Curiosity piqued, I delved into research, and unsurprisingly, the world of Hollywood had an answer: the Three Act Structure.
Today, let’s plunge into the depths of storytelling and uncover the three core elements that breathe life into a founder’s narrative: the setup, the struggle, and the solution and talk about the number one mistake that is most common when using these elements.
BULLET ONE
🧠 The Three-Act Structure
As we continue our journey through the world of storytelling, we’re diving into one of the most powerful and time-tested narrative structures: the three-act structure. Just like a blockbuster movie, your business story can benefit immensely from this structure. Join me as we explore each act, drawing parallels to our own entrepreneurial adventures.
Act 1: The Setup – Laying the Foundation
In Act 1, we establish the groundwork for our story. It’s where characters, settings, and conflicts are introduced. Similarly, in our business journey, the setup is all about laying the foundation. Think back to the moment you conceived your idea, the excitement, and the challenges that led you to embark on this entrepreneurial voyage. This act captures your ‘Eureka’ moment – the birth of your business concept.
Act 2: The Struggle – Navigating Challenges
Act 2 is often the longest and most intense part of any story. Here, characters face conflicts, obstacles, and adversities. It’s where growth and transformation occur. In the entrepreneurial world, the struggle mirrors the challenges you’ve encountered along the way. Remember those sleepless nights, tough decisions, and setbacks? They’re the essence of Act 2. Just like our favorite heroes, we must persevere and adapt to conquer the challenges.
Act 3: The Solution – Triumph and Transformation
Act 3 brings resolution. It’s where characters find solutions to their problems and undergo significant transformations. In our entrepreneurial journey, this act mirrors our victories and the evolution of our businesses. Think of the first major milestone you achieved or the breakthrough that turned the tide in your favor. Act 3 celebrates your triumphs and showcases how your business has evolved.
The number 1 mistake most storytellers make? Rushing through the setup and struggling to reach the solution too quickly! The struggle is the heart of the story, captivating the audience far more than the solution ever could. Imagine Top Gun started with its climactic flight scene through the mountains, leaving the rest of the film for Tom Cruise’s ‘happily ever after’ – it just wouldn’t engage us in the same way.
This video 👇🏼 from one of my favorite marketers, Chris Do, explains this concept beautifully.
BULLET TWO
📚 Story Brand by Donald Miller- I can’t recommend enough!
In the realm of storytelling, where crafting compelling narratives is the linchpin of our communication, Donald Miller’s ‘Story Brand’ serves as a guiding light. This literary gem not only aligns seamlessly with our September theme but also harmonizes beautifully with the 3-act structure I just shared above. Donald’s book doesn’t just illuminate the art of storytelling; it provides a roadmap for clarifying your brand’s narrative, ensuring that your audience follows the same 3-act journey we’ve explored.
Speaking of Donald Miller, check out this fantastic video featuring an interview with him where he discusses a profound takeaway from his book – the One Liner Exercise. If you’re keen on expressing what your business does for your hero in one concise line, this video is a must-watch.
Consider this another step towards harnessing the power of storytelling to guide your audience on a transformative journey from confusion to clarity, just as you aim to transition from a full-time founder to a part-time CEO.
That’s all for this edition! What was your favorite bullet?