Podcasts Business Onward Nation Episode 184: 8 steps to a great story, with Michael Hauge.

Episode 184: 8 steps to a great story, with Michael Hauge.

Published: March 3, 2016, 9 a.m.

Michael Hauge has been one of Hollywood\u2019s top script consultants, story experts, and speakers for more than 30 years. He coaches screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, professional speakers, internet marketers and corporate leaders, helping transform their stories and their audiences using the principles and methods of Hollywood\u2019s most successful movies. Michael is the author of \u201cSelling Your Story in 60 Seconds\u201d and the new 20th Anniversary Edition of his classic book Writing Screenplays That Sell. He has consulted on films starring \u2013 among many others - Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts and Morgan Freeman, and has presented lectures and workshops to more than 70,000 participants worldwide. According to Will Smith, \u201cNo one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.\u201d

\nCould have ruined your business \u2013 but now \u2013 an invaluable learning experience\n

Michael got a mediocre rating in a big magazine -- and Michael tells the whole story here.

\nMost critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful\n

"The ability and willingness to incorporate stories in any communication."

\nHow to create a good story\n
    \n
  1. Identify the hero of the story -- who is the main character?
    2. \n
  2. Create a setup -- describe the life the hero was living before the story began
    3. \n
  3. Present the hero with opportunity (and create empathy in the process)
    4. \n
  4. Put the character in a new situation based on the opportunity
    5. \n
  5. Create a clear, visible goal with a clear finish line in the end
    6. \n
  6. Create conflict
    7. \n
  7. The climax of the story -- paint a picture of what success was like
    8. \n
  8. The aftermath -- paint a picture of the new life because of making the journey
    9. \n
\nThe three kinds of stories business can tell\n
    \n
  1. Autobiographical -- the story about you
    2. \n
  2. Case study -- take someone who has benefited from your product or service and talked about how you and your product or service has changed their life
    3. \n
  3. The "Wise Man" story -- repeat a story and how you or your audience can learn from their lessons
    4. \n
\nMost influential lessons learned from a mentor\n
    \n
  1. "The seat of the pants to the seat of the chair."
    2. \n
  2. "Don't get it right, get it written."
    3. \n
  3. "You've got to reject rejection."
    4. \n
\n

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\nFinal Round \u2013 \u201cBreaking Down the Recipe for Success\u201d\n

\xa0

\nWhat one strategy or \u201crecipe\u201d would compound into big wins for business owners?\n

I ask myself if whatever I'm going to try sounds like fun -- and if it does, I'll try it.

\nWhat strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?\n
    \n
  1. Don't be afraid of telling stories
    2. \n
  2. Ask yourself where you draw the line -- and then take small steps toward confronting you fear
    3. \n
\nHow best to connect with Michael:\n\n

\xa0 You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----