What to Prepare Before Attending the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream

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The StoryBrand Marketing Livestream is a two day investment in your business. But if you don’t take time to prepare, you could get a low return on that investment. Learn success tips from facilitators who’ve ushered hundreds of attendees through the workshop.

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The StoryBrand Marketing Livestream is a two-day marketing workshop that takes you through the StoryBrand Marketing framework. It is a major part of Downstage Media’s Enhanced Marketing Livestream. By the end of these two days you should have solid messaging in what’s called a BrandScript that you can use on your website, in promotional videos, and on social media. (Find out ten ways to use a BrandScript)

I say should because if you don’t take prepare ahead of time, you may have too many distractions preventing you from focusing on the material being covered. That will lead you to not being able to complete the tasks that most participants finish with.

Here are some StoryBrand Certified Guide-recommended preparations to make before your workshop begins. By making a few adjustments ahead of time you can ensure that you’re coming to the workshop clearheaded, focused, and ready to improve your marketing.

1. Block Out Your Space (and Time)

Those who multitask during the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream just don’t take in as much information as those who focus. You know that. I know that. But as my third grade teacher Mrs. Mahr used to say, “Easy to say. Hard to do.”

Block out the dates on your calendar and avoid scheduling anything else on these two days (even in your family life, and we’ll get to that in a second). “Turn your phone off from 9-4 both days,” says fellow StoryBrand Certified Guide, Brad Alexander. “Set an auto-reply to your email that you’re ‘out of office attending a workshop’ for the two days.”

Figure out the space where you will be viewing the livestream. Will it be at your home? In a separate office? Somewhere else? Make sure that the people you share the space with you know that you will be need quiet during this time.

By taking these measures you ensure that you won’t be over scheduled, and will avoid phone, email, and other work-type distractions so you can stay focused on your company’s marketing.

But it’s not just blocking off work time. There are, of course, other facets of your life that need to be attended to.

2. Consider the People/Pets/Plants You Take Care Of

It’s also good to take a look at the rest of your life and see what - or who - will need attention during that time. Are there any child care or petcare needs that should be addressed prior? What about meals? Can you order from a meal service or have take out on those days? Plan all of your pick ups, drop offs, deliveries, and necessities ahead of time so you can stay focused.

Outside of those that you care for, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything that you need. (And even a few things that you don’t need buy you want.)

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3. Amass Materials for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream

In the week ahead of the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream you will receive digital copies of the materials. Veteran StoryBrand Certified Guide Lynn Tickner recommends printing them up ahead of time if you prefer hard copies so you can take notes on them.

Make sure you have whatever office supplies work, make you feel happy, and will help you be productive. On hand, you’ll also want to have healthy (and not-so-healthy) snacks to fuel you during the breaks. And coffee.

Many people find it helpful to read Building a StoryBrand to have an idea of how the StoryBrand framework is structured. I highly recommend this step, so that when you are in the livestream you’re not hearing it all for the first time.

4. Think About Your Audience, Their Problems, and Your Brand

Many people think that when they market their work they need to talk about themselves. With StoryBrand, that notion gets flipped. The focus is on the audience and their experience. So consider what brings your audience to become buyers before the workshop so you can hit the ground running when it begins.

Josh Brammer, a StoryBrand Certified Guide since April of 2018 recommends this three step process:

1. Pick one customer and one product you want to sell. Start small and learn the process with a tightly focused target . You can always repeat the process and expand in the future.

   (Stuck on whom your ideal customer is? Just pick your favorite customer and move on from there)

2. Make a list of the 5-8 steps the customer takes to learn and decide about your product. How do they approach buying it?

3. Brainstorm 5 reasons your customer buys your product? What outcome and change are they really buying?? A clear vision of success will frame the entire story once you dive in the process.

Have a little extra brain space? To really connect with your audience in your marketing, talk like your favorite customers. Lynn Tickner recommends you, “make a list of words you hear them say when they talk to you about the problem(s) they're struggling with.” Doing so will help you fill in the blanks when you’re coming up with your BrandScript.

5. Yes And

Many times when performing arts entrepreneurs hear elements of the StoryBrand marketing philosophy they think it doesn’t apply to an arts-based business like theirs. That’s okay. To truly be ready for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream, use the improv philosophy of Yes And. Accept the information as it comes, and be ready to add your brand’s unique perspective to it. Then, ask the group or the facilitator. When you sign up for the Enhanced Marketing Livestream, I’ll be coaching you and filtering the information through the lens of the performing arts both during the livestream and in our subsequent private sessions.

Your Marketing? Solid

Imagine how great it will be to have two full days where you focus on your business! What ideas, project, concepts, and people will show up in those two days? It’s an exciting time for your organization, brand, or company - make the most of it!

Sign up for the Next Livestream

There are only 8 spots available to be in Annie Schiffmann’s coaching group for the next StoryBrand Marketing Livestream. This is only offered four time a year, so secure your spot today!

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