I played a lot of tennis as a teenager and reached a decent level of proficiency. I was playing pretty well during a match one day – really in the zone – when my coach called me over between sets and said “John, you’re playing great, but are you having any fun?”
I had a tendency to remain fairly stoic on court and even scowl (at myself) a bit. He had a point. I felt good, was really enjoying my game, but I sure didn’t show it.
I can also get pretty serious about the science and psychology of stories in marketing and leadership. I like talking in hushed tones about finding new clients, speeding up buying decisions, inspiring action and all the other great benefits that client stories bring. I can get carried away with the business reasons for stories. So much so I sometimes forget to mention how much FUN they can be!
It’s fun to see people light up when talking about their clients. It’s fun to hear people talk about their industries and businesses. It’s fun to have story subjects says they feel we captured their story well.
It’s fun to read good stories, it’s fun to write and design them, and it’s fun to work with them day in and day out.
It’s important to be good and diligent, however, don’t forget to bring along joy, enthusiasm – and fun. The smiles you create will help you establish a place in peoples hearts as well as their minds. And being less serious, might just make people take you more seriously.
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