Ever wonder why some brands just stick with you? It’s like they’ve got a secret ingredient that turns their story into something you just can’t shake off. Spoiler alert: that secret ingredient is often their hero journey. Yep, I’m talking about the rollercoaster ride every entrepreneur goes through on their way to success. And guess what? Sharing that journey is a crucial part of building an unforgettable online personal brand, not to mention a loyal community of followers.

There are many important elements that come together to build a personal brand, so what it is that makes our hero journey one of them? 

Here’s the thing: we’re all a bit nosy at heart. We love peeping behind the curtain to see people’s story – the REAL story —especially when it comes to the faces behind our favourite brands. That raw, unfiltered honesty? It draws us in and connects us to people we can relate to. It also tells us we’re not just investing in a product or a service; we’re on a journey with someone real, someone who’s also had their fair share of ups and downs.

And those ups and downs you’ve had? They matter! Remember all the moments when everything felt like a gigantic mess? The late nights, the second-guessing, the “what on earth am I doing?” moments? We’ve ALL had them, and they aren’t just bumps in the road; they are what makes your story relatable. Sharing the not-so-glamorous parts of your journey tells your audience, “Hey, I’ve been there too,” and that creates an emotional bond that’s hard to break.

In a saturated online space, your hero journey is also like your signature scent—it’s what makes you … well, you! It’s not about being the best in the business, it’s about being authentically, unmistakably yourself. Your story sets you apart from the crowd, making your brand not just seen but remembered.

The power of storytelling is as old as time, and let’s face it, we’re all suckers for a good story – especially one that gets us feeling emotional. Sharing your journey isn’t just about informing your audience of how you got where you are, it brings them into your life and asks them to join you for the ride. Over time, they become not just followers or customers; they’re your cheer squad, encouraging and cheering you on for every step of your business journey.

Here’s the other important reason to share your story: it encourages others to share theirs. Your journey could be the nudge someone else needs to take the leap into their own adventure, and that’s pretty powerful, right? As Moira says, “When one of us shines, all of us shine”.

When it comes to telling your story, there’s one ingredient it MUST have: honesty. Don’t shy away from sharing the challenging parts of your journey – let your guard down and talk about the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Why? Because these are the parts of your story that make you human.

So, there you have it. Your hero journey isn’t just small talk, it’s the heart and soul of your business story. It turns your brand from something people buy into something they believe in. And if you’re sitting there thinking, “But my story isn’t all that special,” stop right now! I used to think that too, but when you sit down and start digging into your own journey, you’ll be very surprised.  It’s the ordinary bits, infused with your secret sauce, that make YOUR story extraordinary. And trust me, it really is.

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Feeling inspired to weave your own hero journey into your brand, but not sure where to start or what to include? Click here to download my free resource which lists the exact questions you can ask yourself to draw out your story. When you do, I’d love to hear it, so make sure you tag me on socials or let me know!

Interested in my hero journey? Click here (or the image below) for my interview with Prosper Taruvinga on the Online Prosperity Show where I go WAY back, and share the transformative journey that took me from burnt out and invisible, to becoming an inspirational well-known brand.