You probably know the German “Once upon a time …” story, the story where Hansel and Gretel , brother and sister, together need to give their best to win a huge challenge against the bad witch. The family had no money to grow the children and they brought them into the dark woods… where they ended up in the witch’s house. How they survived? By putting together all their forces, beliefs, trust and love …
The story is worldwide known. It is told from generation to generation. It is a story about values, with a clear goal and vision in mind. A story that shows the needs, the challenges, the risks, the wins … And it is human-related.

Have you ever asked yourself why this story is that successful? And what this could mean to you? How can this relate to your enterprise – independent from being a NGO, a non- profit or for- profit business? Storytelling is key.

Let’s take the for-profit one (but it is the same for all the other business types, as well) :
You own an enterprise. You have built your network. You grow your business on a local level, perhaps also a regional, national, international one. Well, you have already done the first steps, important steps.
And you feel socially responsible for things happening around you. You are not the bad business man. Immediate help – you give support where and if possible. That’ s how many businesses do – and there is nothing wrong with it. Some charity activities, regular donations.

Have you ever thought what is really the story your enterprise tells?
Focusing on your business is good, being social, as well. But what is your story around both? You are still troubling with your story?

It is worth to think about a holistic approach and to develop YOUR story. A story that is special, focused and which does not separate business and social responsibility from each other. Worth to tell and share with others. And that make people understand what is your big goal.
Find out:
Where are the critical points?
Which are your opportunities?
How to tell the story around your business and social activities?
How can you bring together business with your social engagement? What could be different if you change from a one stop shop charity approach to a business integrated social engagement?

For being a real changemaker and to differentiate your activities from others you need to identify the story to tell, to live and to share.
This will help to convince others to support you and to grow.

Promised 😉