So you have a great idea, a great product, a great company, a great purpose – so, now what? The best products in the world don’t always sell the best. Instead, it’s the product with the best storytelling support that wins. As I described in “3 I’s of an Idea (Product) – Improvement, Innovation, Invention,” a truly new invention, such as the BODYREV – a rotating weight system – often has no reference point, and a great deal of storytelling is required before people learn its value.
Unstoppable Teams: The Four Essential Actions of High-Performance Leadership
These stories and lessons aren’t exclusive to the Navy SEALs; they are used by successful entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, coaches, and sport captains—and now you can master them too. Unstoppable Teams is the handbook for how to build care-based teams that will push people to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Storytelling is the process of using fact and narrative to communicate something to you audience, according to this “Ultimate Guide to Storytelling,” on Hubspot. “Tapping into people’s emotions and baring both the good and bad is how stories inspire and motivate … and eventually, drive action.” Some have tried to explain the science behind why storytelling is such a powerful messaging tool for greater audience engagement, retention and influence. A good story moves us, draws us in and calls us to action; stories make ideas real; and metaphors are the most basic stories that connect to our sensory and physical experiences (e.g., “smooth sailing,” or “running out of time”).
A product is only as good as its stories. I learned this lesson again when my business partner and I started Perfect Fitness. We raised $1.5 million to create an infomercial to introduce a brand called BODYREV to the market, and learned $1,475,000 worth of ways not to launch a product. My Perfect Fitness Product Innovation Strategy post is a story I tell about how I stumbled through the inventor’s process of ponder – sketch – prototype – test – and repeat to develop a product that really sold well: the Perfect Pushup. And when I think back on it, my inventing mindset all began because I just wanted an easier way to carry a pencil, a highlighter and book marker together.
But, you’re not just anyone! — You’re on a mission to achieve your goals and maximize your life. From leading Navy SEALs to starting companies, I have learned to ‘Press On’ through some of the darkest of times. I have found it is not about the obstacle you face; instead, it is about how you face it in your head that matters. So, the next time adversity comes knocking, welcome it and then knock it back with a vengeance! Hit it with persistent action so overwhelming that any future obstacles that come down your path are no longer considered obstacles, but opportunities to excel. This, my teammates, is the advantage of adversity.
My current mission is sharing stories gleaned from over 25 years of experience as a CEO and in leading Navy Seals. I have written two books, Be Unstoppable, and Build Unstoppable Teams. I have a wide variety of stories and innovative ideas for building High Performance Teams. In my motivational team building speaking engagements, I cover three main topics: leadership, team building, and high performance teamwork. At the end of the day, I want audiences to leave feeling inspired to achieve more than they originally thought possible. Feel free to give me a call prior to your making a decision so you can hear how I will approach your event. I look forward to hearing from you and let’s make something great together.
Invite Alden to Be the Keynote Speaker at Your Event, and Be Inspired, Equipped and Transformed.