What’s Your Story?

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Business Blog

Culpeper Star Exponent

February 23, 2015

Sunday dinners were always a special event during my childhood.  After church, the family would gather around the dining room table, all set with the 'good' china and silverware, and eat the delicious meal my mother had prepared.  The select fare always consisted of a roast, some sort of potato dish and two vegetables.  Tradition dictated my father carve the roast and as he performed this ritual, he would bellow the Christian hymn, 'I Love to Tell the Story.'  My memory recalls these were the only words he would sing before he'd go into a story of his own.  My sisters and I loved to hear his tales of 'back in the day'.  Sometimes I'd catch my mother rolling her eyes at his version of a story - I guess they were often embellished!

Storytelling is an ancient art found in almost every culture around the globe.  Stories can be used to entertain, educate, or to preserve cultural heritages and traditions.  A well crafted story creates connections between the teller and the listener through shared feelings, emotions or events.  

Storytelling has found its way into marketing strategies for business - both big and small. In our homogenous world, the telling of your business's journey to success can create a lasting connection with customers.  Your story is unique and sets you apart from your competition.  Have you taken the time to think about your story and how it could be used as a marketing tool?

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is hosting professional storyteller, Kim Weitkamp, at the 3rd Annual Professional Women's Luncheon on Friday, March 13th at Tuscany Hall.  Kim's diverse experience in storytelling for entertainment and marketing will make for a fun and informative event. She will introduce you to the concept of storytelling as a tool to market yourself and your business and she will discuss how it could improve your ability to attract the people and clients that are right for you.

This event is sponsored by Fantastic Sam's, It's Up to You, and Kash Design.  To register for the luncheon visit www.culpeperchamber.com or call 540-825-8628.  The program is open to members, non-members, men and women!  Join us for "What's Your Story?"

Kim will also appear at 'Culpeper Tells...A Festival of Words' on Saturday, March 14th at the State Theatre.  This 2nd annual storytelling festival is sponsored by The Friends of the Culpeper County Library. (www.culpepertells.com)