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How to use fictional business stories without being deceptive
For entrepreneurial storytelling, “madeup” isn’t always the same as “deceptive.”
Can you use made-up stories to market your real business?
The short answer is “yes.” The longer answer is, “Only under certain conditions.”
(1) Jack shares stories about his “6-figure success.” Unfortunately, he’s barely running a 5-figure business.
You could argue that he’s not hurting anyone if he’s giving good information A surprising number of business coaches work with clients earning a lot more than they do.
But it just doesn’t feel ethical and your audience will sense that something is wrong. I once knew a business coach — a very sharp and confident entrepreneur — who continuously referred to 6-figure earnings in her blog posts, articles, and sales letters. It never rang true. After a few years, she returned to a corporate job, acknowledging that she needed a more consistent income.
Why do people do this? They’re seeking credibility. They want people to believe, “You’ve got the goods.” The truth is, you have many ways to demonstrate credibility. You can accumulate a large amount of well-written content. You can present a new and innovative way to approach…