The Hero’s Journey: How to Craft Your ‘Million Dollar Story’

Your “Million Dollar Story” is the story that will draw people to want to talk to you about working with you. It is through this story that people will see that you may be able to help them get what they want. It does not matter what type of business you are in.

Dorina Lanza, Managing Director of White Tiger Financial, LLC tells us that “The reason you draw people in through your own “Million Dollar Story” is that people will see that you have gone before them. They will see that you have solved the problems that they are currently facing. They will be able to identify with you. And, once they meet you, they will want to work with you as long as you become expert in identifying and bridging the gap between where they are and where they want to be.”

Before you create your “Million Dollar Story.” You may ask, “What is it?”

Lanza responds, “Good question. To answer it, let’s back up a bit. In 1949, Joseph Campbell wrote a book entitled “Hero with a Thousand Faces.” In it he talks about his theory of the journey of the archetypal hero found in the world of mythology. I am sure you are all familiar with those heroes’ journeys. They have been with us throughout time.”

According to Campbell, the “Hero’s Journey” occurs when:
“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons (blessings or benefits) on his fellow man.”

In fact, since Campbell’s book came out, his theory has been applied by many including George Lucas, who has articulated a debt to Campbell for the stories of the Star Wars films.

“Your “Million Dollar Story” is akin to Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey.” It is your version of it,” according to Lanza.

So, how do you write it? Lanza outlines a process:

  • Start off high (describe how life is now – pick something positive or in an upward trend)
  • Tell them about your LOW POINT (“my life was not always this way”)
  • Tell them about your turning point (“then I had a breakthrough and I learned…”)
  • Tell them how things are now going well – give them some inspiration so that they can see that they have a way out by following you! (“I’m going to show you how this is possible for you too.”)

Think of the Hero’s Journey as a lot like an emotional roller coaster where you take your potential business partners from high to low and back to high again.

Lanza adds that in creating your story you show some humility, show them you care, and are being your authentic self.

She continues, “Your “Million Dollar Story” is not: your bio, about you, or for you. Your “Hero’s Journey” is a means to support other people, a story that shows your clients that you are the bridge to get them from where they are now to where they want to be.”

Whatever you have gone through, it is so you can help your people get through it too. If your people can relate to your low point, you can inspire them. You can attract them to you. You have gone before and you can show them the way.

So, take some time and write a compelling “Million Dollar Story” and then get on the phone and talk to the people who have raised their hand and said “I need help!”

To learn more about crafting your “Million Dollar Story” you can contact Dorina Lanza at 1-561-290-2180 or via her web site at DorinaLanza.com.

Photo courtesy of Trey Ratcliff.