In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ explore why your customers, employees, and partners might be your most powerful storytellers. They share real examples and practical strategies for leveraging authentic customer experiences, employee advocacy, and even supplier shoutouts to boost your business’s credibility and reach. From creative testimonial ideas to tips for getting people comfortable on camera, this episode will help you harness the voices around you to build trust and grow your brand.

What You'll Learn

• Why customer stories matter: How genuine customer experiences create trust and emotional connection
• The limits of self-promotion: Why others’ words carry more weight than your own
• Creative testimonial strategies: Ways to feature customer, employee, and even supplier stories—beyond basic reviews
• Employee and partner advocacy: How staff and partners can be advocates for your brand, and why it’s powerful
• Respectful storytelling: The right (and wrong) ways to ask people to share their story, with real-world do’s and don’ts
• Making camera-shy people comfortable: Building rapport and using behind-the-scenes footage to get authentic testimonials
• Repurposing reviews: Turning written reviews into engaging video or audio content
• Tech tips for DIY testimonials: Simple audio/video recording tricks for better quality on phones
• Respecting your storytellers: Why employee testimonials should be voluntary, on-the-clock, and never forced
• Final takeaway: Letting others tell your story can take your brand to new heights—if you do it with care and authenticity

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why every business—no matter how big or small—needs an origin story. They discuss why sharing where you came from helps customers connect with you, how to find your “why” even if you don’t think you have a story, and simple ways to craft and share your journey. You’ll hear practical tips on talking it out, getting feedback from friends and family, and reflecting on the little moments that shaped your path. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, this episode will help you discover and communicate your unique story.

What You'll Learn / Big Moments

• Why your origin story matters: How sharing your beginnings builds trust and connection with customers
• How to find your "why": Even if you think your story is boring or ordinary, there are ways to uncover what drives you
• Simple strategies for crafting your story: Tips like recording yourself, writing it down, and getting feedback from friends, family, or colleagues
• Turning small moments into big meaning: Why little lessons—like always carrying a pocket knife—can shape your business identity
• The power of outside perspectives: How others can help you see your story more clearly than you can alone
• Taking your time: Why reflection and patience lead to a more powerful, authentic origin story
• Moving from "what happened" to "what's next": Using your origin story as a springboard for sharing your vision and inviting customers along for the journey
• Different ways to tell your story: Whether you’re funny, serious, or sentimental, your story should fit your personality and brand
• How to ask for help: Why working with storytellers or simply talking things out can unlock your best ideas
• The importance of passion and gratitude: How showing what lights you up—and being grateful—makes your story more compelling

Think you need a $15,000 budget to tell your business story effectively? Think again.

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why authentic storytelling will always trump production budget—and how small business owners can create compelling content with little to no money.

What you'll learn:

• When to invest big vs. go DIY: Understanding which business moments deserve a Netflix-level production (spoiler: not many) and when your smartphone is all you need
• The $15,000 lesson: Why a beautifully cinematic video can still fail if it doesn't tell the right story
• Zero-budget strategies that work: From candid team moments to heartfelt owner interviews—practical ways to create content that connects
• Finding your "why": How asking the right questions can unlock the most powerful stories hiding in your business
• The spokesperson dilemma: Why the face of your company matters more than you think (and it's not just about being pretty)
• Authenticity over perfection: Why a genuine selfie with a thoughtful caption often outperforms polished ad campaigns

Bonus: The hosts role-play a real client discovery conversation, showing you exactly how to uncover the stories worth telling in your own business.

Whether you're a solopreneur with zero marketing budget or a small business owner wondering if video is worth the investment, this episode proves that your story—not your budget—is what will make customers choose you.

Bottom line: It may not cost a dime, but it does deserve your time.