“The Ballad of Jed Clampett” – what a classic television show tune – and it’s instructive too.

In the words of the immortal, Ricky Ricardo, “Let me ‘splain, Lucy.”

The Beverly Hillbillies theme song has all of the elements of an excellent core story.

• You have the “before” part of Jed’s story. He was a poor mountaineer who barely kept his family fed. We learn about this man’s struggles and can empathize with him.
• Next, you have a turning point when, “One day he was shootin’ at some food, and up through the ground come a bubblin crude. Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.” Finding the oil is Jed’s discovery but notice that he worked for it.
• Finally, we have the “after’ part of Jed’s story. He becomes a millionaire and moves to Beverly – Hills that is.

When you develop your core story, you want to follow the same structure: Here is how things were before, something was a catalyst for a change, and here is what happened as a result.

By the way, you don’t have to tell a personal transformation story. This story-telling structure is just as reliable if you are telling the core story about you and your business.

Developing your core story is mission critical. You will use it in your marketing materials, on your website, and of course in your sales presentations.

A compelling core story that connects with your audience sets you apart from your competition and helps you escape the commodity business trap.

So start refining your core story. You’ll have a yabba-dabba-doo time – guaranteed.

Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!

Dave “Sixties TV Shows” Dee

P.S. Check out my book “Sales Stampede” for a more in-depth discussion on crafting your core story.

PPS. If you conduct seminars for entrepreneurs and want to maximize your profits as well as increase your audience’s satisfaction rate, I’d be interested in talking with you. Send an email to Karen at karen@davedee.com and put in the subject line, “Dave Speaking At My Event,” and then tell us about who your seminar is for, the dates, and the projected attendance. We’ll then set up a call to discuss further.