By Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM’s Gift-O-Rama

Contributing Columnist

Think about things in life that grab and hold you attention, especially the things you buy. What guides you to purchase one brand of peanut butter over another, a pair of jeans, a car, or anything else? Chances are the company told you a story that closed the sale.

People like to buy things they think it will make the most impact, so good online sellers tell you WHY and HOW your purchase will help a person, charitable cause or the environment. It strikes a chord with you because it’s real, and you can identify, or empathize with the story in a way that’s meaningful and relevant to you. They evoke an emotional response.

In August 2009, I started a challenge called 500 Hats, in a bid to knit and sell 500 hats to help keep my home out of foreclosure. People can buy a hat for themselves, or one to donate to a person at a homeless shelter in my hometown. It was amazing! To date, I’ve sold 172 hats, and expanded my line into scarves and socks.

People connected with my story because either they know someone who is in our shoes, or are themselves. They shared their stories, prayers and encouragement with me, and bought hats to help me out. Then they told others about it, and the story grew, and continues to grow. People can look at their hat, tell other people my story, and know their purchase made a difference. It just keeps going.

Stories can be inspirational, funny or cute. It can tell what happened while you were making breakfast that day, something your spouse or kids said, or the time the cat ate your project.

So, what’s the history of those earrings you made? What song reminds you of rainy days in front of a fire? What smells take you back to your Grandmother’s kitchen? Tell anecdotes that tie in with your products, and keep it real!

Til Next Time!

Read the amazing story of 500 hats

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Image courtesy of Dover Publications

Tags: 500 hats, charitable causes, charity, foreclosure, gift-o-rama, homeless shelter, online sales, online selling, products, story telling

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