Remember the closing scene from Rocky? When he has his showdown with Apollo? As humans we love stories, especially ones with symbolic meanings like Rocky. Stories don’t just activate the “language processing” left side of our brain, but the right side too, which triggers feelings and emotions.
In this article I’ll discuss why storytelling is important in brand marketing, and what we can learn from the cult boxing film Rocky.
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Rocky’s bloody teeth snarl at Apollo, and he waves him to come ahead and fight toe to toe… Apollo obliges with a weary but effective burst of rights and lefts that have K.O. written on every punch. Rocky counters the assault blow for blow.
ROCKY
Gimme ya best!!!
Mickey looks at the clock… TEN SECONDS TO GO.
ROCKY
(continuing)
Gimme ya best!!!
Blood sprays over the ropes and onto the ringside photographers… They are horrified and wipe away the blood.
The fighters stand toe to toe and drag every remaining bit of strength from their souls and beat each other without mercy. They look hypnotized and have entered a dimension far beyond blood and pain.
SIX
FIVE
FOUR
THREE
TWO
ONE!
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The story of Rocky shares how a boxer was given a chance to fight the heavyweight champion of the world. For me this film symbolises the act of “never giving up” and it proves that your dreams can come true if you’re willing to put the work in.
And this meaning is why the film still motivates me today, and why stories are remembered, because they are personal, emotionally compelling and engage more of the brain.
So, what can businesses take away from Rocky to boost their brand marketing efforts?
Attention
Rocky not only captured my attention but managed to hold it. How? By increasing the tension throughout the story, evoking emotion, and by giving me something I can relate to and believe in.
When you maintain attention, the brain produces symptoms that cause the heart and breathing to speed up, stress hormones are released, and focus is at its highest. Once focus is at its highest, we begin to emotionally resonate with the story and characters. This has often been called “transportation” where we feel as though we are part of the story.
Businesses can achieve this same effect by telling their brand story. So, make sure you have a thorough understanding of your audience, what’s important to them, and the language they use when drafting your brand story and messaging. And then, ensure you always communicate it through all your communications – whether that’s email, direct mail, on your website or in your social media posts.
Emotion
There is a lot of emotion in Rocky and he carries many values and traits that the audience can relate to and empathise with. And, humans naturally form bonds and groups based on common beliefs and understandings.
When you’re considering your brand story think about what’s important to your audience, and how you can pull that into your story. And, consider your company’s ethical stance, and how this can impact your brand story.
Lessons
Rocky has a dramatic structure as you see him overcome the difficulties by digging deep and then the final bell sounds.
From a brand storytelling point of view, this is about ensuring you can show your learnings and development through your communications. For example, if your business gets it wrong, admit it and be transparent, and celebrate your key milestones and successes too as this can help position your brand as credible and build trust amongst your target audience.
Connection
Stories can motivate us, and this was definitely the case for Rocky with me. When communicated effectively stories can have a big influence on us and can encourage us to take action and step out of our comfort zone.
Admit it, after you watched Rocky you wanted to become a pro-boxer?
And that’s what your marketing and brand story telling should do to your audience – encourage them to take the desired call-to-action that you’re offering. Whether that is signing up to your communications, picking up the phone to talk to a member of your sales team, or purchase your service or product- it’s all in the story you tell through your communications.
Final word
So, now you understand how stories can be used to influence your target audience, it’s time to put it into action. And, remember your brand story should be of relevance and meaningful to your audience to resonate with them and be authentic.
For more marketing insight, follow me on LinkedIn here. And to find out more about Origin, follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/origin-growth/or visit our website www.origingrowth.co.uk.
