Inspiration

Since the time of mankind, stories, fables and tales were used to convey messages. Which is why people remember and relate to the Greek myths, the Bible, Beowulf, Hansel and Gretel and Star Wars.

Katniss Everdeen Is A Top Saleswoman

The Hunger Games is a sci-fi novel-turned-movie about 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the dystopian, post-apocalyptic country of I-forget-the-name. To cut the long story short, the movie has kids battling each other to death.

The Hunger Games was also an excellent sales promoter.

1. Archery schools reported a huge surge in enrolment. Sales of bows, arrows and targets increased multifold and the entire archery industry shot (pun intended) through the roof.

2. Hair salons reported many requests for Katniss’ brunette and plaid hairdo.

Jackson Quek The Unassuming Car Salesman

Jackon Quek, a fugly 30-something-year-old sold me a dark grey Toyota saloon a couple of years ago by relating how the car saved his life.

At that time, sporty hatchbacks were the rage and I was eyeing the nifty Yaris. But Jackson recounted how a cement truck rammed into him. Fortunately, the back boot space cushioned the impact and he walked away scratch-free and still fugly.

Unlike a mega-church pastor, Jackson wasn’t eloquent nor charming. In fact, he was extremely average. Which is why I reckon his non-threatening, down-to-earth salesmanship work very well. He sold safety, reliability and the life-saving boot. And I bought the bloody, boring saloon (even though it cost more than the hatchback).

Like Katniss and Jackson, we too use storytelling in our work, be it in video, print or even an EDM (electronic direct mailer).