24

Compelling Storytelling

Why authentic voices and narratives of social impact matter

GRAPHIC SUMMARY

Learn more about storytelling in Inclusive Business by reading this twenty-fourth edition of the online magazine on Inclusive Business! The illustration was developed by Christopher Malapitan, a visual practitioner and trainer based in Brussels. Through the use of visual storytelling methods he empowers individuals and organizations to “see” what they mean.

Inclusive Business Action Network
The Inclusive Business Action Network (iBAN) is a global initiative supporting the scaling and replication of inclusive business models. Through its strategic approach iBAN supports companies with tailormade investment readiness programmes and develops national inclusive business policy strategies with policymakers. On a global level iBAN manages the largest online knowledge platform (www.inclusivebusiness.net) on inclusive business. iBAN creates a space where evidence-based knowledge transforms into learning and new partnerships. With its focus on promoting the upscale of inclusive business models and consequently improving the lives of the poor, iBAN is actively contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. iBAN is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. An earlier phase of this project (01/2017 – 12/2021) was supported by the European Union.

editorial

Your Story Matters

In her editorial, Susann Tischendorf urges individuals and organizations to tell their authentic stories, because readers respond to authenticity rather than perfection. She provides tips on how to weave creativity and innovation into storytelling.

Susann Tischendorf

Table of contents

graphic summary

GRAPHIC SUMMARY

Learn more about storytelling in Inclusive Business by reading this twenty-fourth edition of the online magazine on Inclusive Business! The illustration was developed by Christopher Malapitan, a visual practitioner and trainer based in Brussels.…

Christopher Malapitan

editorial

Your Story Matters

In her editorial, Susann Tischendorf urges individuals and organizations to tell their authentic stories, because readers respond to authenticity rather than perfection. She provides tips on how to weave creativity and innovation into storytelling.

Susann Tischendorf

feature story

Compelling Storytelling: Why authentic voices and narratives of social impact matter

As human beings, stories help us make sense of the world. Stories are also important in conveying the meaning behind a business. “We know that people are substantially more motivated by their organization’s transcendent purpose (how it improves lives) than by its transactional purpose (how it sells goods and services). Transcendent purpose is effectively communicated through stories,” writes Paul J Zak in the Harvard Business Review. In this issue of CLUED-iN we examine how storytelling can help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, attract investment and partners, monitor their progress and increase visibility of their brand.

Alexandra Harris

#FarmVoices: Capturing farmers’ voices for improved monitoring and better decision-making

In their article, Nele Claeys and Steff Deprez explain how narrative impact monitoring captures a range of farmers’ voices to help farmer associations and other stakeholders make better informed decisions.

Farmer on Fire: Using digital storytelling to help a new generation embrace farming

Wangari Kuria describes how her business utilizes digital media and storytelling to help young Kenyans learn how to farm, create a brand and market their products.

How storytelling strives to make skilling aspirational in India

In his blog, Mrinal Kant elucidates the power of storytelling to help women choose skilling opportunities and aspire to entrepreneurial careers that were traditionally out of reach.

Amru Rice: Telling a story of inclusion of Cambodian rice farmers

CEO Saran Song tells us why the story behind the company is important and how the inclusion of smallholder farmers in Cambodia is a key part of Amru’s narrative.

Impactful storytelling is rooted in meaningful action taken by companies

Maria Correa explains why inclusive storytelling should be incorporated into a company’s messaging, and why the most effective communications are rooted in specific impact and personal stories.

How to get your story across to investors

Telling their impact story is a powerful tool companies can use to make their case to investors. Tiffany Moore, Engagement Manager at Impact Capital Africa, shares some practical advice and resources on how to make a successful pitch.

Findjobs Singapore: Storytelling expands visibility and partnerships for social impact

In his interview, Stanley Lim relates how the impact story of his inclusive business has expanded the visibility of Findjobs and has helped identify like-minded partners.

Notes from the field: Filming an inclusive business story in Zambia

In September 2022, iBAN travelled to Zambia to shoot a documentary clip on Inclusive Business. Katharina Münster shares first-hand experiences from the field.