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Hook, Story, Offer - Internet Work Gives Some Immediate Feedback

 It's been an exciting week.  Just yesterday I released my Free Guide To Christian Storytelling.  I was able to set up a landing page in Mail Chimp, and people are able to obtain a copy in exchange for their email address.  According to the marketing books I've been reading, an email list is the most valuable thing you own, because you can always connect with past and potential customers.

At the same time, I've managed to entice five people so far.  Not bad for a few days but I do want a much larger list.  A larger list means I'm helping more people, and more people are interested in this particular ministry.  

Thinking back to what I've learned over the past two months, any internet offer comes down to a Hook, a Story, and an Offer.  The hook grabs people's attention, the story engages on an emotional level, and the offer is the actual resource you're providing.  When I looked at my first landing page, I realized it was all offer, no hook, and not really a story.  Despite my recent learning, I have a ways to go if I want to be good at this.  My first refinement was to adjust the headline to make a more compelling hook.  Now instead of "Free Guide to Christian Storytelling," it reads, "Evangelism That Respects Dignity."  I think it's important to work things that way because 1 - it's exactly what storytelling does, and 2 - it addresses the hopes and fears of the people I"m trying to reach.

I've been reminded lately at how much I love the Church, and how much I want to see it grow.  Growth means more people are being impacted by the greatest story ever told.  Growth means more people are having an encounter with perfect goodness.  It is one reliable metric.  Unfortunately by most accounts, The Episcopal Church has been falling short.

At the same time, there is a deep desire amongst many to share Jesus with the people in their lives.  I am convinced that the best way to do that is through storytelling.  Each story shares one piece of the puzzle, so little by little, someone gets a clearer picture of what ultimate goodness truly is.  As these puzzle pieces come together, they are touched by that goodness as well.

But to make that difference I need to get the word out.  The Free Guide is only a beginning.  I have in mind to do internet challenges, possible live events, trainer training, and even a whole Church program.  As more people engage I hope to see this ministry grow into it's full potential.  To get there, I'm going to work on improving my Hook, Story, and Offer.

You can help too.  I'm really grateful for everyone who reads my blog.  To make an impact, all you need to do is share my posts, especially the Guide To Christian Storytelling.  As we reach more people that means the art of Christian Storytelling will grow, and more good news will be shared in the world.  Can you help with that?  If so just share this link.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting this ministry.  Please download your own guide, and make sure to tell your stories.

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