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Why You Should Read “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller

Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen

Fahri Karakas
4 min readNov 27, 2024
Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

What if your business is failing not because of your product, but because of your message?

Donald Miller reveals a stunning truth: Most companies waste millions on marketing because they’re positioning themselves as the hero when they should be the guide.

The Hero Mistake

Here’s the billion-dollar insight that changes everything: Your customer is Luke Skywalker. You’re Yoda.

Most brands position themselves as:
- The hero of the story
- The star of the show
- The center of attention
- The main character
- The one to celebrate

Miller reveals why this kills sales: “Customers aren’t looking for another hero. They’re looking for a guide.”

The Story Framework

The human brain is wired for story. Miller decodes the universal story elements that all customers respond to:

The Critical First Steps:
1. Clear Character Focus
“If 12 minutes into The Bourne Identity the audience still doesn’t know exactly what Jason Bourne wants…

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Fahri Karakas
Fahri Karakas

Written by Fahri Karakas

Associate Professor in Business & Leadership at University of East Anglia. Passionate about doodling, imagination, and creativity. Author of Self-Making Studio.

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