The main core of our business is consultancy. We advise, direct and guide institutions and individuals on issues related to intellectual property. A consultant is a person who provides information and experience to those who require services in his/her field of expertise. Key requirements for consultancy as expected is knowledge and experience however, communication skills are just as important. A significant portion of our time is devoted to communicating with clients. We regularly communicate with clients in person, on the phone and through e-mails, answering their questions, listening to their worries, and providing solutions. We sometimes talk about ourselves, sometimes give examples based on our experiences and sometimes come up with scenarios they might encounter. In short, we tell a story.
The art of storytelling has become very popular in recent years not only among family and friends but also among the professional world as an art form. A teacher who wants to help boost learning, a manager who wants to impress colleagues or employees, a therapist who wants to help patients through stories, or an attorney who wants to provide a unique service to clients rather than just being a messenger resorts to storytelling.
Companies that want to increase the success of their institutions by utilizing the power of stories and storytelling, often provide training to their employees in this respect. While some aim to create their company’s story, others are interested in training employees who can express themselves just like TedX speakers. Most believe that the most effective way to achieve success in the corporate world is to convince the target audience.
When I raised the question as to why institutions request training in storytelling to Nazlı Çevik Azazi, a storyteller and trainer, last year in Istanbul, her reply was similar to what I had already envisioned; “If you would like to make a difference in this sector”, “If you would like your employees to promote products/ services more effectively through storytelling”, “If you would like to enrich your training staff’s training through stories”, “If you would like to convince the executive staff through stories during presentations”, “If you would like the brand you created to attract attention and make a lasting impression on the market”, “If you would like to convey the values of your company to your employees through tales/stories and make those values last”, “If you would like your company to have a story of its own that never lose its vitality, continuously nurtures itself and grows”, learning the art of storytelling is a must.
I know for a fact that Ankara Patent has many stories to tell in its over 50 years of adventure. You might have listened to some of these stories at times. Aren’t these stories what make us who we are; increase our sense of belonging, make our jobs endearing to us, and help us succeed? Some of our stories have a happy ending, some sad, but each story helps both the teller and the listener draw lessons. As Azazi puts it; “Stories connect us together. They guide us in times of difficulty and become our companion. They accompany us through this universe in order to understand it better and help us create new universes. Stories help us make sense of our existence. Stories that are told orally, in other words, fairy tales, myths, legends, epics, or anecdotes embody humanity’s vast knowledge and experience in their essence.
In my opinion, it is now time for consulting firms to create and tell their own influential stories. Just as Brian Eisenberg says: “Facts tell, stories sell”. Knowledge is precious especially when it is original, but feelings are unforgettable. The easiest way to express feelings is through stories.
