StoryBrand: The Real Reason Mr. Miyagi Rules

If you didn’t see the original Karate Kid, let me explain why a movie from 40 years ago still has legs.

Story. Story is powerful. It’s not a beginning, middle, and end; it’s much bigger.

The StoryBrand framework breaks the process down to seven steps. You can find these seven elements in just about every story. It’s a universal narrative everyone is familiar with. And when the framework is used correctly, stories have the power to move beyond the paper or the television screen. You know that movie you saw twenty years ago as a kid, but can still replay in your head? Or that novel that totally wrecked you, and changed you for the better? That’s the power of a good story- and every good story uses StoryBrand.

Back to Karate Kid….

1. A Character – Daniel

2. Has a Problem – He’s being bullied by Cobra Kai

3. Meets a Guide – Mr. Miyagi

4. Who Gives Them a Plan – He needs to train

5. That Calls Them to Action – He enters the karate tournament.

6. That Results in Success – He wins the tournament, the girl, his self-respect and confidence.

7. And Helps Him Avoid Failure – Continue to be bullied, lose the girl, lose the tournament.

The Karate Kid is not unique. The writers followed these proven storytelling techniques and here we are, 40 years later, still marveling over how we felt when we watched little Daniel Larusso demolish Johnny Lawrence with the crane kick heard ’round the world.

So, now what? Karate lessons? Not exactly. The real takeaway here is the success of the StoryBrand framework. Have you considered shaping your brand’s story with the seven-step formula? Chances are, you already have all the elements. You just need to organize them into the right format. Determine who your hero is- that’s the customer. Then, define their problem and establish your company as their guide. Show them the path toward success with your goods or services. Once your brand’s messaging reads like a complete story, you’re in a much better position to effectively reach your audience.

If you’re interested in putting StoryBrand to use, we’d love to help. When we’re not using SB to dissect pop culture references, we’re using it with our clients. See for yourself.