Motivate Your Monday: Are Origin and Brand Stories One and the Same?

Summary 

While origin stories and brand stories share similarities, they serve distinct purposes in the realm of storytelling and branding. 

Question 

Are origin and brand stories one and the same? Not at all. While origin stories and brand stories share similarities, they serve distinct purposes in the realm of storytelling and branding.

Origin Story 

An origin story typically focuses on how your work began, your journey, and the foundational moments that define professional or organizational identity.  You’ve heard me talk about the "archaeological dig" to get to your origin story. It’s your Who. It precedes your Why. Origin stories often highlight the challenges you’ve overcome, your values, and the mission or purpose that drives your work. This is the most consequential story you’ll ever create because it tells how you got from there to here, bringing your particular vision into existence. 

Brand Story 

On the other hand, a brand story encompasses a broader narrative that builds on the foundational origin story. Its role is to show the ongoing evolution, present-day identity, and how the values, mission, and personality of the brand are incorporated in the process. It’s your Why. This overall narrative shapes how the brand is perceived and how it connects with your audience.

Question 

Now that you know the difference between the stories that are key to building your identity and connecting with your audience, what motivates you to create and tell them? 

Motivate Your Monday: Are Origin and Brand Stories One and the Same? written by Diane F. Wyzga in association with Beauty & the Beast Publishing. Photo: Harry Cunningham on Unsplash.