With everyone’s attention scattering all over the place, I’m still a big believer in using stories to connect.

Most people’s bios (including mine) tell their origin story.

It usually goes something like this…

• Here’s where I started

• Here’s a thing that happened to change everything

• And here’s what I do now

It explains who you are, but it doesn’t do as much heavy lifting as folks think it does.

Sure, it’s interesting. And it can signal to your prospect, “Hey, we’re on the same team.”

An origin story explains YOU.

But what actually makes someone choose to work with you over someone else is entirely different.

A Why You Story is what helps someone decide if you’re for them or not.

Here’s the cleanest way I think about it.

An origin story explains how you got here.

A Why You Story explains how you decide.

When someone’s choosing who to work with, they’re not really checking out your background as much as they’re trying to understand your sense of judgment. Like what you prioritize, what you protect, and what you’ll walk away from.

A Why You Story shows people your value system when you’re faced with a choice. And that’s what helps the right people recognize themselves in you.

Here’s an example.

We got a new kitten, Elsa, a few months ago. Now our house is packed with things I didn’t know existed before we got her.

There’s a litter genie, a flowing water fountain, and kitty toys I step on in the middle of the night.

It’s almost like bringing home a new baby. You’re surrounded by new paraphernalia, and you’re buying things constantly.

Which means I’m very much in the market right now.🙋‍♀️

Logically, I could save money and get free shipping if I ordered everything from Amazon.

That would be the smart choice. But I don’t.

Nope. I order from Chewy instead.

They’re not necessarily cheaper. But their customer service rocks.

They sent toys when we got our puppy, Cochise. They sent gorgeous roses when my soul dog, Belle, passed. Refunds and exchanges are a breeze. I just like doing business with them.

So they keep getting my money.

That’s not my origin story.

That’s a Why You Story.

The real story isn’t where I shop. It’s how they changed the way I decided where to spend my money.

Once I noticed how often I choose based on trust, I started seeing the same pattern everywhere.

You probably already know this, but it’s worth repeating…

People don’t choose based on logic first.

They buy based on emotion. Then they build a logical explanation around it.

That’s why this distinction matters so much.

Without a Why You Story, people make decisions based on price, credentials, and popularity.

But when you have a handful of Why You Stories, you signal something different in business.

Suddenly it’s obvious you’re the right choice because you’re telling them how you think and how you show up in the world.

Here are a few quick contrasts to help bake this in.

An origin story says:
“I built a six-figure business in two years.”

A Why You Story says:
“I stopped chasing growth in business to spend more time enjoying my ranch.”

An origin story says:
“I left my corporate job to start my own company.”

A Why You Story says:
“I realized freedom mattered more to me than a steady paycheck.”

An origin story says:
“I’ve worked with big-name clients.”

A Why You Story says:
“I choose relationships over resume padding every time.”

Same person. Different connection.

What most people miss is that the story rarely comes with fireworks.

It’s usually the one that feels so obvious to you and unremarkable because it’s been guiding you for years.

And that’s exactly why it works.

When someone hears how you decide, they recognize themselves.

Once you get the difference between an origin story and a Why You Story, storytelling isn’t a performance anymore.

It’s actually your orientation to the world. It shows people what really matters to you.

Keep it rodeo,
Lorrie “Lo” Morgan

P.S. What are some businesses that you’re loyal to that stand out in your mind? Maybe there’s a Why You Story buried in there.

P.P.S. If you’re curious about my origin story, it’s on my website here.