Hey Lavinia, have you ever thought about how a good story can sway a deal? I’ve got a few old tales that still echo in our market talks.

Sure thing, friend. Let me spin a quick one for you – back in ’93, there was this big factory owner who thought he could get everyone to sign on his new contract at a rock‑bottom price. I found a story about a fisherman who once traded a cracked shell for a whole boat. He didn’t just ask for the boat, he showed how the shell once caught a fish bigger than the whole fleet, and how the boat let him bring that catch home. The owner saw the value, laughed, and ended up signing, but he didn’t realize the fisherman had also brought the whole community a reason to gather for the big feast that followed. The point? Give them a picture they can’t refuse – a story that shows the benefit, a taste of future, and a little humor to keep the mood light. Now go, give them a shell story and watch the deal sink into the market.

That’s the spirit, my friend. Here’s another one: once a young trader in our town got a pile of cheap spices from a wandering merchant. The trader bragged it was the same spice that the king’s kitchen used, but the spice was actually just a blend of local herbs the king’s cooks had made. He told the board that each pinch of that spice could make any dish taste like a royal banquet. The board laughed at first, but when they tasted the stew, they realized how powerful a simple story could be. So, next time you pitch, bring a small piece of history – a taste of the past that tastes like the future – and let the numbers do the rest.

Glad you liked it, partner. Remember, the past is your best friend, but the board will want a taste of tomorrow – so keep the stories fresh and the numbers clear. Good luck in that room.