Once upon a time...I gave away 5 FREE audits on your story
That's right, I'll work for you - for FREE
Once upon a time…
The world was dark. Messages of doom surfaced on the daily. All people spoke of was misery or conspiracy - or truth in hindsight. The end wasn’t just near. It was here.
I believe there are few moments in history that led to more disconnect than 2020 did.
Disconnect from the Self - people lost jobs, health, and all plans for their future were uncertain. Disconnect from loved ones - people couldn’t reach friends or family or community. Disconnect from a greater belonging - the world was in peril: Pandemic, Climate crisis, Beirut explosion, Black Lives Matter and so on.
It was some year.
Myself? I had my own rollercoaster ride to deal with. They say bad news comes in threes, April 2020, it came in multitudes. I suffered from heartbreak, a case of kidney stones the size of a marble, and caught Dengue - all within the space of 3 weeks.
Fun times.
All that struggle and disconnect comes with a deep longing for hope. An urge for something good in the world to surface. A little ray of light.
I spent my days writing poems for others. Teachings by Nature they were called. I would ask friends and family to give me 1 nature-related word and I would create a poem for them. But I hit a creative ceiling.
Was my writing to bring about real change, it needed to expand beyond just little old me.
People should come together! To express! To share creatively! That could lead to a spillover effect, helping people make more sense of their world AND providing an antidote to isolation. It is no wonder that in times of crisis, the arts rise up.
And there he sat… An almost mythical figure. Long-haired manes. Scruffy beard. Wide bright eyes. Writing in a leatherbound book - you know, the type you see on the shelves of ceiling-high libraries. He was like a literary lion from… Italy. He introduces himself as Andrea. I ask him what he’s writing, he says: “Poetry”.
Ha! The first breadcrumb was found.
Not long after we linked up with Nicole. Ex-dancer, poetess, hailing from Aotearoa - the land of the long white cloud, now living in Ubud. She really knew her way with words, and the three of us strung together our poetry and built a strong friendship in a matter of weeks.
One day, discussing putting together a writing workshop, Andrea uttered: “Why don’t we get together with some people and share poems, music, and stories?”.
A pivotal moment. Three days later the first Bali Voices Unleashed took place.
We gathered in secrecy at The Flow, Pererenan. 25 people signed up. 35 people came. A night I will always remember as it was a testament to the importance of genuine connection. For everyone in that room, it was the first time in months meeting with people in the flesh and that joy was palpable. It was something special. Cathartic even.
When we asked: “When should we do this again?”
The crowd roared: “NEXT WEEK!”
And so it came to pass. In just two months, the crowds grew from 35 people to 100+. Per night. People from all walks of life, nationalities, ages, and lifestyles, came together because they felt what we felt: the importance of connection. The importance of free expression when all else feels like an uphill battle.
The community grew and was aided by many influential artists and people on the island: Ras Muhammad, NoizeKilla, Robert Ian Bonnick, KaiMata, NovaZef, and Kamau. And countless, equally important individuals who shaped these nights and the community.
Now, 2.5 years since that very first open mic, we’ve expanded our community across different areas on Bali. We host special events, workshops, retreats, and even guide artists on their path.
The dream continues but the core remains:
Voices Unleashed is about helping people to express themselves. To bring out your unique voice through art. To bring out the artist in the human. And see the human in the artist. Connection, vulnerability, authenticity, community, and a touch of light when all is dark.
“Ok, cute story Roel, what’s the point?”
The story above is not just to share the origin of Voices Unleashed.
“It’s not?”
No. It’s to show you a proven theory for writing captivating brand stories.
And I want you to have the tools to tell your own tale.
Here’s the theory behind this story structure:
The Obstacle - The big thing you had to overcome. The obstacle in your life.
The External Struggle - Poor living conditions, pandemics, recessions.
The Internal Struggle - Internal pain like anxiety, heartbreak, insecurity.
The Change Event - The critical decision that paves the way to transformation
The Spark - That magic moment when transformation of reality is actively felt
The Guide - The person who lifts you and helps you see your potential
The Result - the success that follows leading to the present moment
Here’s how that structure applies to the Voices Unleashed origin story:
The Obstacle - World is in peril, people want a ray of hope but it’s hopeless.
The External Struggle - Pandemic, Black Lives Matter, isolation, disconnect.
The Internal Struggle - Heartbreak, kidney stones, Dengue.
The Change Event - Meeting Andrea and Nicole, deciding to do an event.
The Spark - The first night and what it meant for people there.
The Guide - The many individuals who encouraged us to keep going.
The Result - The community success of 63 open mics, 20+ workshops and retreats, and more.
Looks easy right?
Go. Try it out. Have fun.
ORRRR
Take this offer.
Because today I want to do something for you:
I’m offering to audit your brand story for free.
For free?
Yes, for free. No fee. No catch. No pesky marketing funnel.
Just an offer to help you out.
Wait. What’s a brand story audit?
A brand story audit is the process of going over your existing story in a detailed way. To ensure your writing sends the right message. For your brand, business goals, and your reader.
“Okay…And with this audit, what will you do for my brand story?”
1. I’ll go through your story
2. Show you the great sections
3. Highlight the sections that could use more love
4. Show you copywriting tricks and shortcuts
5. And you’ll get a video walkthrough recorded on Loom for you to access at all times
“Why should I trust my brand story with this guy?”
Good point. You don’t have to. But here’s my case: I’ve facilitated and designed multiple story writing and creative writing workshops through Voices Unleashed. I’ve been writing copy and building communication strategies for over 10 years for anyone from solopreneurs to NGOs to multinationals. And I’m a huuuuge fan of well-told stories and what makes them stick. Sounds good enough?
Send me your story if:
✓ You’re a coach, a solopreneur, or have a company with a ‘Mission’ or ‘About’ page
✓ You’re an artist or an author with a ‘bio’ that could use some love
✓ You have a project with an inspiring backstory
✓ …or you have a personal story that you’d love some pointers on
“Roel, why would you offer this service for free? Don’t you normally charge between 3-4 figures for this?”
Thank you for asking. 3 reasons:
First of, everyone loves personalized things for FREE.
Second reason, I come across great people and brands on a daily basis who have a product or service that truly serves people… BUT they struggle to make their story relevant to a wider audience. This brand story audit aims to close a part of that gap.
Third reason, training ground for me. I’ve been doing this for 10 years but there are always ways to improve. Cracking a mental sweat for your brand is like a digital workout. And I like to be fit when it comes to crafting copy.
Plus, if at some point, down the line you need a writer, perhaps you’ll think of me.
Or not. Totally fine.
Ready? Let’s get to it.
CONDITIONS
Send your story before Sunday 6th of November
Receive a video walkthrough in 48hrs
First come first serve
Limited to 5 people
Max. 700 words
1 audit only
Send your brand story and I’ll audit it for you within 48 hours.
I’m excited to receive your story! If you have a question on writing or structure, drop ‘em in the comments below. I’ll answer to the best of my ability.
That’s all. Thank you for stopping by.
Once upon a time...I gave away 5 FREE audits on your story
Good morning, and thank you for your generous spirit. This is 100% user ignorance on my part, and you've probably got five by now, but I'm trying to click the button, and it keeps taking me to the Xfinity site where I'm not logged in, to send an email I assume. I suppose I need to update my default settings, so the email platform I do use opens instead. Nonetheless, I am interested in this if there is still a spot open.
That’s such a cool offer 🤍