My adventure with Iowa State University began long before I ever unpacked a suitcase in Larch Hall. In fact, the very first time I “visited” the campus, I barely visited it at all. It was more of a joyride with two of my brothers— Tom, and Dave — at a time in our lives when a drive across state lines counted as both exploration and entertainment. I was young, edging into adulthood, and they were all a few steps ahead of me, showing me what freedom looked like. Early in my senior year at high school I had narrowed my college choices to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, and Iowa State in Ames, IA. All great engineering schools. This would be my first college trip.
Powerful Storytelling
Powerful Storytelling
If you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do—or why anyone should care—you’re not alone. Most digital entrepreneurs spend hours refining landing pages, experimenting with ad copy, or optimizing funnels, yet they still wonder why people aren’t making purchases. The answer often isn’t simply a better CTA; it’s about telling a better story.
Great storytelling does more than entertain—it converts. When your message follows a clear, emotional arc, it becomes memorable. By showing your audience that they are the hero and you’re simply the guide, they listen, relate, and act. That’s why I created a visual cheat sheet that breaks down four of the most powerful storytelling frameworks—such as the timeless “Hero’s Journey” and Donald Miller’s StoryBrand approach—along with seven storytelling rules that instantly enhance clarity and emotional impact.
These frameworks are utilized by blockbuster filmmakers, bestselling authors, and Fortune 500 brands for a reason. However, they are also effective for:
- Crafting an impactful About page
- Structuring your sales funnel
- Presenting your service on a Zoom call
- Even creating an IG post that truly gets comments
If you have ever thought:
- “I'm unsure how to simplify my offerings.”
- “I’m uncertain how to describe my journey without rambling.”
- “I want my content to engage, not merely promote.”
…Then you’ll want to save this.It’s not about being a master at storytelling.It’s about adhering to proven structures that enable you to connect with real people in a manner that resonates with them—whether you’re selling a course, building a brand, or sharing your ‘why.’
This article is copied from Cuan Petersen and reposted here for visibility and accessibility.
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My Iowa State Adventure
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A primer of the three political parties in the United States
My Last Week of High School
Most people remember their last week of senior year as a blur of finals, yearbook signatures, and the thrill of freedom just beyond the edge of graduation. I always thought mine would be the same. I pictured a week full of celebration, a little bit of mischief, and a slow fade into summer before heading off to college in the fall. But life had something different in mind for me. My final week as a senior at New Lisbon High School was not about parties, pranks, or planning the future. It was about survival, responsibility, fear, hope, and a kind of growing up that most 18-year-olds never have to face.