As humans, we love stories – especially ones with symbolic meanings like Rocky. Stories don’t just activate the 'language processing' left side of our brain, but the right side too, which triggers feelings and emotions.

The story of Rocky shares how a boxer was given a chance to fight the heavyweight champion of the world. This film symbolises the act of 'never giving up' and it proves that dreams can come true if you’re willing to put the work in.

And this meaning is why the film still motivates marketers today, and why stories are remembered – because they are personal, emotionally compelling and engage more of the brain.

So, what can businesses take away from Rocky to boost their brand marketing efforts? Rocky can teach marketers to:

1. Grab consumers' attention

Rocky not only captures viewers' attention but manages to hold it. How? By increasing the tension throughout the story, evoking emotion and by giving them something to relate to and believe in.

When you maintain attention, the brain produces symptoms that cause the heart and breathing to speed up, stress hormones are released and the focus is at its highest. Once focus is at its highest, we begin to emotionally resonate with the story and characters. This has often been called 'transportation' where we feel as though we are part of the story.

Businesses can achieve this same effect by telling their brand story. So make sure you have a thorough understanding of your audience, what’s important to them and the language they use when drafting your brand story and messaging. And then, ensure you always communicate it through all your communications – whether that’s email, direct mail on your website or in your social media posts.

2. Evoke emotion

There is a lot of emotion in Rocky and he carries many values and traits that the audience can relate to and empathise with. And, humans naturally form bonds and groups based on common beliefs and understandings.

When you’re considering your brand story, think about what’s important to your audience and how you can pull that into your story. And, consider your company’s ethical stance and how this can impact your brand story.

3. Learn through communications

Rocky has a dramatic structure as you see him overcome the difficulties by digging deep and then the final bell sounds.

From a brand storytelling point of view, this is about ensuring you can show your learnings and development through your communications. For example, if your business gets it wrong, admit it and be transparent. Remember to celebrate your key milestones and successes too, as this can help position your brand as credible and build trust among your target audience.

4. Form a connection

Stories can motivate us, and this is definitely the case for Rocky. When communicated effectively, stories can have a big influence and can encourage us to take action and step out of our comfort zone.

Admit it, after you watched Rocky, you wanted to become a pro-boxer. 

And that’s what your marketing and brand storytelling should do to your audience – encourage them to take the desired call-to-action that you’re offering. Whether that is signing up to your communications, picking up the phone to talk to a member of your sales team or purchasing your service or product – it’s all in the story you tell through your communications.

So now that you understand how stories can be used to influence your target audience, it’s time to put it into action. And remember: your brand story should be of relevance and meaningful to your audience to resonate with them and be authentic.

For more information, visit www.origingrowth.co.uk. You can also follow Origin on Facebook or on Twitter.