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The Necessary Entrepreneur


Mar 19, 2026

What if the most valuable asset in your business isn’t your product, your network, or your strategy… but your story?

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder of StoryBuilders and author of Your Story Advantage, to break down how entrepreneurs can turn their lived experiences into a powerful leadership and business tool.

Bill shares why most entrepreneurs are sitting on untapped influence, how to overcome the internal barriers that keep you from telling your story, and the exact framework for crafting a message that resonates, converts, and scales.

This isn’t about becoming a better storyteller. It’s about becoming a more effective leader, communicator, and entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways

  • Why your story is your greatest competitive advantage in business

  • The 3 biggest “story traps” (and how they silently hold entrepreneurs back)

  • How to turn “ordinary” experiences into extraordinary influence

  • The 5-part storytelling framework to clarify your message

  • What a “story ecosystem” is, and how it can grow your brand and revenue

  • How to use storytelling to build trust, authority, and connection at scale

  • The role of authenticity in leadership and why it’s non-negotiable

  • How books, speaking, and content can multiply your message

Who This Episode Is For

  • Entrepreneurs struggling to clearly communicate what they do

  • Founders looking to build a stronger personal brand

  • Leaders who want to inspire, not just instruct

  • Anyone who feels like their story “isn’t that special”

🔥 Memorable Quote

“Your breakthrough begins when you start with your story.”

🎧 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever struggled to explain your value, connect with your audience, or stand out in a crowded market. This episode will show you how to leverage the one thing no one else can replicate: your story.

📚 About the Guest

Bill Blankschaen is the founder and Chief Story Architect at StoryBuilders, where he helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams clarify, craft, and communicate their message through intentional storytelling. He is the author of Your Story Advantage, a guide to turning your experiences into impact.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Bill Blankschaen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billblankschaen/
https://mystorybuilders.com/
https://www.instagram.com/my_storybuilders/

Order A Copy of Your Story Advantage HERE