Weekend Workshop: Create an Origins Story

Episode 2983

This new segment is all about helping you learn the key steps to a new side hustle in 2025, one step or concept per week. It includes activities, examples, and more—and of course it’s all free.

We’ll be using the book SIDE HUSTLE: From Idea to Income in 27 Days (available wherever books are sold). But if you don’t have the book, that’s ok; I’ll be taking you through the key steps along with listener stories and examples throughout the year.

Today’s Topic: Create a Powerful Origins Story

Learning Objective: Learn to craft a compelling narrative about your business that helps customers connect with and trust your offering.

Every successful business has a story behind it — a reason it exists beyond just making money. When told well, this story helps customers understand why you do what you do and what makes your offering unique.

Think about local restaurants you love. Often, they have a story posted on their wall or menu: “Grandma Maria’s recipes brought from Sicily in 1947” or “Started by two friends who loved creating healthy alternatives to fast food.” These stories matter because they help us connect with the business on a human level.

Your origin story doesn’t need to be dramatic or extraordinary. It simply needs to be authentic and help people understand:
• Why you started this business
• What problem you’re trying to solve
• Why customers should trust you
• What makes your approach different

A good origin story has three key elements:
• A catalyst — what inspired you to start
• A mission — what you’re trying to achieve
• A unique perspective — what you do differently

Example — compare these two presentations of the same business:

Basic Description:
“I sell handcrafted leather wallets online.”

With Origin Story:
“After years of replacing cheap wallets that fell apart, I decided to learn leatherworking. I spent weekends studying with an old-school craftsman who taught me the traditional techniques that make leather goods last for decades. Now I create wallets that get better with age, using the same methods that craftsmen have relied on for generations.”

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Key Elements to Include:

Your Catalyst:
• What problem did you notice?
• What inspired you to take action?
• Why do you care about solving this?

Your Mission:
• What are you trying to achieve?
• Who are you trying to help?
• What change do you want to create?

Your Approach:
• What makes your solution different?
• What unique perspective do you bring?
• Why should people trust you?

Action Exercise

Write your origin story by answering these questions:
• What frustration or opportunity led you to start this business?
• Why are you uniquely qualified or motivated to solve this problem?
• What makes your approach different from others?

Draft two versions:
• A short version (2-3 sentences for quick introductions)
• A longer version (a paragraph for your website or marketing)

Quick Self-Check:
• Does your story feel authentic and genuine?
• Would it help customers understand why you’re different?
• Does it build trust and credibility?

Remember: Your origin story isn’t just about you — it’s about helping customers understand why they should choose to work with you or buy from you.

Yours in the revolution,