I love this quote by Robert McKee: “Stories are the creative conversation of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.”

I haven’t always been a writer or storyteller. I used to spend a lot of time planning my escape from cubicle nation, in the accounting department no less, and dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do at the time, so I began reading everything I could about business and entrepreneurship. I quickly became bored with the business books; although filled with important information about business plans and profit-and-loss statements, they just didn’t do it for me.

I wanted to know the real story behind the entrepreneurs I admired, like Richard Branson, Mary Kay Ash, and Steve Jobs.

I wanted to learn the ups and downs of their journeys. What drove them to keep going when adversity set in and all signs said… you should just quit NOW. I wanted to know their big “why.”

So I started reading the courageous stories shared by the top entrepreneurs, along with the up-and-coming start-ups.

With each story I read, the more I filled with excitement and belief that I too could become an entrepreneur.

This also opened me to the power of sharing your story. It’s the one thing that makes you unique. Your story has the power to inspire people into action. To fuel belief. To launch dreams. But only if you’re courageous enough to share it.

About Julie Barnes

Julie Barnes is a business storyteller and social strategist at Julie Barnes Live. She helps discover and tell the stories of entrepreneurs and small businesses that connect with clients, leaving a lasting impression. She is a certified coach, writer, entrepreneur and a regular blogger for The Huffington Post.

Connect with Julie on Twitter at @JulieBarnesLive or on the web at www.JulieBarnesLive.com.