Stop Trauma-Dumping: A Better Way to Sell with Stories

Not every story builds trust. Some actually backfire.

If you’ve ever been told you have to share your rock-bottom moment to sell… this one’s for you.

Because here’s the thing: while “lowest point” stories have been copy-and-paste advice in this industry for decades, they’re not always building trust. Sometimes, they’re doing the opposite—they flatten you, make you look stuck, and leave your audience side-eyeing instead of signing up.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why sharing your worst-day-ever story isn’t the magic trust-builder you’ve been sold
• What’s actually happening when “sob story” strategies backfire
• How to reframe storytelling so it connects instead of manipulates
• A simple filter to know if your story is for you or for them

We’ll also talk through some real-world examples that prove you don’t have to trauma-dump to sell. (Spoiler: stories about green bed sheets and awkward first courses land way better than a staged rock-bottom saga.)

By the end, you’ll have permission—and strategy—to opt out of performative storytelling and still sell with integrity.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• (04:00) The hidden reason rock-bottom stories create guilt instead of trust
• (06:30) Why repeating the same sob story makes you look stuck—not inspiring
• (09:00) How one client broke free from “I can’t” after refusing to share her lowest point
• (11:00) Two-story examples that connect without manipulation
• (12:30) The exact filter to run your stories through before you share
• (13:15) Why connection always beats manipulation-and your permission slip to opt out

Resources & Mentions:

• Reset Sessions: https://www.traciepatterson.com/reset-sessions

Your Next Steps:

• Work with Me: https://www.traciepatterson.com/connect
• Ask Me Anything About Business: https://traciepatterson.com/ama
• Free training: Build a launch that fits how you actually lead 👉🏼 https://traciepatterson.com/style
• Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/thetraciepatterson

CREDITS

Music: ColourfulSounds

Podcast Editor: Maia McLachlan

Photo: WorkPlay Branding