Leverage your history

1. Identify the purpose

No matter what sparked the idea of using history – an anniversary, a change of ownership, an acquisition, or something else – think through why you really want to use your history. Is it to:

• Strengthen the brand and build trust.
• Create internal pride and nurture the corporate culture.
• Manage change and risk in changing times.

Perhaps it's all of the above? Regardless, a clear purpose helps you decide which parts of your corporate history that are most relevant to highlight.

3. Choose stories that truly carry the company's history

You can't fit everything that happened into your storytelling. So choose the stories that are true milestones - both positive and challenging! – and that really reflect who you really are.

• Tell authentically and passionately – see it as fact-based storytelling!
• Start from the future and work backward – this makes the stories relevant to today's business!
• Focus on why you did things, not what you did. This makes your history more universal.

It's not about nostalgia, but about showing continuity and credibility. Feel free to seek help from experienced storytellers - like us at the Centre for Business History.

5. Follow up and develop

Never stop telling your story, always keep it alive – for old and new recipients:

• Measure the impact: How do customers and employees react?
• Continuously update the archive.
• Keep collecting new stories – today's events are tomorrow's history.