S1 E6: The One Where Your Story Built the Business. with Megan Yelaney

Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with storytelling strategist and business coach Megan Yelaney to unpack how your origin story can be your greatest marketing asset. Megan shares how she went from theater and network marketing to building a multi-million-dollar business—all by leaning into what made her different and learning how to tell her story with intention. She also walks us through her signature 5-part Business Story Blueprint and how to use it to craft content that connects and converts.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

• [3:00] Megan’s unexpected journey from theater to network marketing to full-time business coach

• [7:44] How unlearning performance and learning to show up authentically transformed her brand

• [10:16] Why storytelling is your most powerful sales tool—especially in the age of AI

• [14:20] How to turn everyday moments (like toddler tantrums or Target runs) into relatable business content

• [16:42] The biggest storytelling mistake entrepreneurs make—and how to fix it

• [17:00] Megan’s 5-part Business Story Blueprint explained step-by-step:

1. Catalyst Moment – the hook that draws people in

2. Transformation – what changed and how

3. Impact – the ripple effect of solving the problem

4. Mission – why you care deeply about what you do

5. Unique Edge – what sets you apart from everyone else

• [26:00] Should you show your face online? (Especially if you're a behind-the-scenes creative)

• [28:00] Going live: why it builds trust and how to make it less awkward

• [31:00] Tips for going live without feeling like you need to “perform”

• [32:30] Don’t think you have a story? Here’s what to do instead

• [35:00] The power of “small” stories and why they often convert better than big dramatic ones

• [39:00] How to sell in a way that feels natural, not salesy

• [42:00] Perfectionism, progress, and why you need to just post the story already

• [45:00] Why likes ≠ sales and the importance of DMs over public validation

• [47:00] Vulnerable content and the quiet lurkers who become clients

Quotes to Remember:

"You don’t need a wild transformation to have a story worth telling. You need relatability and intention." – Megan Yelaney

"If you’re not selling, you’re actually limiting someone from being able to work with you." – Megan Yelaney

"I could get 10 likes and 5 DMs from the right people—and that’s a win." – Megan Yelaney

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Download the Free Business Story Blueprint

🎧 Listen to Megan’s podcast: https://meganyelaney.com/podcast

📲 Follow Megan on Instagram: @meganyelaney

💻 Work with Megan or learn more: www.meganyelaney.com

Mentioned in the episode:

5% off your Coffee Roaster Order: http://www.coffeeroasterlnk.com/tobtl

Episode 4 - The One with the Business Game Plan: Ads, Pricing & Photo Biz Wisdom with Andrew Hellmich

Connect with Kate: 📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Visit the website: www.katedecostephotography.com