​

​

Hello Reader,

If you’re a coach, service provider, or personal brand and you are in your second act, you’ve likely heard that storytelling is the secret sauce to standing out online. I say it all the time myself.

But here’s the deal: not every story belongs in your content.

In fact, oversharing the wrong kind of story can sabotage your credibility, overwhelm your audience, or completely backfire. So let’s break down the kinds of stories you shouldn’t share on social media, especially if your goal is to be seen, booked, and grow your business.

This isn’t about policing your voice. It’s about protecting your peace, your clients, and your brand.

1) Stories You Haven’t Healed From Yet

What it looks like: Raw rants, emotional breakdowns, or vague captions hinting at how hard things are right now.

Why to avoid it: As Brené Brown famously says, share from the scar, not the wound. When you’re in the thick of something, it’s easy to overshare without realizing it. Instead of connection, it can feel like a trauma dump.

Better approach: Wait until you’ve processed the experience and can offer insight or inspiration. A powerful story always comes with a takeaway.

2) Stories That Aren’t Yours to Tell

What it looks like: Posting about a friend’s illness, your partner’s struggles, or a client win—without permission. The key here is the permission when it comes to sharing client successes.

Why to avoid it: It breaches trust. And if you’re working in coaching or service-based work, that trust is the foundation of your entire business.

Better approach: Get permission. Or tell the story in a way that centers your perspective and protects the other person’s privacy. Sometimes you can even build a character that represents the person involved.

Not sure what stories you should tell and when? Let's complete a full audit of your content and decide what your Signature Style should be and what stories you should tell. Let's figure all that out together.

3) Stories That Harm Your Credibility

What it looks like: Lies, overstatements, and false promises can all do major damage to your credibility. Remember people want to buy from people that they like, know, and trust.

Why to avoid it: Your audience wants the real you, but they also need to know you can lead them. If you’re posting mid-meltdown, it might make them second-guess your expertise.

Better approach: Tell the story once you’re on the other side. Show them what you learned or changed. That’s the part that helps them trust you.

4) Stories That Could Get You In Trouble or Are Illegal

What it looks like: Breaking NDAs, naming clients, or including identifying details in sensitive situations, are not going to help you.

Why to avoid it: You’re running a business. You need to protect it. That includes legal boundaries and professional reputation.

Better approach: Keep it anonymous, general, or skip it altogether. When in doubt, leave it out.

5) Stories You’re Not Ready to Have Opinions About

What it looks like: Hot takes during trending drama, reacting before reflecting, or posting just to keep up. Remember when

Why to avoid it: If you’re not grounded in what you believe yet, feedback (or backlash) can shake your confidence. And that noise isn’t worth it.

Better approach: Save the draft. Think it through. Ask yourself if it’s useful to your audience or just adding more noise.

Final Thoughts: Boundaries Make You a Better Storyteller Telling your story is one of the most powerful tools you have. But protecting your energy, your audience, and your brand identity is just as important.

You don’t need to be an open book to be effective. You need to be an intentional author.

Grab Yourself A Signature Style Profile Audit

The Signature Style Audit & Report is ideal for those who are already familiar with social media and feel confident executing a plan.

This in-depth review of your chosen profile highlights what’s working, where there’s room for improvement, and how to enhance your captions and creativity. Plus, you’ll get tailored recommendations on infusing your Signature Style Content into everything you post—helping you stand out, get noticed, and book more clients.

The current bonus is 1-year free Signature Style Membership

ONLY 6 AVAILABLE AT 75% Off!

Keep Creating,

Jonathan