How The Mexican National Anthem Changed My View on Business Storytelling

Hola mi gente, let me tell you about something that changed everything I knew about connecting with people, both in life and business.

It started in those quiet moments at my Abuelito Chuy’s house — when his illness had taken almost everything — except his love for México's national anthem.

How Does Culture Build Connection?

Mi Abuelito had Parkinson's, and if you know anything about this enfermedad, you know how it can steal someone's voice, their movements, their everyday joy.

But there’s something special about our cultural connections that even illness can't touch.

Here’s what I mean…

Every time I'd visit him, I'd bring mi guitarra.

And aunque he couldn't really talk anymore, there was one song that would light up his whole being:

El Himno Nacional.

No matter how tough the day had been, when those first notes hit the air, that man would sing every single palabra perfectly.

Como si el Parkinson's just... disappeared for a moment.

What Does Music Have to Do with My Business?

Everything…

You see or hear the words,“authenticity” and “genuine connections” almost everywhere — my branding included!

My take on it is that we're all trying to figure out how to actually connect with our gente.

Not just surface-level stuff, but deep, meaningful conexiónes.

What Is So Special About Sharing My Authentic Message?

Think about it – when was the last time you felt truly seen by a brand?

Not just "we understand your needs”, but actually seen?

That's what I’m talking about here.

Like when my Abuelito connected with the anthem, there’s moments when everything just clicks.

For your business, this means:

• Getting real about your journey (the good, the bad, y lo feo)

• Sharing the stories that shaped you (yes, even the ones that make you nervous)

• Building bridges with your comunidad (and that happens through shared experiences)

How Can I Make My Message Authentic?

Let’s start with a recent client of mine.

She's a career coach for Latinas — stuck in the "professional voice" trap. You know the one — where everything sounds corporate.

But I knew there was a real vibra behind the surface of that professional voice.

So, here’s what we did.

We started by digging deep into her historia personal — and guess what we found?

Stories about personal micoagressions in the workplace because of her Latinidad.

About the time her idea was overlooked and instead credit was given to a coworker.

About learning to navigate two cultures while climbing the corporate ladder.

Just like música became my way to connect with mi Abuelito, these stories became her way to truly connect with her clients.

No más generic "find your purpose" talk – this was real, raw, and completely her.

In other words, the cookie-cutter marketing is done.

How Do I Find My Authentic Stories Without Pressure?

Mira, you don't need some complicated framework or 10-step process.

Start here:

1. Think about the moments that shaped you:

• What did your familia teach you about work?

• Which cultural traditions influence how you do business?

• What challenges have you faced that your community might relate to?
  
  

  2. Look for the unexpected connections:

• Like my Abuelito singing despite Parkinson's, where have you seen strength shine through in unexpected ways?

• How do your cultural experiences give you a unique perspective in your industry?
  
  

  3. Share with intention:

• Don't just tell stories for the sake of it — People can feel when something is forced from a mile away!

• Connect them to how you can help your people — And if you’re stuck, good ‘ol AI can give you a jumpstart for brainstorming.

• Keep it real, keep it you — You’re knowledgable, you’ve been through it, you have stories people can relate to.

What Are The Results When My Message is Authentic?

When my client started sharing her real stories? Híjole...

• The first thing she emailed me was along the lines of “You make me want to buy my own offer!”

• Her clients said things like "I've never felt so understood.”

• Her clients started seeing better results because they trusted her process

Why?

Because she isn't just another coach.

She’s someone who truly understood her clients’ journey because she’s had similar lived experiences.

How Do I Make Authentic Messaging Work in My Business?

Alright, here’s the juicy part…

Your stories, your cultural wisdom, your unique way of seeing the world is what sets you apart from the sea of similar titles around the internet.

You gotta use it!

Here's how:

1. Start Small:

• Drop bits of your story into your social media — Remember, the character count on social platforms vary, so take the pieces that will stop the scroll.

• Share the lessons your familia or friends taught you that apply to business — Time to reflect back on memory lane and think even about the smallest moment…I bet there’s some inspo in there!

• Use the language that feels natural to you (Spanglish? ¡Perfecto!) — Or even think about how you speak. If it helps, listen back to a video of you talking. What words do you always use? Contractions?
  

  2. Build Connections:

• Ask your community about their experiences — This could be in a poll on socials! Then save those golden nuggets as inspiration to write your next piece.

• Create content that reflects shared cultural moments — And remember, culture can go beyond your ethnic background. Think music, food, your neighborhood…really any norms or values you use to identify yourself.

• Don't be afraid to let your personality shine — You aren’t for everyone and that’s GREAT. You want people in your corner who value what you do…trust me, it makes what you do that much more fun!

  3. Keep It Consistent:

• Show up regularly with your stories — I know life gets busy, but even if it’s once a week on a certain platform, stay consistent.

• Stay true to your voice — It’s easy to get caught up in comparison mode, but remember how much YOU have to offer.

• Build on the connections you make — Hola, como estas? Nice and all, but get deeper and see what your network likes outside of work. People really do crave connection in a lonely online world. Be that amiga.

What is My Next Move in Authentic Messaging?

At the end of the day, business is more than strategies and sales funnels (aunque yes, those matter too).

To be a memorable, top of mind business, connection is key.

Real ones.

The kind that make people feel seen, heard, and understood.

Just like my Abuelito found his voice through our cultural connection, your business can find its voice through your stories. They don't have to be grand or life-changing – they just have to be genuinely yours.

So, mi gente, I'll leave you with this:

• What stories are you carrying?

• How can they help your comunidad?

• What would happen if you shared them?

This is your sign to use your experiences, culture, and voice.

If you want more of this, sign up for my email list. You get a FREE launch checklist as a gracias.

¿Listos para compartir?

Your community is waiting to hear your story.

And trust me, it's going to be amazing.

P.S. Gracias, Abuelito Chuy, for showing me the power of cultural connection. Your legacy lives on in every story I share.

Tu nieta,

Mayra