How Significant Is a Personal Story in Selling Information Products?

It’s amazing how someone with barely a hundred thousand naira in their bank account would write an eBook on the “secrets” to becoming a millionaire.

Or how some so-called personal development experts host paid Telegram webinars on how to attain 100% productivity—while they themselves are still struggling not to procrastinate.

Or should we talk about established bloggers who share “brilliant” sales marketing tips despite NOT running any B2C enterprise?

These are real instances many of us can relate to.

And while I may not fully understand the psychology behind it, one thing is clear: these people are not always scammers. Most of them rely on intensive research, creativity, and above all—self-confidence.

After all, how could someone confidently dish out content they’ve never experienced if they lacked confidence in themselves?

The Missing Ingredient: Personal Story

Here’s the problem though—these books, webinars, and blogs often come across as too polished, too shrewd, and they miss the magic of personal stories.

Have you ever wondered why Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes such captivating feminist books?

Or why John Obidi’s training sessions attract massive audiences?

Or why Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad has sold over 32 million copies worldwide?

The answer is simple: personal stories.

The backbone of their success is that underlying effect of true, lived experiences—or events they are personally connected to.

Even Ben Carson admits his #1 New York Times Bestsellers are successful largely because he shares the most intimate parts of his life in them.

Why Stories Sell

Personal stories bring an energy and authenticity to writing because you’re simply sharing what you’ve lived.

On the readers’ side, they enrich and deepen the experience—making them feel connected and more easily influenced.

That’s the real power of storytelling.

The Takeaway

Whatever book you’re planning to write, whatever speech you’re preparing for, whatever seminar you’re organizing—make sure it’s grounded in personal stories and first-hand experiences.

For instance, if you’re writing about 100% Productivity, don’t just give theories. Tell your readers how sometimes you got out of bed at 11 a.m., scrolled through TikTok funny skits and dance steps for five hours, ended up rushing client work late at night, and how this chaotic cycle eventually forced you to change your routine.

Now that will blow your audience’s mind.

Trust me, even I would read that book.