Kongo Gumi, a construction company in Osaka, Japan, had the world’s slowest exit strategy. Founded in 578 AD, it was acquired by Takamatsu Construction Group in 2006, a mere 2,584 years later. If they don’t have a video that tells their story, they at least have a good excuse. Video wasn’t invented for well over 2,500 years after they started. For all the other “new” companies out there—and, relatively speaking, that means everyone—there is no excuse for leaving one’s company history untold.
Video storytelling brings to life all the essential elements of a company’s history, from the initial spark of an idea, through the early struggles, to the milestones that led to today. Who were the founders, and what inspired them to build something new? What was it about their personalities that drew others to their cause? And how did they create and share the company’s culture in a way that would endure? These are but a few of the important questions that a company history—told through video—can answer in a way that’s actually entertaining.
Every culture has an origin story. It serves to unite community members through a common understanding of where they came from. For companies, an origin story serves dual purposes: it teaches the who, what, when, and why of the beginning, and it celebrates the company’s success in surviving and thriving since then. After all, the vast majority of startups fail within the first few years. End of story.
Most companies already have stories bouncing around within the organization, but the versions of history might not be so accurate. It’s up to the company’s leadership to gather the facts and deliver the narrative that sets the story straight.
Unlike Kongo Gumi, a company doesn’t have to wait for a couple thousand years to collect stories worth telling. Video storytelling can range from a two-minute overview to an extended exploration of the company’s past. The key is to tell the story clearly, through the voice and vision of the company as it operates today.