What Makes a Great Weekly Story (Examples + Templates)

You’re posting videos every week but not getting referrals.

Your consistency is solid. Your videos look professional. People are watching. But when you say “I’m looking for clients,” nobody responds.

Here’s why: Generic weekly stories get ignored. Specific weekly stories get referrals.

“I’m a graphic designer looking for clients” gives your group nothing to work with. Who’s your ideal client? What industry? What problem do you solve? What does success look like?

Compare that to: “I specialize in rebranding established law firms with 5-20 attorneys who want to modernize their image. Know any firms considering a refresh?”

Same person. Same service. But the second weekly story is immediately actionable. Your group members can instantly think: “Do I know a law firm?” instead of “Uh, everyone needs design work, I guess?”

A great weekly story turns viewers into referral partners. Here’s exactly how to structure yours.

The Anatomy of a Great Weekly Story

Before the templates, you need to understand what makes a weekly story work:

1. Specific (Not Generic)

Generic story: “I’m looking for new clients.”
Specific story: “I’m looking for small manufacturing businesses in Greater Vancouver dealing with supply chain delays.”

The specific story tells your group exactly who to think of. The generic story forces them to do mental work so they don’t.

2. Actionable (Easy to Respond To)

Hard to act on: “Let me know if you hear of anything.”
Easy to act on: “If you know a manufacturer struggling with lead times, introduce us I have capacity for 2 new clients this month.”

The actionable story creates a clear next step. Introduce. Forward an email. Make a connection. Simple.

3. Timely (Creates Urgency)

No urgency: “Always looking for referrals!”
Creates urgency: “I have availability for one new project starting December 1st e-commerce businesses preferred.”

Urgency moves people from “I’ll keep that in mind” to “I should connect them now.”

4. Reciprocal (Mutual Benefit)

One-sided: “Send me clients!”
Reciprocal: “Happy to return the favor let me know what you’re looking for too.”

Reciprocity builds trust. You’re not just asking. You’re offering to give back.

Emma Thompson

Real Estate Agent

Thompson Realty Group

Burnaby, BC

"I used to say 'I sell homes in Burnaby' in my videos. Generic. Then I got specific: 'I specialize in helping young families find their first home in Burnaby starter homes under $900K near good schools.' Within two weeks, three group members introduced me to first-time buyers. Specific stories = actionable referrals."

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Emma’s transformation shows the power of specificity. When your weekly story gives people a clear mental image of who you’re looking for, they can match that image to someone they know.

The 5 Weekly Story Templates That Get Referrals

Copy these. Customize them. Use them in your next weekly video.

Template 1: Industry-Specific Referral

Format:

“I’m looking to connect with [industry] businesses in [location] who are struggling with [pain point]. If you know anyone who fits, please introduce us!”

Example:

“I’m looking to connect with dental practices in the Lower Mainland who are struggling to hire hygienists. If you know a dentist dealing with staffing challenges, introduce us I’d love to help.”

Why it works: Industry + location + pain point = instant mental filter. Your group can immediately think “Do I know a dentist with hiring issues?”

Template 2: Collaboration Partner Story

Format:

“I’m seeking a [type of partner] to collaborate on [project/service]. Ideally someone with [skills/experience]. Let’s explore a partnership!”

Example:

“I’m seeking a web developer to collaborate on e-commerce projects. Ideally someone with Shopify experience who values long-term client relationships. Let’s explore how we can refer clients to each other.”

Why it works: Partnership stories build reciprocity. You’re not just asking for referrals you’re offering to create value together.

Template 3: Expert Advice Story

Format:

“Has anyone in the group dealt with [challenge]? I’d love to hear how you approached it. Coffee chat or DM welcome!”

Example:

“Has anyone dealt with expanding into the US market? I’m exploring options for my manufacturing clients and would love to hear your experience. Coffee chat or DM happy to buy lunch!”

Why it works: Asking for advice (not referrals) builds relationships. People who help you once are more likely to refer you later.

Template 4: Customer Success Story

Format:

“I recently helped [type of client] achieve [result]. If you know anyone in a similar situation, I’d love to help them too.”

Example:

“I just helped a local bakery increase their catering orders by 40% through better email marketing. If you know any food businesses struggling to grow their B2B side, I’d love to help them too.”

Why it works: Success stories prove competence. People refer competent professionals. The story makes your weekly story credible.

Template 5: Event/Resource Share Story

Format:

“I’m hosting [event/webinar] on [topic] if you know anyone who’d benefit, please share! Free for our group members.”

Example:

“I’m hosting a free webinar on small business tax planning for 2026. November 20th, 6pm. If you know any business owners stressed about year-end tax strategy, send them my way. Free for anyone in our network.”

Why it works: You’re giving value first. Sharing valuable content builds goodwill and positions you as an expert.

“Your weekly story should be so specific that your group can immediately picture the person you’re looking for. If they have to think hard about who might fit your story is too generic.”

Weak vs Strong: Real Examples

Let’s break down what separates weak weekly stories from strong ones.

Example 1: Graphic Designer

Weak Weekly Story: “I’m a graphic designer looking for clients. Let me know if you hear of anyone who needs design work!”

Why this doesn’t work: Too generic (what kind of design? logos? websites? packaging?), no industry focus (retail? tech? nonprofits?), no urgency (always looking = no reason to act now), sounds desperate (“if you hear of anyone”).

Strong Weekly Story: “I specialize in rebranding established law firms (5-20 attorneys) who want to modernize their image without losing credibility. Know any firms with outdated websites or logos that scream 2005? I’d love to chat with them.”

Why this works: Industry-specific (law firms), size-specific (5-20 attorneys), pain point clear (outdated image), personality shows through (“scream 2005” = relatable language).

Example 2: Marketing Consultant

Weak Weekly Story: “Refer me business! I do marketing.”

Why this doesn’t work: Demanding tone (not reciprocal), no context (what kind of marketing?), no target client (who’s ideal?), generic = no mental image.

Strong Weekly Story: “I just had a client cancel I have availability for one new marketing strategy project starting December 1st. Service businesses (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) preferred. If you know a trades business struggling to get leads, let’s connect.”

Why this works: Creates urgency (availability starting Dec 1), industry-specific (service businesses), pain point clear (struggling to get leads), specific examples (HVAC, plumbing, electrical).

Example 3: Financial Advisor

Weak Weekly Story: “I help people with their money. Send referrals!”

Why this doesn’t work: Vague service (“help with money” = what exactly?), no target market (everyone has money), demanding tone (no reciprocity), zero differentiation.

Strong Weekly Story: “I specialize in retirement planning for business owners in their 50s who are starting to think about exit strategies. If you know someone who’s built a successful business but hasn’t planned the next chapter, I’d love to help them design their ideal retirement.”

Why this works: Target market clear (business owners in 50s), life stage specific (thinking about exit), pain point addressed (haven’t planned next chapter), value proposition clear (design ideal retirement).

Linda Morales

Mortgage Broker

Morales Home Loans

Richmond, BC

"I'm looking for real estate agents who work with first-time buyers in Richmond and Burnaby. I specialize in first-time buyer mortgages let's refer clients to each other."

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Linda learned the power of the collaboration partner story. In one video, she said: “I’m looking for real estate agents who work with first-time buyers in Richmond and Burnaby. I specialize in first-time buyer mortgages let’s refer clients to each other.”

Emma (the real estate agent) watched that video. Reached out. Now they’ve co-referred 8 clients in 6 months.

The key: Linda didn’t ask for clients. She asked for collaboration. Partnership stories build long-term referral relationships.

When to Share Your Weekly Story

Every Video Should Include Your Story

Don’t wait until you’re desperate. Make your weekly story a regular part of your video routine.

Even if you say: “No urgent needs this week, but always happy to chat with [type of client]” that keeps you top of mind.

Vary Your Story (Don’t Repeat the Same One for 10 Weeks)

Week 1: Industry-specific referral story
Week 2: Collaboration partner story
Week 3: Success story
Week 4: Expert advice story
Week 5: Event/resource share story

Repeating the exact same story every week feels stale. Your group stops listening.

Listen to Others’ Stories First (Builds Reciprocity)

In your video, reference someone else’s story:

“I saw David’s video last week he’s looking for small businesses that need commercial insurance. I have two clients who might be a fit. David, I’ll intro you.”

When you respond to others’ stories publicly, people reciprocate by responding to yours.

“The best networkers share specific stories, vary their approach, and respond to others’ needs first. Reciprocity creates referral momentum.”

Ready to Turn Your Videos Into Referral Engines?

We built Rhythm of Business because we know great weekly stories get ignored if nobody’s watching your videos consistently.

That’s why our platform creates the structure where weekly stories actually get answered:

• Industry-exclusive groups - No competitors watching your story and stealing your lead
• Behavioral clustering - Matched with givers who actually refer (not takers who just collect contacts)
• Weekly video rhythm - Consistent visibility means your stories stay top of mind
• 60-second format - Forces you to share specific, actionable stories (no rambling generic pitches)

No mandatory meetings. No awkward live presentations in front of 50 people. Just weekly videos where your specific stories reach the right people.

When your group knows exactly who you’re looking for, they can make the connection. When your story is generic, they scroll past.

Make your next weekly story specific. Watch the referrals start flowing.

Related Reading

• The Weekly Video Habit: How to Stay Consistent Without Burnout - Build the routine that makes weekly stories automatic
• How to Record Your First Business Networking Video (Without Overthinking It) - Start sharing your weekly stories today
• From Strangers to Trusted Partners: The 12-Week Journey - How consistent weekly stories build trust over time