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Your next great brand story might be hiding in plain sight.
Turn the ordinary into business storytelling
Susan Balding
October 16, 2025
Ever walked past a bus stop, a park bench, or a neon-lit corner store and thought, this could be a scene in a story? That’s the magic of the Time Traveler’s Layover. Pausing in everyday places and seeing your world like an outsider would—curious and observant.
Suddenly, a regular photo = scroll-stopping branded content.
The layover prompt is about seeing the ordinary in a new light. That’s exactly what businesses need when telling their story. Instead of repeating industry clichés (“we care about our customers”), the prompt teaches you to find the unique detail:
The handwritten thank-you notes you send with orders
The sound of your café’s bell when the door opens
The chipped paint on the sign that shows years of history
Those “small details” become memorable brand stories.
Everyday scenes often get ignored, but they’re relatable and visually powerful. A business can use the prompt to:
Capture a behind-the-scenes moment (coffee brewing, shipping box waiting, tools laid out before work)
Pair it with a short caption that reimagines the scene from a fresh angle
Tie it to their offer (“This empty chair isn’t just furniture—it’s the spot waiting for your next big idea. That’s what our workshops are about.”)
Why it matters for your business:
Those little details become memorable brand stories.
Everyday scenes make relatable, scroll-stopping content.
Sharing them shows you think differently—positioning you as creative and human.
Invite your audience to play along and you spark community engagement.
How to Use It in Content:
Instagram / LinkedIn post: Share an AI-generated image of the ordinary scene, paired with your short “layover” story.
Reel / TikTok: Film the ordinary scene (bus stop, sidewalk, neon diner sign) and add a voiceover using the prompt.
Brand Tie-In: Use the story as a metaphor. (e.g., “Your brand story doesn’t have to be epic—it just has to capture the small, extraordinary detail others overlook.”)
Pick a simple, everyday setting—like a creaky diner stool, a flickering neon sign, or an old bench with chipped paint and a story etched into its grain.
Now, imagine you’re a traveler from another time, suddenly dropped here.
What would feel strange? What would feel magical? What detail would you
hold onto as proof this moment was real?✨ Sometimes, the most ordinary places hold the most extraordinary stories.
💡 Do you need a unique, custom image that speaks your brand’s language? Let’s create something bold 📧 [email protected]
Studebaker Bench
This old Studebaker bench isn’t just seating—it’s a portal. Imagine sitting here and suddenly realizing: the stories this bench has held are layered into the worn paint. Who sat on the tailgate of this old Studebaker pickup. What conversations did it overhear? What departures and arrivals did it witness? I saw this bench at a country farm fruit store and instantly thought how this bench could be a story.
Your brand is the same way.
Every detail, from the way you describe your services to the visuals you share, tells a story about where you’ve been and where you’re headed. The trick is learning to see those ordinary details the way a traveler would: with fresh eyes, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.
How this ties to business:
Nostalgia as a brand tool – Just like the bench, your business holds pieces of history. Share them.
Details create connection – People remember chipped paint, not generic mission statements.
Ordinary → Extraordinary – That’s the heart of good content. A bench becomes a story. A product becomes a memory.
Inviting participation – Ask your audience: “What’s the story your favorite everyday object would tell if it could?”
This week’s Prompt:
👉 Choose one ordinary object in your business (a sign, a desk, a product, a tool). Pretend it has been there for 50 years. What story would it tell about you?
Bold Ideas, Beyond the Bench
If you enjoyed this exercise, you’ll love my new book: Anti-Trend Marketing.
It’s not about following the next shiny hack — it’s about breaking patterns, finding your own bold angles, and turning content chaos into clarity.
The Fog / Susan Balding
🔥 Bold Challenge
📸 Match a feeling, not a feature.
Choose an image (from your camera roll) that feels like your offer’s energy—then write the post based on that mood.
Built for creators who think boldly, Beehiiv makes launching, growing, and monetizing your newsletter effortless—all in one beautiful platform. 🐝✨
Until next time,
Susan Balding, Creative Alchemist & Idea Generator💡
Creator of the Bold Engagement Blueprint + Bold Content Kit
Bold Ideas. Dynamic Content. Innovative Impact. Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-balding-b20274/for weekly tips and inspiration.