Your personal bio – it’s more than just a blurb under your headshot. It’s a mini marketing masterpiece that paints a picture of who you are, both personally and professionally. Once confined to dusty corporate brochures, bios are now everywhere, from LinkedIn profiles to company websites.
So, how do you craft a bio that compels readers to hit “connect” instead of “snooze”? Here are three key ingredients to cook up an engaging bio:
Deciding Who Tells Your Story:
First things first, decide who’s telling your story. By choosing the First-person, this lets you chat directly with the reader, creating a friendly and approachable vibe. This is going to work well for LinkedIn profiles! However, the Third-person approach exudes a more formal air, ideal for presentations or professional settings. Still not sure? If all else fails, the platform or event organizer might have specific guidelines. I’ve reached out directly to get feedback because they’re the ones that are putting this together on their platforms or marketing collateral for the event and they’ve typically been very helpful in giving guidance on what works.
Shape Your Personal Brand:
This is your chance to be seen. Your bio shapes how others perceive you. This is the time to take control of the narrative and showcase the image you want to project. Do you want to be seen as a friendly colleague or a respected industry leader? Both are of course great options. Adjust your tone and content accordingly. Maybe you’re a seasoned professional with a fresh perspective, or a creative thinker in a traditional field. Highlight what makes you unique!
Know Your Audience:
This one should be obvious, but in case it’s not, just imagine writing a resume without considering the job description. Not a good look. The same goes for bios. Identify your target audience. Are you trying to get the attention of potential employers, or networking at a conference? Tailor your bio accordingly. For LinkedIn, highlight your career achievements, but don’t forget to sprinkle in some personality. This lets potential employers see you beyond the resume and assess if you’d be a good culture fit. Presenting at a conference? Connect your expertise to the event’s theme. What is a standout reason that aligns you with an event like this? Making this kind of connection sparks conversation and makes you a more memorable presenter and attendee.
Yes, writing about yourself is tough. It might take a few drafts to craft a bio you love. But by considering these elements, you’ll whip up a bio that effectively conveys your value and strengthens your personal brand. If you’re feeling stuck maybe talk to some of your colleagues that have also written a personal bio. How and where did they start?
Was it a situation where they wrote a couple of sentences, walked away and let the ideas marinate to then return to something savory with the right hint of spice that makes someone want a little more? Maybe that’s a bit much, but plan ahead and take your time because your bio is a powerful attention grabber – use it wisely to make a lasting impression.