HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL BIO (WITH SOME PERSONALITY)

So, you’re getting invited to collaborate on webinars or interviews and online conferences and it’s finally dawned on you “Shoot, we need new bios! ASAP” Or maybe you just need to update your bio to attract more clients, partners, investors or your company website. 

Are you experiencing a total mental block when you sit down to write? I know. Cause I used to feel that way too during my days in Aviation trying to market $2,000 an hour helicopter charters. It was difficult, awkward and left me with more questions about myself than I ever thought before. Until I figured out some really helpful tactics. 

You don’t need to learn it the hard way. Let me fill you in! I’ll also share a simple FORMULA with you at the end.

HERE’S 3 CREATIVE COPYWRITING TACTICS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING A PROFESSIONAL BIO WITH SOME PERSONALITY:

01 / / PAINT A [VALUE] PICTURE

• Remember, you’re not trying to impress other industry experts. You’re talking to your current and future clients. So throwing in qualifications they don’t know isn’t going to help you. So speak in a language that makes sense to them.

              – Think of reasons they’d want to work with you over another company, brand of firm. Don’t be afraid to be                   a litter bit different and off key.

             – How is your background unique? What inspires you to do your best work there?

             – One way to clearly highlight what you contribute is by creating a one-liner value statement. It can even be                  your sort of tagline that precedes your full bio or additional details.

• Be specific. i.e: “I like coffee” is pretty basic, whereas, “Mornings aren’t the same without my staple black coffee.” is unique. Give them just what they need to know, without the overkill. I mean, do you like reading ridiculously long, carbon-copy-type bios? Yeah me neither. 

• Think, how would you introduce yourself at a networking event? Humour works, too! They should want to get stuck in an elevator with you!

02 / / TELL A STORY

You’re essentially inviting future clients along on your journey and sharing the process it took to get you where you are today. Be transparent and relatable. Here are some great examples of more narrative style bios than a list of all your accomplishments.  

Examples via Nectafy

Examples via HubSpot

03 / / MAKE IT VISUALLY APPEALING!

• If and when necessary to write out a list of accomplishments, qualifications, degrees, services, etc. use bullet points or separate headers.
• Don’t forget to include a good quality, well-sized photo that’s consistent with the others within your business.
• Use that image on your LinkedIn, social profiles and anywhere else you’d promote your products/services. This consistency promotes brand recognition and creates a sense of trust.

HERE’S A AN EASY FORMULA YOU CAN USE TO WRITE YOUR PROFESSIONAL BIO:

[HEADING/YOUR NAME & TITLE]

[ACTION VERB – i.e.: Promoting, passionate about, creating, fostering, managing, organising, etc.]

+

[WHAT YOU DO – i.e: your industry, skill, talent, profession, position, service]

+

[THE SPECIFIC AUDIENCE OR NICHE YOU SERVE]

+

[CONTEXT/LOCATION/FIELD OF BUSINESS – i.e.:  in our community, in the neighbourhood, globally, based in Colombo, Dubai, etc.]

Now, an example putting it all together:

Paul Smith– Wedding Photographer

Creating beautiful photos for fun, down-to-earth couples in Sri Lanka that will always be a reminder of what’s important to them. 

…Then follow it with your remaining bio below it.  A one liner like this gives the reader an immediate understanding of who you are, what you do and who you serve.

TIP: If you’re working with a team use third person, but if you’re riding solo it’s preferable to use a first person approach. You can always edit it based on your goals and audience with regard to the bio. Dare I say it – make your bio wiring FUN! 

Lastly, less is more! A bio is an appetiser, not the whole 5-course meal. You don’t have to tell your life story from the get-go. Just give them a taste of your personality as it relates to your expertise and your target audience or reader.

You’ve got this!