Writing about yourself can sometimes be difficult. Often, we’re our worst critics. Do we talk about our family? How do we balance professional and personal information, so it doesn’t send people to sleep? How far can I go with being witty? How do I encapsulate 20 years’ or more worth of experience into a few short sentences — or even in 100 words or less? Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can write — or rewrite — your professional bio.
Identify your target audience.
The easiest way to do this is by having a good look at the publication, conference or keynote speaking opportunity that the bio is for.
What is its voice? Who are they targeting? What is the aim of the event or publication? This will set the tone for your bio and what to mention. For example, it’s a trade event hone on your experience and highlight the areas that make you an authority.
Think about what gets you up in the morning?
Brainstorm everything about yourself that matches the answers you get from your research above, and that might appeal to the audience. Make sure you include at least one professional accomplishment. What have you done for yourself as well as for others? What makes you a valuable player in your industry? Also, describe your values and how they inform your career. Why do you do what you do? What gets you out of bed?
Once the brainstorming is over, de-clutter your thoughts and select the most relevant and interesting stuff. Ditch the rest. You don’t want to lose your audience with a long bio. Keep it succinct.
Should you write in first or third person?
This can come down to preference. For a LinkedIn bio, it’s more effective to have it as first person. For conferences and events, organisers like it in third person. Whatever you do, remember that the words have to sound like you.
Do you have a business?
You may call yourself an entrepreneur or couple it with the industry, for example, media entrepreneur, creative entrepreneur, property entrepreneur, just to name a few.
If you’ve started a company, you can call yourself a founder or co-Founder. If you have started multiple companies, then serial entrepreneur is an option.
Here are some other professional titles to consider for your bio:
- If you sit on boards, then a Board Director or Company Director is a good option.
- Run / manage a company? Use your title: CEO or Managing Director (MD).Senior manager? Executive or Head of “xyz”.
- Early stages of career? Professional “xyz”, which is the name whatever the field your work is inArtistic pursuits? Creative, Artist or maybe even creative entrepreneur? Do you have a published book? You can include author in your title or bestselling author, or international author if fitting.
- Have a media profile? High profile, leading voice, commentator or social commentator, authority
- Public speaker? Expert commentator on “xyz”. A leading authority or a global authority on “xyz”.
Include a professional accomplishment
Your professional bio should let your audience know what you’ve already achieved. Did you win some awards? Were you recently recognised for something? What have you done for yourself as well as for others? What makes you a valuable player in your industry?
Include contact details
This may seem obvious, but so many people forget to include their contact details. Always think about how you can make it easier for people to get connected with you by sharing your website, email and social media profiles.
Lastly, don’t forget to inject some personality.
Even the most professional short bios should include something that shows you are a real person. Mention hobbies but keep it tasteful and relatable to your audience.
Have you seen a great short bio around the web? Or have you written one? If so, please share with us. We’d love to see it.