How to Write a Great Bio!

From the mind of

Lorna BarrowEntrepreneur, Business

CoachLearning Solutions

Specialist

Once there was a girlfriend who had a small business and I kept asking her to let me write her bio, for free.

She kept resisting, always telling me she had a resume and what was the $%&^!* matter with me!

Then one day, she had to speak at an event and her resume just didn’t cut it!

Help me! please, Lorna help me! I can still hear her pleas! So as a good girlfriend I helped her.

And now I’m helping you…

The Bio Story

Bio BasicsWhat is a Bio?

Story-based version of your resume

Highlights interesting facts about you

Lets your personality shine through

Bio BasicsWhy does it

matter? gives the reader an

accurate sense of who you and what you do

establishes expertise and credibility

develops trust in you and your brand

Bio BasicsWhen do I

need a bio?

Include it in your marketing materials

Provide a copy with proposals to clients

Submit one for speaking, presenting at functions, etc

Include it in any books, e-books, reports or professional documents you develop

Bio BasicsWhat do I put

in a bio?

Current job, business or professional experience

Publications or presentations you have completed

Professional memberships you currently hold

Awards, honors and certifications you have received

Your contact information

Bio BasicsCan I include

anything else? A photo of yourself Quotes/testimonials

from clients Links to examples of

your work Similar items to those

above

Tips for Writing a Great BioShould I write

it in the 3rd or 1st person?

The 3rd person enhances its professionalism and makes people more willing to trust what is being said

The 1st person establishes your authority when the bio is for social media

Tips for Writing a Great BioThe way I begin

writing my bio… does it matter?

Make your opening attention-grabbing to draw the readers in and make them want to learn more about you

Use a conversational tone since this is the best way to show your personality

Tips for Writing a Great BioCan I include some

personal stuff about myself?

Don’t be afraid to include some “relevant” personal or unique information about yourself

Leave out the time you couldn’t spell “WOW” backwards on a national game show!

Tips for Writing a Great Bio

How long should my bio be?

keep your bio as short as possible

Use short paragraphs to make it easier to read

include supporting information in the form of links, whenever necessary

Tips for Writing a Great Bio

Do I need more than one version of my bio?

Create several different versions of your bio: an abbreviated version a long version copies that are

appropriate for different audiences

one type does not fit all!

Just remember… A bio is a story-based version of your

resume Write in the 1st or 3rd person as required Start with a great opening Include some basic & unique info about

you Keep you bio as short as possible Write more than one version of your bioMake it sound like the story of a person people want to meet!

NOW… If you find this info useful, then you’ll

really enjoy the other resources located at: Lorna's Business Box - resources

Want to learn more about working with me? Then go to: Working with Lorna

I’ll be on the other side with my sleeves rolled up and waiting!