Does Your BIO Tell a Story?
A considerable part of your brand is expressed in your bio: your social profiles, and on the About page of your web site. And don’t forget LinkedIn.
Does your bio tell a story? Or does it read like a resume?
Is there any personality in the words?
Do people get to know the real you?
Take some risks and put your heart out there when writing your bio.
Your Bio must tell a story
Telling a story with your bio may not apply to biochemical research professionals, but I’m addressing influencers and thought leaders. This group of people must create heartfelt connections with their constituents in order to cut through the noise of popular culture.
Once upon a time…
What’s the romantic version of your early days? The lean years? The time between jobs? Your youthful ignorance? How did those days shape you?
I’m giving you poetic license to tell your story in your bio, web site, blogs, videos, and social media.
Comic relief…
What’s something about you, or an experience, that isn’t necessarily “Bio” material but might give insight into your personal quirkiness?
If a sense of humor is a major part of how you operate, I dare you to share it. If you’re a nerd, let your geek flag fly!
If this is new for you, start storytelling in your bio conservatively, and then push the boundaries… slowly.
Battles waged…
Can we turn “failures” into tales of epic adventure? You bet.
Consider being transparent, and share how unexpected events and course corrections made you more capable in the field you feel called to.
Share your successes, too! And be sure to credit others for their part in your story.
Happily ever after…
If you are in your happy place in your current venture, alert your About page! Let others sense the joy you feel in your work.
When others read your bio, do they get a sense of the road you’ve traveled? Real people tell stories and share their hearts.
In our noisy culture, people are eager to connect with a real person… You!
Review your current bio and make sure it tells a story for your readers!
Mike Loomis, author of Your Brand Is Calling and My Book Launch Planner, helps people launch their dream projects and books. Since starting and selling two businesses, he’s a strategic partner to entrepreneurs, authors, and nonprofits. He and his wife live in the mountains of Colorado with their pet moose. www.MikeLoomis.CO
