John Doe graduated from so-and-so college with honors before pursuing a career in widgets. For more than 20 years, Doe has served as the leading widget salesman in the country.
Are you bored yet?
Sharing your biography is an excellent way for audiences to get to know you. When writing or revising your bio remember – "facts tell, stories sell." Paint a picture for your audience and help them connect with you.
Take a look at your current bio and inject some awesomeness with these tips:
Show Personality
The tone of your bio should match the tone of the rest of your marketing. Are you spunky and fun? Conservative and highly intellectual? Silly and spontaneous? Sweet and adorable? Use the language of your brand in your biography. If you're confused how to speak your brand – think of magazines, writers, authors, television shows, and celebrity personalities that are similar to your brand. How do they speak? What phrases do they use? Get inspiration from these places to spice up your wording.
Speak to your Audience
is your bio something your audience wants to hear, or does it relate more to your peers? A lot of folks list awards and other accomplishments that their customers don't understand. It's great to receive industry accolades, but make sure your audience understands what this means to them. Instead of saying "John was awarded the Golden Gate at the New Jersey Association for Professionals," tell them what that award means. "John was chosen out of 3,000 businessmen in NJ as the first to use video technology to shatter sales records." This statement helps customers understand what that industry recognition really means.
Get Personal
Include at least one of element of your personal life in your biography. By including things like hobbies, you forge a special bond with customers that have the same interests you do. This information typically goes at the end of your bio in a short paragraph, or you can follow the "10 things" example I use at the end of my own BIO.
***Super Cool Bonus***
Post a link to your online bio in the comments section below and I'll provide helpful feedback to the first 20 people! Come on, don't be shy! I'm excited to learn more about all of you!
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello! Great tips- I'd love it if you'd take a look at my bio, I'm sure it needs some spicing! I have a little blurb in the sidebar at http://numsidesign.com
and a larger section at my store
http://www.numsi.com/pages/about-us
Thanks for this!
Hi Helen! I really enjoyed your bio – especially the part about “When not running around after our very cheeky mischevious little girls.” That line paints a picture and lets us know a little about you and your family. I like how you speak directly to the consumer too, and making the connection for those with great aesthetics that want something glorious for their child’s room. Overall – fabulous job!
Love your articles! They always prompt me to look at what the business I am building in a different light me and helps refocus on the marketing aspect and not just the R&D.
Thanks Sam! You have all the ingredients there – I would suggest reworking what you have by moving the ‘inspiration’ to the top and then letting the rest flow. The inspiration really explains why you started this business and makes you different. The “features” listed in the beginning “focus on earth’s natural ingredients, our complete line is formulated with nourishing fruits and extracts, exotic clays, fortifying butters and lush oils” are great – but they don’t connect with your customer. Your story does. I love the picture you paint with ‘memories of indigenous herbs steeping in a pot of warm olive oil were the norm in Moroccan households.” You might consider even starting out with some visual explanations such as this. Take your customer there with your words. Help them experience this environment.
Great job getting to your inspiration!
Too good of an offer to pass up. I've tried to be conversational, but did I take it too far?
http://www.fiercefuntoys.com/about_us.html
Hi Angela! I think your conversational tone is perfect for your brand. I wouldn’t change that at all. I would add in the beginning though why you chose to start a business creating toys and stories. That one fateful morning could also include the conception for Norman PHART-ephant. One thing that people love about your toys is that they teach manners. There aren’t many options on the market for things that teach manners by mimicking real body functions we all experience with an adorable toy and a clever story! This is something kids can relate too – and adults can giggle along. The part “Each story & toy served a different purpose and reflection events they were facing in their lives” makes me want to hear these story. What happened to make Harry, Ben and Norman come to life?
Adding a little more “story” – just like a kid’s book – to your bio will give it some additional sparkle!
Useful! Here's mine:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sweet_talk
Hi Stefan! I think you have some great ingredients here – but I’d like to see more about your personality. I’m intrigued about your “Amazing Transformation” and think that should definitely be a part of the bio right from the beginning. Your story on your website has some great info that you can use. Something like “Wall Street Dropout and Carb-o-halic turned Men’s Health Cover Model delivers advice as good as his six pack abs.” For inspiration, check out the headlines in Comso and Maxim magazines and see how you can use the tone, phrases and words to spice up your bio!
Hi Melissa!
What a great idea! My bio is at http://themogulmom.com/about. Would love your feedback!
Thank you so much!
Heather
Hey Heather! I love all the descriptive phrases you use to really connect with your mom entrepreneur audience! I would add the last three sections to the beginning. I think it’s important to let them know what you’re doing now as opposed to all the things you’ve done in the past. Then you can say “my journey to this passion didn’t happen overnight. A true multi-preneur, I’ve chased my dreams in other areas such as copywriting and product development. As I downed my daily pot of the strongest coffee I could find, I always wondered how great it would be to have someone to teach me how to build an empire and manage the one I had at home. Now I’m over the moon that I can do this for you.” Something like that will help folks understand what you do now right away, and then give them a peak into the past!
Great post! Here you go:
http://www.on-high-heels.com/about2.html
Hi Donina – I think the name “On High Heels” says so much! I would definitely infuse more of this personality into your bio. Your last line is great and I would move that to the beginning! I would also be more specific as to why you chose to start this particular business. It sounds like your girlfriends were very inspirational to you. Maybe you could expand this further on how you were moved by these women to create the On High Heels movement. Are you a fan of Sex and the City? I would check out their website to see the tone and even check out some old episode titles for inspiration. When I think of your business, I think of a power woman and her friends walking in designer heels in true runway fashion – ready to tackle A-list events and chic marketing projects. Rock on girl!
here's mine http://www.ex-boyfriendcollection.com/about.php
Hi Matt, I love your tone and this bio is quite wonderful. I feel like you could make your lead-in more snazzy by saying “I’ve turned a beer-money-making venture into a company that’s recognized nationwide. Heck, even People Magazine said we rock. How cool is that?” You seem to have a natural comedic ability, and I think you can make the beginning funny, catchy and cool – just like your brand. Otherwise, I really love everything else – great job!
What an awesome bonus! I read through your 10 things and now love your "vibe" even more because I saw that you're an Alison Weir reader (like me) *and* you give your pets a gadzillion silly names (also like me.) Rapport building!
Here's my paragraph on my website: http://practicalmagicmarketing.com/about/
Hi Lori! Love that your a fellow Alison Weir fan and doggie lover! For your bio – I think the last paragraph is the best part and should be moved to the top. This really gives us a peak into who you are. From there, expand on your love of psychology and why you love combining it with marketing. You can also expand on the type of marketing you do and what type of service businesses you work with. How does this make you feel? How did you get started? What inspired your own business? Add these details in the mix. Love the book junkie and curious comments. Keep going that route to give it a little more personality!
Excellent post, I'm going to compare my bio to your points….thanks for the tips!
Bio is 3rd page…
http://connercoaching.com/MediaKit.pdf
There's different one on my site, guess I should make them the same huh? … eh
http://connercoaching.com/about.html
Hi Dorethia, I have to say you totally nailed the personality in your bio! I love the story you tell and I was really drawn to every point. Only suggestions I would make – I would eliminate the “five years experience” and change it into something like “reputation for turning complex financial topics into fun, digestible bites.” This way you take the emphasis off of only having 5 years of experience and talk about what your teaching philosophy is. I would also add a little about your professional experience – maybe where you’ve taught or any certifications – in the middle-end. I love your personal story, but you do still want to add some professional credentials as well. Great job!
I just noticed you had a second bio and that the professional info is there! Add this to your media kit: “Dorethia earned a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance and has worked in the corporate finance sector for over ten years.” The bio doesn’t have to be exactly the same on your website and media kit as long as it has the same tone and information!
Melissa,
Great post and so timely. I was in the process of updating my bio. Let me know what you think. I have attached a link to my onesheet with my bio included. http://www.savorthesuccess.com/member/lanorma-huggins-hopes/onesheet
Thanks,
LaNorma
Hi LaNorma! I love how you highlight Mardi Gras inspiration right up front – customers immediately get a sense of who you are. I would actually move the iPhone application information above the press paragraph and talk about this a little more. Why did you develop an iphone app? What kind of information do you share in your blog? Embellish this a little more. I would also add that your creations can be purchased in Washington boutiques but also nationally online! Overall, great job!
Great post Melissa!
This is going to look very familiar to you but I'm not sure it works as well here, and, I probably shifted things around some. Looking forward to your input, if I still made the 1st 20 (was at 16, I'd better hurry up and hit submit)!
http://www.biscuitsbylambchop.com/140.html
Hi Annette! You still made it! I still like your bio a lot. The only thing I might change is the top part and video. I would move the bottom text up and then underneath write “Who is Lambchop.” I suggest this because it takes a lot of the page to find out who you are and even what Biscuits by Lambchop is. Other than that, love the picture you paint with phrases like “did a happy dance” and “keep your paws off.” And of course http://www.balanceddogsllc.com is a big fan of your treats!
Hi Melissa—
I always find useful tips from the content you post & today's entry was no different. THANKS for being a resource of consistently great business information … and for this unique opportunity.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
—Lisa
http://eventsbylaproductions.com/whoWeAre/index.html
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind words! I noticed you have 3 sections of your bio, and I think they could easily be combined. Since you have multiple team members, I think it’s fine to have the Meet our Team section – which I think you did well as almost an “interview” style bio with quotes from everyone. Very nice! For the Who We Are and About our Team, I would combine them into one section. In these sections, I would include the inspiration behind starting the business (everyone says quality event planning, but why did you really decide to start the business? Was it the rush of pulling off an event? Bring a story or dream to life in one evening? Do you die by the details? What gets your blood pumping about event planning?). I would also get rid of words like cornerstone, highly regarded and optimize benefits. I noticed your “rock star” concept – I think you should definitely play on this. You turn the guest of honor into a rock star! Awesome! Also, you mention the small things are always remembered. Paint the picture of what these little things are. For inspiration, look at celebrity magazines like US Magazine and Entertainment Weekly to capture that tone. Then pump up your bio with words that reflect your rock star brand!
Melissa — Love your tips. Would love feedback on my bio. While I have tried to tell a story at times it seems dry…
http://indiathink.com/brandimoore/
Hi Brandi! I don’t think your story is dry – for your target audience (which seems to be executive level), I think it’s important that you position yourself as highly intelligent, strategic, and having a broad understanding of this culture. I think your last paragraph would be more appropriate in the beginning because it really paints a picture of your skills. You might also want to talk about why the $15k business trip didn’t work. Is there something some companies are doing wrong? You might be able to paint a clearer picture by telling this story of what businesses commonly do wrong overseas. You might also want to talk a little about Indian culture and how you became an expert in negotiations and management with executives in this area. Dig a little deeper into the details of the issue, why it inspired you, and why you’re the right person for the job!
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for all of your helpful advice! Reading your tips on how to pitch to the media helped me get on National TV with my product a few weeks ago. I would love your feedback on my bio as i would like to use it to start pitching myself to the media as a young entrepreneur. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
http://www.jkpynk.com/about.html
Hi Juliette! How exciting that you just had your first national TV appearance! Glad the advice here was helpful. I really like the details in your bio, but I think you can make it even more clever. It made me think about that nagging stain you might have on a rug or piece of furniture in your home. No matter what’s happening, you can’t take your eye off that stain. I would use a metaphor like that to discuss why you were so inspired to launch a stain removal business – and open the bio with this information. I also like the part where you mention “never imagining being in the stain removal business.” I think you can visualize this by saying that “Little girls dream of becoming dancers, singers, designers, or celebrities. For me, I never imagined saying “I want to be a stain removal specialist when I grow up.” You have a killer story – just paint the picture a little clearer and your bio will totally rock!
Thank you so much for your kind offer! I try to add some
of myself in my bio. I hope it shows…
http://www.elainecharton.com
Hi Elaine, your bio definitely made me smile! I totally got a sense of you right away. Just a couple suggestions: I would do a spell/grammar check. There were a few errors throughout. I would also take off the part about your logo designer. Your bio should just be about you, so you can give them accolades somewhere else on your website. I would also enhance the section about your professional experience a bit. How many books have you published? Any best sellers? Any one specific character or title your best known for? This information can go here. A sample to take a look at would be http://www.charlaineharris.com/biography.html. Good luck!
Hi, I just found your blog and think it's great! I would love some feedback on my bio: http://esmastudios.weebly.com/about-me.html
Hi Amy! Thank you for your nice compliment! I love how each of your pieces seems to come from a previous era. I would play on this a little bit to spice up your bio. What about previous era’s inspire you? Is there one specific era or multiple eras? I like how you say “if they could speak they would have a lifetime of stories to tell.” I think this would also be a great bridge into your next section – “so here’s my story.” Then dive a little deeper into why you chose to design jewelry. How does it make you feel using your torch and hammers? Why metalwork over other techniques? Dive a little deeper into “you” and your bio will shine even brighter!
Thank you Melissa!
Hi Melissa!
I would love to take advantage of your kind offer! Would you mind checking out my bio on my website?www.dawnpgepfertdesign.com.
Thanks!
Dawn
Hi Dawn! You have all the elements there of an excellent bio. I might suggest that you move the “Now” to the top – I love the “spreading the gospel of good design” and that should hit people right away. I think you could also embellish your background a little more – really paint a picture of where you grew up as your inspiration. I’d love to see a few sentences that describe this place of architectural legacy and history. What were the colors, shapes, lines? Put your customer in that place and get them excited to feel inspired by interior design. Overall – a wonderfully well thought out bio – awesome job!
Hi Melissa!
Thanks for sharing this fabulous info! I am quite happy with my website bio {you helped me write it!}, but LOVE the idea of a Ten Things list and would love any feedback you have on the one I'm thinking of adding to my bio:
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Ten Things You May Not Know About Me:
1. I have a kick-a** finger puppet collection.
2. While growing up my nickname was LJ. Going through an adolescent "artsy" phase I spelled it "Eljay."
3. I'm a calligrapher.
4. I make my own eco-friendly, essential oil-delicious-smelling housecleaning supplies.
5. Watch out if you challenge me at backgammon, ping-pong, or fuse ball.
6. I was one class shy of a religion minor during college.
7. Mozart is my favorite composer.
8. I've been to Venice, Italy four times.
9. I make killer scrambled eggs…with a secret ingredient.
10.I adore working in my home office, affectionately referred to as Financially Smitten Headquarters. {You can have a look-see THERE WILL BE A LINK HERE TO PHOTOS.}
You know my audience so any feedback you have is greatly appreciated my dear!
xoxo
Hey Lora! So glad you’re happy with your bio and I think the 10 Things is perfect for you! I think your list is perfect – I am dying to see your finger puppets! Bring them to dinner! I also love having photos at the bottom of your bio – so your headquarters photos will fit nicely!
Hi Melissa,
I'd love some feedback on my bio.
http://jewelsbranch.com/about
Thanks Melissa, you're awesome!
Hey Christie! I love all the personal info you include in your bio. I might suggest that you include a little more of what you do know with Jewels Branch Creatve. Personal info is great, but you also want them to know about your amazing creative work. I would talk a little about why you chose this business and what inspires you during the creative process. How do you visually communicate a brand? I think with all of your fun personal info, you might want to do the “10 Things” model I use. I noticed in your blog that you’re a “secret” fiction writer – this should definitely go in your bio!
Hi there Melissa! Randomly saw someone link to this page so decided to check it out. I'm in the process of revising my Bio to include more of my story, think it would be fun to see what feedback I'll get from you in the current state http://www.coachtia.com/about-2/
Thanks!
Hi Tia! WOW WOW WOW – your bio rocks. I think you should write bios for other people and get paid for it!!! (I’m an exclamation mark abuser too). I really went over with a fine tooth comb to see if I could give you some semblance of helpful feedback but really, I wouldn’t change anything. Thanks for being a role model for super-fantastic bios!
Ahhhhhhhh!! LOVE this blog. SO helpful. You are always sharing such easy-to-understand and valuable info. Girl…you ROCK SOCKS!!
Thanks Sally! xoxo
Perfect timing! Writing bio for the Identity, Magbook!! Thank you Melissa!
love this, and your points on marketing are PERFECT!
not sure if I made the cut off but here you go.
http://hillaryrubin.com/about/
xo
Hey Hilary! I LOVE your bio – the tone is so “you” and you share your story well. The only thing I might add (and I don’t really think you ‘need’ to add anything) but you could add in a little more detail to paint a picture for people. So maybe describe the pain you used to feel with adjectives and now you feel ______. Adjectives that people suffering with MS (or any disease) would relate to, and then the adjectives that they would give anything to feel (calm, energized, etc) Those power words may help you reach people on a deeper level! Awesome job already though! xo
I recently overhauled my bio, because I just didn't feel that it fit my personality, my speaking style or my website. I like it so much better now, and readers can still go to the boring stuff if they want to. This is also the intro I have my host read when I have a speaking engagement. It's so much more ME.
(I realize I'm well past your cutoff. Posted it more for fun than feedback.)
http://www.coachlisab.com/coachbio.html
I used this bio for the last year, it has been fun but time to over haul.
http://michaelorwick.com/other-form
yoganorma.com/yoganorma/Norma.html
Hi Melissa,
I found you on Savor the success and look forward to your comments on my old bio.
Gracias,
norma
I am upset I am just now seeing this post and falling in love with your site. This weekend I am going to work on my bio and come back with a link to my updated bio. Thank you again for poring into us!
Melissa, Are you still up for reviewing my bio? If yes, here it is:
http://robinbarrbuzz.com/about-2/
Want to mention I love the look and feel of your site, it makes me feel good to be here. Maybe because I love pink, and I never feel like I'm being shouted at or overwhelmed with just too much like other sites.
BTW, I currently have two separate retail sites, one for each of my remedies. I'm looking for someone to create one wordpress site containing both remedies, and the blog I gave you the link for up above. I'll be ditching the wizard with rotating text bubble, but you see I like whimsy. Can you recommend someone who might be good for this project who also understands marketing and who isn't on the pricey side?
Robin
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