FROM THE BLOG
Selling Yourself
Posted by Tarah Carlow on January 8, 2014
For some people, the art of selling themselves comes easily. But the idea of developing a pitch, or elevator speech, about your professional accomplishments and why you’re the best person for the job instill a fear in many. And putting it down on paper, well, that can be a challenging exercise. Whether you’re writing informational pieces for the local newspaper, have a practice website, or participate in industry forums, you need to have a bio.
Your bio is arguably one of the most important pieces for your practice. Don’t look at this writing exercise as an opportunity to pump up your self-esteem. Think about the impression you want to make and the action you want your readers to take. Your bio should be a resource for clients and prospects to determine whether you’re the right person for their needs.
What makes you distinctive out of all the advisors or agents in the community? Do you have certifications, specialized training, a lengthy track record, awards or recognitions, or offer a full-service operation? Are you published? Do you host a radio show? Are you an expert media source?
A bio is not your resume or curriculum vitae. While you should summarize your professional history, you want to give readers a sense of your professional philosophy, areas of interest, and expertise. Also include some information about your personal side — it will humanize your piece. Above all, be yourself in your writing, and keep it to about 500 words.
On your practice website, your bio page will likely be one of the most visited pages. Whether it is picked up by search engines, or used as a resource for prospects who visit your website, the bio should sell your expertise but remain credible. To keep from sounding boastful, provide backup to validate any award-winning claims. Use quotes and stats by an outsider to testify to your worth.
Some other components to consider for inclusion in your bio:
– Incorporate a professional and current headshot with your bio (avoid a vacation photo or one snapped with a camera phone)
– Start your bio with your name, just as you would in an introduction.
– Don’t use fluffy words (or big or technical ones, either). You want your 12-year-old niece to understand what you do.
– Use bullet points or subheads to help make the bio visually readable.
– Have a trusted friend or colleague edit your profile and provide feedback.
– Be sure to include your contact info, and don’t forget website links to your LinkedIn profile and Twitter and Facebook pages, if you’re active on those platforms.
Lastly, distill your bio into two additional versions suitable for social media profiles or at the bottom of an article or blog post. Keep the micro bio to 25-50 words; 100 words for your short bio.
And if the exercise proves to be too difficult for you, enlist a colleague to write your bio. You’ll be sure to sound less arrogant (or more modest). Just be sure to return the favor.
Click here for the article: Making “You” Sound Like You — How To Write a Bio by emerald Connect.
Happy Writing,
