7 Steps for Writing a Bio that Pops
New business bosses sometimes have a major case of procrastination when it comes to writing their bios. Something about feeling pressure to validate themselves (<— scary word alert!) feels big, tedious, and important, which often translates into stress. I get it. But, let’s fix it.
First: Do not think of it as a place where you must legitimize yourself. Think of it as a place to shine! Plus, a compelling bio will ultimately help your clients find you and get the help they need from your business and offers (a.k.a, what this whole shebang is about)! Look at it as serving your client base, not bragging about yourself.
Writing your bio is one small piece of the bigger business pie, but it is a critical ingredient. A strong bio will tell your potential clients all about the yummy goodness from your past experience, your personal passions, and your kick-butt skillset that led you to your work. (This is a ‘don’t worry – be happy!’ kind of article, so before you get nervous thinking about all the credentials you *don’t* have, read on!)
Here are my top 7 steps to writing a bio that pops sans the anxiety.
Step 1: Start with your elevator pitch.
This is the nitty-gritty of who you are, what you do, and who you do it for. As an example, my bio could start with “Michelle Ward is a business coach who works with creative women to help them launch their dream business.” This is the one-stop-shop sentence that anyone new to you and your work will appreciate. (It also ensures that skimmers get the need-to-know info up top!)
Step 2: List your experience and/or credentials (however that applies to your business in the moment!)
This piece can include - but is not limited to - any of the following info: relevant certifications, training, schooling, awards, accolades, client testimonials, past experience, and relevant work you’re proud of. If you are new to your business or industry and feel like there isn’t much to put here, do not worry (be happy, remember)? This section only needs to be about three sentences long, and even if you put “her passion for [insert business topic] started at age 11” and go on to talk about how your obsession with making your Barbies look great led you to becoming a stylist, that is a great start!
Step 3: Add a personal detail.
This may or may not relate back to your work. Finding a way to incorporate organic details about yourself (family, geographical location, interesting past life experience) adds a personal, human touch to your bio and will help your clients connect with you on a deeper level, too. As an example, I love to bring up my background in musical theater as an intro into why I adore working with creative people and strive to infuse passion in my day-to-day business happenings!
Step 4: Explain how you found yourself in your business and what you love about it.
This is my favorite part! Here is your opportunity to really underline what makes you the perfect person to do your job and gush about why it lights you up. Take a minute to identify what led you to your business and what excites you the most about it. It might read something like, “My experience working as a camp counselor helped me tap into my desire to work with young people…” This is extra icing on the cake for those who read this far and are excited to work with you. It’s also a neat way to tie everything you’ve already discussed together. (Your elevator pitch + experience + passions = one perfect businesswoman to work with.)
Step 5: End with where people can find out more about you…
…which can be as simple as a sentence that reads “Find her at [insert your website and/or social media handles.]” This is particularly useful when outside sources are sharing your deets!
Step 6: Write your bio in the third person (whereas your “About” page will be in the first person)!
Imagine a friend or contact spreading the word about your business — how would they talk? What would they say? Hint: This is it! Your bio is intended to be shared outside of your own business platform, meaning outside sources and publications will have the most use for it. Therefore, it should sound like someone else is talking about you rather than you talking about yourself! This is as simple as swapping out your ‘I’s for ‘She’s.
Step 7: Craft a long, medium, and short version to cover your bases.
Depending on who needs your bio and/or where you’re putting it, it might behoove you to write three versions: 1.) A long version including all of the above details 2.) A medium version including just your elevator pitch + experience and 3.) A short version that should be 3-5 sentences max. This way, you’re able to hand off whatever’s needed at a moment’s notice.
And boss: that’s it! No panic required.
Remember, your bio is meant to help you glow and grow! You can update it whenever you have new, more, or better info to add and forget about it the rest of the time. You are one kick-butt business lady and your clients (and the world) gotta know.
And hey, 90 Day Business Launch is designed around all the ways you can (finally!) reach your people and get your beautiful biz off the ground, so if you’re seeking a beautiful bio *without* having your business foundation set, get on in here!