Really useful tips on how to write a great bio!

2. From the mind of
Lorna Barrow
Entrepreneur, Business
Coach
Learning Solutions
Specialist

3. 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…

4. What is a
Bio?
 Story-based
version
of your resume
 Highlights interesting
facts about you
 Lets your personality
shine through

5. Why 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


6. When do I  Include it in your marketing
need a bio? materials
Provide a copy with
proposals to clients
 Submit one for speaking,
presenting at functions, etc
 Include it in any books, ebooks, reports or
professional documents
you develop


7. What 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


8. Can I include
anything else?
A photo of yourself
 Quotes/testimonials from
clients
 Links to examples of your
work
 Similar items to those
above


9. Should 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


10. The 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


11. Can 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!


12. 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


13. Create several different
Do I need more
versions of your bio:
than one
 an abbreviated version
version of my
 a long version
bio?
 copies that are
appropriate for different
audiences
 one type does not fit all!

14. 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 bio
Make it sound like the story of a person
people want to meet!


15. 
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!