A frustrated Publicity Hound wrote to me recently, asking how she can write an interesting bio, even if she doesn’t have any “newsworthy” accomplishments.
“How can you write a bio when you don’t have an MBA, have never received any awards, and haven’t appeared on TV or radio or in magazines?” she asks.
Bios or professional profiles are one-page narratives that should be at your website and in your media kit. Those that include long lists of college degrees, awards and media appearances are just plain boring.
I’d much rather read a bio that includes inside information about the person’s likes and dislikes, how they have helped other people, their hobbies, the one greatest accomplishment in their life, or the lifelong goal they haven’t yet achieved, their hero, or their favorite food. Yes, you can include information about education and awards earned, but please don’t bore. You can also write more than one bio, depending on what it’s being used for. Write a more casual and light-hearted version that you can use as your introduction if you’re a professional speaker, for example, and a more formal version.
If your bio needs rewriting, here are things you should consider including:
–Who is your hero? And why?
–What one event in your childhood had the greatest effect on your life?
–If you werent doing what you do today, what other job would you have?
–What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
–Whats the one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
–If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
–Do you have a pet and if so, what lessons has your pet taught you?
–Whats the worst mistake you ever made in life that taught you a valuable lesson?
For examples of great bios, and more tips on how to rewrite yours, see “Special Report #46: Tips for Rewriting Your Boring Bio“.