“Hi, I’m John Smith.” Just doesn’t cut it in 2019. It hasn’t cut it (whatever ‘it’ is) since a very long time. Especially to people that help you build your Personal, Social and Financial capitals. People who hold stake in any of these capitals of yours, need to know who you are. For that, you need to know who you are. So before you head off into a cave in a jungle to meditate and ponder on that question, you can at least be half way sure as to how you are to introduce yourself. I will talk about ‘Knowing yourself’ and ‘How to introduce yourself in different situations’ later. Today, I’ll focus mainly only ‘How to introduce yourself digitally’.
You will need this lesson for the following reasons:
- Writing a Personal Profile for your business website, brochure or company portfolio.
- Writing a Personal Profile for a job application (University).
- Writing a Personal Profile on Social media.
- Writing a Personal Profile for a dating website.
While we get into the details of each, two things must be very clear from the get go.
- You are the Product.
- You are the Salesman.
You sell yourself like only you can. If you can’t add value to yourself, you cannot add value to anything around you. Forget it, stop reading and off you f**k. If you’re still here, then let’s begin.
Writing a Personal Profile for your business website, brochure or company portfolio.
Your professional bio serves as an introduction to you, your experience, your strengths, interests and achievements. Don’t fret if you haven’t any of these. We are here to learn how to write one, like creative writing. Be creative for this one. Here are 6 quick tips to remember while practicing writing your bio:
- Have more than one. Make drafts and have more in spare. Different situations require different tools. Don’t be one.
- How did you get here? You should be able to connect your roots to the work you did yesterday.
- Give away something personal. Our extra-curricular stick with us throughout our lives. Slip these in.
- Ask a colleague or a friend to review. Get their feedback, it’s essential.
- Don’t start from scratch. You already have a cv (as crappy as you might think it is). Don’t open a word document and wait for inspiration to kick in. You’re not writing a novel here champ. Look for examples on the internet. Don’t waste your time.
- Focus on action verbs, this is important as you will seem a person of action.
- Use first person, or third person tense. Never, ever, both. EVA’!
I’ll share these base examples:
Third person – short.
[NAME] is an experienced ____[TITLE}, ____[TITLE}, and ____[TITLE}. Driven by ____ (ACTION VERB), he/she takes pride in providing the best ____ possible. As a [TITLE], his/her goals include ____, ____, and ____. In addition to his/her primary job functions, [NAME] has been recognized by ____ for his/her extraordinary commitment to ____[PROFESSION], have taken him/her around the world, [NAME] is proud to call [LOCATION] home.
E.G.
Jeremy Adams began his career with All-day Solutions, gaining unparalleled experience in the paid retargeting space, while also establishing himself as a respected app-developer. Currently working as a Project Manager for Venture Top-Hat Fund, Jeremy is widely known for his task management and timely project delivery, and lead generation. While his teaching engagements have taken him around the world. Jeremy, is proud to call Miami, FL home.
First person – short
I’ve spent the last [Number] years learning everything there is to know about the ___ industry — from ____ to ____. I’m currently applying this knowledge in my role as [Job Title] for [Company], where I’m responsible for ____, ____, and ____.
E.G.
I’ve spent the last 12 years learning everything there is to know about graphic design – from client briefing to competitive design analysis. I’m currently applying this knowledge in my role as Creative Director for Mural Studios, where I’m responsible for preparing all digital collateral, organizing creative output and collaborating with clients to ensure their expectations are met.
Third person – long
[Name] is the [Job Title] at [Company]. Prior to [Company], [Name] was a [Previous Job Title 1] at [Previous Company 1], a ____ in the ____ space. Previously, he/she was a [Previous Job Title 2] at [Previous Company 2].
He/she has contributed to a number of different industry publications/charities/events/organizations, including ____, ____, and ____.
He/she has a [Degree] from [School] and a [Second Degree] from [Second School].
In his/her spare time, he/she ____, ____, and ____.
E.G.
Mark Peters helps businesses improve their bottom line, profit re-investment and payroll to accommodate everyone from employees to shareholders.
As the Chief Financial Officer at Money Inc, he oversees the finance, as well as training and development for entry level finance employees. For Mark, the books tallying, is the most rewarding part of the role.
Outside the office, Mark enjoys golf, wood work and baseball.
First person – Long
I joined [Company] in [Year] as the [Job Title].
Prior to [Company], I was the [Previous Title] at [Previous Company] and the [Previous Title 2] at [Previous Company 2]. During my tenure at [Previous Company], I helped the company ____, ____, and ____.
I am a graduate of [School], where I majored in [Degree]. I currently live in [Location] with _____. When I’m not keeping busy with ____, you can find me _____.
E.G.
I joined Insta-cricket in 2019 as a Social Media Manager.
Prior to Insta-cricket, I was the SEO manager for Yomama Productions, and the Social Media Intern at SlickWick Partners. During my tenure at SlickWick Partners, I healped the company launch a major campaign, across 4 media platforms, devise a strategy for engagement, and build a dedicated team of Social media profiles.
I am a graduate of Clementine College Colorado, where I majored in Design and Fashion. I currently live in Colorado with my dog, Hank, and my wife, Martha. When I’m not busy managing a business portfolio, you can find me on the golf course.
Build one like this for yourself. Then build a few more. Have spares. Learn to like yourself more and more as you write these. Take pride in it as you write it. Read it aloud to yourself to hear the words flow. Try and understand how the reader will feel while reading this. Skip all negativity. Do not compare your bio with others as a competition, but only as to whose profile reads and sounds better. Alright champs, on yer bikes!!!
More on this as we continue this journey.
Coached to freedom 