"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Saturday, January 19, 2019

How to Beef up Your Bio and Sizzle This Year!



Whether your goal is to guest post at your favorite blog, promote your new book, create a social media profile or participate in an anthology project, chances are you'll need a professional Bio.
In the book "How to Write a Powerful Professional Bio" by Marcie Hill, the author and Bio expert states these three major reasons writers and professionals need bios.

3 REASONS YOU NEED A BIO

  • It lends to your credibility by highlighting your expertise, experience and achievements.

  • It helps with your professional branding.

  • It draws attention to qualities, experiences and skills that make you different.


WHAT IS A BIO?
A Bio (short for biography) is simply a summarization of who you are, your professional accomplishments, and what makes you unique.

HERE'S AN ACRONYM TO REMEMBER IN CREATING YOURS SUCCESSFULLY:


B--IT SHOULD BE BRIEF

E--IT SHOULD BE ENGAGING

E--IT SHOULD BE ENTERTAINING

F--IT SHOULD BE FABULOUS


 BRIEF
Though it is recommended that you use different types of Bios for your varied promotional needs, in general, "less is more." Think "career highlights" not "career history."

ENGAGING
When readers view your Bio, they should be intrigued and interested in discovering more about you and your work.

ENTERTAINING
Do you have an unusual background or hobby? A funny story about your career? A contradiction of sorts? Here's an example. One of my favorite female comedians is Sommore.  She's raunchy, hilarious, and keeps it "real."  Her stand-up routine  often includes "colorful" language, taboo topics and adult material.
While conducting a little online research recently, I found out that this bold and brazen funny lady actually is the product of Catholic schooling. Who knew? 

FABULOUS
Here's your time to sizzle! Make it count. Remember, your Bio does not always have to include professional accomplishments; it can include fun facts or personal victories. As a point of reference here, in one of my Bio versions I boast that I am "legendary for my pot roasts."
 


MORE TIPS TO BEEF UP YOUR BIO...

Often we overlook areas worthy of mention or details that could provide an interesting "spin" to our Bio.
Big mistake.

"Where's the beef?"

Beef up your Bio with these additional suggestions:

  • Include a famous quote that reflects your life's philosophy.
  • Share a life obstacle you've overcome.
  • Mention a literary influence.
  • Acknowledge a business milestone.
  • Include foreign languages you speak fluently.
  • Share exotic places you've traveled.
  • Use metaphors and analogies to describe your talents.
Get the idea here?

Doing so will make you appear more diverse, dynamic and memorable.

Today conquer your Bio. Tomorrow world domination. :-)

Thanks for reading.

Thoughts here? What would you add?
How do you dress up your Bio?
 


ImagePixabay.com

6 comments:

  1. Great tips, Jennifer! My bio could use a little refreshing, so this comes at the right time. :) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear, Karen.
      Wishing you much success with your Bio for 2019.

      Delete
    2. Good to hear, Karen.
      Wishing you much success with your Bio for 2019.

      Delete
  2. Nice Information!!!
    Really all information is useful for us.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Submit Free Article, Blog, Press Release and Guest Post

    ReplyDelete