Make Your Readers Go “Wow!” with Your Bio

Barb — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:28:06 +0000

More and more people are hopping over to read your blog on investment banking, but what good is it if they know nothing about you – the author? I mean after all, you would like to be credited for what you say and hopefully get noticed by someone high up in the corporate world. So what better way is there for people to learn about you other than for you to tell them yourself in a well written bio.

One of the most important things to note is that the blurb should be written in third person. The reason for such is that the bio is something that others use to describe you; therefore, you should write as though it were a description. This concept makes referencing to you much easier since the bio is already written in the reader’s “lingo,” which eliminates the need for translation.

You also want to make sure that the reader knows what the subject of the blurb is (i.e. you), which can be easily accomplished by inserting your name within the first sentence. Doing so creates a clear association between you and the short piece that you are writing. In addition, be sure to state your profession. You need to, as soon as possible, establish your niche. Get the questions of “who you are” and “what do you do” out of the way before you can get to the juicy details.

Back up your profession with the mention of notable accomplishments. This can give credibility to your blog posts. For instance, if you have won awards for your contributions to investment banking, then the mindset of the reader places great importance on the fact that they should pay a lot of attention to you.

What is the most important part of the bio that we have yet to discuss? The photo! It’s good to put a face to the author; it takes down any barriers and gives the reader with which something else to associate you.

Finally, be sure to include your contact info so that you can be contacted immediately after reading the blurb without having to navigate through several pages of content.

Can you describe yourself?

Eric Barron — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:21:00 +0000

In terms of how well you communicate with others or the type of leadership qualities you possess and how you’ve put them to good use? Can you clearly articulate what it’s like to work with you in a team environment and how wonderfully adaptable you are?

Communication, Leadership, Adaptability and Teamwork are things that are going to “turn-on” potential employers. It’s your job to have a compelling, specific (specific = credible), and relatable story that exemplifies one or two of these traits. It can be a personal or professional situation you draw from, but just make sure it’s memorable.

So if you say that you easily adapt to new environments, it better be followed with, “for example…”

The Ability Project » communicate

Make Your Readers Go “Wow!” with Your Bio

Can you describe yourself?