by Deb Brown 
- What is a bio
- Start with short overview
- Use professional picture
- Short detailing of what you do
- Fuller accounting of what you do
- Contact Info
Let’s first determine what a bio is. It’s certainly not a resume. A resume follows a structured format of Education and Professional Experience and is usually in chronological order. It’s designed for prospective employers to scan and decide if they want to talk to you. You may be required to submit a resume or Curriculum Vitae for things like grant funding – so it is a good idea to have one available.
A bio is designed to showcase what you know and do so that people will want to do business with you. If you have a blog, your bio makes a perfect About Me page.
It often starts with a short overview that paints a picture of who you are. It tells a story. If you were to sit down over a cup of coffee with an old high school classmate you haven’t seen in years, what would you tell them about what you do? You wouldn’t punch the air with bullet points – you would tell a short story. Do that in the overview.
This is also a good place to insert a professional taken picture of you. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit and tie if you don’t wear one every day. It does mean a picture taken of you by a professional. Do you have a local photographer you can use? If not, why not call the local high school and see what their photo club can do for you?
The next section will be a short detailing of what it is you do – what you want the reader to know about your business. This is designed for the reader who doesn’t read the entire document! That reader will still have received an overview and a short detailing of what you do. Decisions are often made on that information alone. Use your bullet points in this section.
The third section of your bio will be a fuller accounting of what your business entails. Of course write about the services you provide or the products you sell. Also include where you can be found online – your social media presence. Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Flickr, your blog – these are all places that create a feeling of trust for your possible client. They indicate you have developed relationships with people. If you have any accolades to crow about, this is the spot as well. If you’ve been published, share the information. If you’ve been mentioned in an article, share the link.
Finally, round out the bio with your contact information. If you have regular store hours, include those. List your name, email, and phone numbers.
Every small business owner should have a bio. You can read mine at http://debworks.blogspot.com/2009/12/who-is-deb-and-what-is-debworks.html
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- About the Author
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
Thanks, Deb, for showing us that writing a biz bio is really an easy thing to do (and so necessary in these days of websites and blogs).
You’re so knowledgeable about stuff like this that someone should certify you as a small business advisor!
Hi!
I would like translate this article to portuguese and publish in my blog with your credits as author.
Do you authorize?
Frederico, I’ve checked with the author, Deb Brown, and she says yes. Thanks for asking!
Paula,
Why thank you! Finally – passing the age of 50 and I get to be knowledgeable.
Frederico,
Of course. I’m honored.
Becky,
Thanks for sharing this information – I think it will help us round out our social media presence and make for more small business!
@debworks
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the easy-to-follow guide.
This will definitely help me come up with my blog’s “about me” page.
Cheers