The document provides guidance on writing an effective bio. It explains that a bio tells the story-based version of one's resume and highlights interesting facts about a person to showcase their personality. It recommends including one's experience, publications, awards and contact information in a bio. It also suggests writing in both the 1st and 3rd person depending on the context, and keeping the bio short while including multiple versions tailored for different audiences. The document emphasizes making the opening of the bio attention-grabbing and including some unique personal details about oneself to engage readers.

2. From the mind of
Lorna Barrow
Entrepreneur, Business
Coach
Learning Solutions
Specialist

3. Once there was a girlfriend who had a small business
and I kept asking her to let me write her bio, for free.
She kept resisting, always telling me she had a resume
and what was the $%&^!* matter with me!
Then one day, she had to speak at an event and her
resume just didn’t cut it!
Help me! please, Lorna help me! I can still hear her
pleas! So as a good girlfriend I helped her.
And now I’m helping you…

4. What is a
Bio?
 Story-based
version
of your resume
 Highlights interesting
facts about you
 Lets your personality
shine through

5. Why does it
matter?
gives the reader an
accurate sense of who you
and what you do
 establishes expertise and
credibility
 develops trust in you and
your brand


6. When do I  Include it in your marketing
need a bio? materials
Provide a copy with
proposals to clients
 Submit one for speaking,
presenting at functions, etc
 Include it in any books, ebooks, reports or
professional documents
you develop


7. What do I put
in a bio?
Current job, business or
professional experience
 Publications or
presentations you have
completed
 Professional
memberships you
currently hold
 Awards, honors and
certifications you have
received
 Your contact information


8. Can I include
anything else?
A photo of yourself
 Quotes/testimonials from
clients
 Links to examples of your
work
 Similar items to those
above


9. Should I write
it in the 3rd
or 1st
person?
The 3rd person enhances
its professionalism and
makes people more willing
to trust what is being said
 The 1st person establishes
your authority when the bio
is for social media


10. The way I begin
writing my
bio… does it
matter?
Make your opening
attention-grabbing to
draw the readers in and
make them want to
learn more about you
 Use a conversational
tone since this is the
best way to show your
personality


11. Can I include
some personal
stuff about
myself?
Don’t be afraid to
include some “relevant”
personal or unique
information about
yourself
 Leave out the time you
couldn’t spell “WOW”
backwards on a
national game show!


12. How long
should my bio
be?
keep your bio as short as
possible
 Use short paragraphs to
make it easier to read
 include supporting
information in the form of
links, whenever
necessary


13. Create several different
Do I need more
versions of your bio:
than one
 an abbreviated version
version of my
 a long version
bio?
 copies that are
appropriate for different
audiences
 one type does not fit all!

14. A bio is a story-based version of your resume
 Write in the 1st or 3rd person as required
 Start with a great opening
 Include some basic & unique info about you
 Keep you bio as short as possible
 Write more than one version of your bio
Make it sound like the story of a person
people want to meet!


15. 
If you find this info useful, then you’ll really
enjoy the other resources located at:
Lorna's Business Box - resources

Want to learn more about working with me?
Then go to:
Working with Lorna
I’ll be on the other side with my sleeves
rolled up and waiting!