| Your prospects want one thing and one thing only! | | | | What's Included in a Bio? |
| They want the reassurance that what you say about | | | | As you prepare your bio, remember its purpose: to |
| what you offer is legitimate. Because credibility is | | | | make a strong statement that boosts your credibility. |
| crucial to the success of your business, convincing | | | | Consider first the types of people that might be |
| potential clients that you can deliver is key. And | | | | interested in your services or products. What kinds of |
| although conveying credibility is always a challenge, | | | | information do you think a prospect would want to |
| conveying credibility through a web site can be even | | | | know? What will impress them? As an example, web |
| more of a challenge. | | | | designing and development have become highly |
| Integrity From a Distance! | | | | competitive fields, therefore you must show prospects |
| Because a great many designers, developers, web | | | | why they should choose you over your competitors. |
| masters and business owners in today's market | | | | Don't be hesitant to do a bit of boasting, but don't lie |
| conduct their business primarily by way of the Internet, | | | | about having done something you haven't achieved. |
| in all likelihood they will never come face to face with | | | | There's nothing wrong with presenting yourself |
| clients or business contacts. Convincing people of our | | | | dynamically, but never make anything up. It can come |
| integrity from a distance definitely presents a more | | | | back to haunt you. |
| formidable task, but one that can be overcome. How? | | | | The First Few Seconds! |
| By giving site visitors the facts! | | | | The first few seconds of reading your online |
| Gain Your Client's Trust! | | | | presentation are the most critical. Since you're |
| If your goal as a business owner is primarily focused | | | | attempting to convince viewers that you have what |
| on helping your clients increase sales, improve | | | | they want, convey your expertise proudly. Ideally, your |
| efficiency, prevent a crisis or understand why a | | | | presentation should be no longer than a page. Here's a |
| particular strategy might work for them, you must do | | | | list of the key points your bio might contain: |
| whatever it takes to gain your clients' trust. To be | | | | 1. Reference your name and business title. |
| chosen for their next project, you have to find a way | | | | 2. Share your business philosophy or mission |
| to prove yourself. | | | | statement. |
| Alleviate a Lack of Connection! | | | | 3. Illustrate your qualifications and strengths. |
| One great strategy that can boost project inquiries is | | | | 4. Explain how you got involved in your particular |
| through the appropriate online presentation of your | | | | business. |
| skills, experience, and professionalism. One of the best | | | | 5. Note how many years of experience you have. |
| ways is through a factual and professionally prepared | | | | 6. Mention some of your goals and successes. |
| bio presentation. A well prepared biography can | | | | 7. Outline the background of your company. |
| alleviate the lack of connection you have with your | | | | 8. Add education or any specialized training you've had. |
| clients plus a descriptive and authentic presentation of | | | | 9. List any special associations to which you belong. |
| your experience can add valuable credibility to your | | | | 10. Include licensing if it's a necessity to your credibility. |
| business. | | | | 11. Describe any awards or special recognition you've |
| What Is a Bio? | | | | received. |
| A bio is most appropriate when incorporated into a | | | | 12. Identify the thing that sets you apart from everyone |
| web site, proposals, business plans, portfolios and | | | | else. |
| press kits. Most often entrepreneurs, artists, writers, | | | | Should You Get Help? |
| designers, web developers, business owners, | | | | Writing about yourself can be a daunting task, as it |
| professionals and consultants use a bio. But what | | | | may appear as self-promoting or arrogant. But there is |
| exactly is a bio? It's a portal into your professional | | | | a way to express yourself honestly without appearing |
| experience or your company's growth and expansion. | | | | arrogant or conceited and it's called telling the truth! |
| It is a condensed version of your career history | | | | When information is conveyed honestly, it never |
| designed to give potential clients insight into who you | | | | appears as smug. But if you find it difficult to write |
| are and what you about. However, while your bio is | | | | about yourself, consider having a professional prepare |
| the short story of your professional life, keep in mind | | | | your presentation. It's often much easier for an outsider |
| that it should highlight the most important aspects of | | | | to be objective about your experience. |
| your experience so that it demonstrates your credibility. | | | | |