Writing Your Online Bio by Gini Dietrich
posted on 3/30/09 by Nancy Lyons
The following post was authored by our friend, PR professional, and social media guru Gini Dietrich, Chief Executive of Arment Dietrich Public Relations and the author of SpinSucks.com and the BFF's Beauty Bag Blog:
Hey, geeky readers! One of you asked the question, "are there tips for writing your online bio?" and Nancy and Meghan asked me if I’d give you tips for doing just that.
If you’re using social media to market yourself, your business, or your career online, it is pertinent your online bio be engaging and informative. This is hard to do, especially on Twitter where your bio is limited to 160 characters, but it is possible.
This is my Twitter bio:
CEO of Arment Dietrich. Author of spinsucks.com. Creator of BFF Beauty Bag. Vistage member. Avid cyclist. A foodie. Lover of shoes and wine.
You’ll see I’ve included my career, the two blogs I write (both business and personal), my personal interests, and that I’m a Vistage member because I want to connect with other members across the globe.
Think of it as if you’re introducing everything interesting about yourself in less than 10 seconds. What do you want people to know about you the first time you speak to them? How can you engage with them about your profession, but also as a person? What can you say about yourself in your online bio that intrigues a person to want to learn more?
If someone follows me on Twitter and I don’t follow them back, it’s usually one of three reasons: 1) They don’t have a photo as their avatar; 2) Their bio says something self-serving; or 3) They don’t have a bio at all.
When I say their bio is self-serving, an example is, "I’m looking for new friends; DM me!" or "I work at company X and I want to make new friends so I can leave my job." You’d be surprised – these are real examples! And, as a business owner, a reason someone would be fired if I found that second one as their bio. Leave the negativity and derogatory statements at the door. Think of this as your own personal billboard; what do you want people to know about you every time they drive past your billboard?
Go ahead. Write your bio. See what works and change what doesn’t work. You’ll find the right mix…and then you’ll change it up every once in a while to engage with different groups of people.
Gini Dietrich is the founder and chief executive officer of Arment Dietrich, Inc., a public relations firm she built on three key values: Client service, results, and entrepreneurial spirit.
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1. Career Highlights (Notable companies, clients, or titles)
2. Interests/Strengths
3. Community Work
4. Education & Personal Info (Degrees, kids, a passion for running marathons, etc.)
5. An ending that makes people smile (if appropriate).
Once you have the facts outlined, go back through and try to kick a few things up a notch. As in, turn off that part of yourself that wonders, "Does that sound too braggy?" and brag about yourself a little bit. It feels weird, but it must be done. Not across the board, but sprinkled throughout. Like rhinestones, judicious bragging can add sparkle to a bio. Overused, it can create a tacky effect.
This is a really LONG example that I had to write for myself recently. Hope it helps!
Meghan began her career at Gage in the mid-nineties, working as an Account Executive and a Copywriter. In 2000, she made the shift to Interactive when she joined Bitstream Underground (a Twin Cities ISP and web development shop) as a Senior Project Manager. Subsequently, she served as Creative Director at a small Minneapolis ad agency and was an integral part of establishing and growing integrated Interactive teams at nationally-recognized ad agencies Martin Williams and Colle+McVoy. In May 2006, Meghan joined Clockwork Active Media Systems as Managing Director.
In January 2008, Meghan started the Geek Girls Guide (www.geekgirlsguide.com) with Nancy Lyons. The site aims to make web technology accessible and exciting and cultivate a movement of empowered women online.
Meghan enjoys speaking to non-technical audiences about how to use technology to make their lives easier, build their business and make meaningful connections. She has presented to groups such as the Minnesota Women in Marketing Communications, Minnesota Direct Marketing Association, Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association, been featured in Redbook and Pink magazines, and appeared on FM107's Lori & Julia show.
She has a passion for Interactive project management, strategy, information architecture and usability analysis.
Her community work includes several years on the Board of Directors for SASE: The Write Place, a volunteer position as the Director of Marketing, PR & Media for the 2002 National Poetry Slam, and work as a Home Helper with the Minnesota AIDS Project.
Meghan is known for her attention to detail, keen understanding of Interactive strategy, her knack for cutting to the chase and getting things done with a smile. Her organizational skills are renowned far and wide. Meghan received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and lives in Golden Valley, MN with her husband Jeremy and their two children, Trixie (3 years) and Theo (6 months).
And yes, she will fix your computer.
Funny when you said about 3 things why you don't follow back people ... I wrote the same thing http://bit.ly/wjLan :)
http://stephaniebaffone.blogspot.com/