You are probably wondering, why do I need a bio? Well, if you plan on doing any kind of public speaking, or wish to create a great paragraph on social media to describe yourself, you are going to need a bio!
First, you will create a standard paragraph that you can customize for each type of audience. This is much more efficient than re-writing your bio each time. However, be sure to re-visit it regularly to update it, especially if you have included time-sensitive information, such as “I have been in practice for x years.” Having a poorly written or obsolete bio will cause you to lose credibility.
Write 4 versions of your bio, one long, and one short (approximately 100 words). For each, write one in the first person and one in the third. Then, you can simply cut and paste as needed, rather than trying to re-write it at the last minute. For each, add 4 or 5 sentences at the bottom as ideas for further customization, and then just add as necessary.
Don’t try to write the bio in one day. First, give yourself about an hour and answer the following questions:
1. What do you do? (tip: use action words and be creative! Don’t just say “I am a counselor”)
2. What distinguishes your expertise (your unique value)?
3. How long have you been providing this service?
4. How do you accomplish what you do? (i.e. use of special tools, special interventions, creative means of delivery, etc.)
5. Specific achievements (i.e. awards, presenting at local conferences, conducting workshops. writing for magazines or other publications)?
6. What are your formal credentials (licensing information, degree)
7. What are your informal credentials (life experience that contributes to your counseling style or interventions)?
8. What are the top three populations you work with, or issues you address?
9. What contribution does your skill make to your clients or intended audience?
10. To close, include an upcoming event or business milestone (i.e. Celebrating the opening of her second office…)
Then, string them into a paragraph. You may want to rearrange the sentences, and be sure to vary sentence length and format (i.e. don’t start every sentence with your name).
Here is mine:
I empower couples and individuals to overcome personal obstacles to improve their relationships because I have a happy marriage that has been a great comfort to me. Using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions, I have worked with over 150 couples since 2008 in my private practice. I am a regular guest of the Health, Wealth and Wisdom radio show on 1250 WNHZ where I discuss various relationship and sexual topics, and have presented to local counseling professionals on how to address their clients’ sexual issues. I am a licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist, as well as a qualified counselor supervisor in the state of FL. I have a doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, a masters degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, and a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, all from the University of South Florida. Because research shows that unhealthy relationships can cause both emotional and physical stress, whereas healthy relationships can enhance and improve overall well-being, I offer relationship counseling, sex therapy and individual counseling for anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I am proud to announce that I have just been offered the position of Visiting Professor in the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling department.
Tune in next week for more bio writing tips.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
*Source: Limelight Marketing in Tampa FL, (813) 803-3223
