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Don’t Be Philovit

Writing a good bio is really more art than skill. I’m in the middle of refreshing my bios and it’s driving me crazy.

Like most things…one size doesn’t always fit all when it comes to bios. Which is why I have nearly a dozen different ones. The reason I have so many? I find that I have to “tune” my bios to fit a given situation. Kinda like a resume, except in a much more subtle way.

If I’m addressing a group that’s tied to education, I’ll lead with my degree. But if I’m talking to folks from non-profits, I’d lead with my civic and charity work.

If I’m talking to a local group, then I’ll lead with things that are focused on their area. When I spoke in Kentucky and Ohio earlier this year, I mentioned that I was originally from Ohio.

When I speak here in Alabama, I typically don’t mention that. They already know from my accent (or lack thereof) that I’m not originally from the South. No reason to emphasize the fact that I’m the worst kind of Yankee…the kind who came down and never left.

But above all else…

I’m careful to make triple-dog-sure that my bio isn’t the equivalent of a vanity scene. That’s what Running Antelope and I call a sequence in a TV show or movie that exists only to shore up the flagging self-esteem of some insecure celebrity. For example, when some other character remarks how hot their character is. We also call this the Benjamin Bratt clause.

Here are my 5 best tips for avoiding a vanity bio.

1. Use adjectives sparingly. You’re already talking about the wonderous wonderousness that is you. Too many adjectives will push you right over the edge into Obnoxiousville.
2. For that matter, use words sparingly. I’m not advocating Tonto-speak, but a bio should be very tightly written. A single paragraph is the max. Anything more than 4 sentences is off-limits.
3. Be relevant, and specific. Some things, like a Nobel Peace Prize, Pulitzer, etc., are always relevant. Other things, such as Queen of Corn at the 1986 Nebraska State Fair…not so much. But that’s still better than talking about yourself as a straight A student at the institute of higher learning that is Life.
4. Stay timely. Mere mortals like us should list minor accomplishments only from the last few years or so.
5. Use real verbs. This one come straight from the Schoolhouse Rock classic VERB! That’s what’s happening! This really goes for anything and everything that’s written, but even moreso for bios. If you want to give your accomplishments an insane amount of punch, without resorting to an adjective stroke job, use real verbs. That means something other than is after your name every time.

As a bonus, here’s the favorite tip Running Antelope gives to her tech writing students…

1. Avoid the IZE trap. Which means staying away from words with ize in them. Stuff like maximized. She hates that word more than Tim Barrett hates monkeys.  

As a final word of warning, take this example of a bio which violates every sense of decency and decorum imaginable…

Ben Philovit is a remarkably talented, value-driven professional offering over 10 years of business experience. He is constantly evolving, accomplishing and developing his knowledge and expertise within the business world. His track record of success speaks for itself with increased performance through dynamic leadership, strategic planning, process design, technology innovation and change management. Ben is equally adept in capitalizing on interpersonal and technology skills to create a unique blend of innovative solutions and products while pushing the creative envelope.

A personal goal of Ben’s is to bring his high energy, optimistic view of business to groups seeking to learn from a successful entrepreneur. Take your company to new heights—have Ben speak to your organization today.

In other words…

Don’t Be Philovit!

|| posted by chris under business, community, it pro, opinion, travel || || ||