First of all, what is a bio sheet and why do you need one? A bio sheet is a one page description of who you are–your background and achievements. Your bio is an important part of how you present yourself to potential clients. You may include it in your media kit, in proposals to clients, and anywhere you want to establish your credibility and expert reputation.
Here’s where the ego boost comes in: Start by writing down all of your accomplishments. These may include:
* Education
* Experience
* Credentials
* Professional affiliations and memberships
* Leadership positions
* Relevant volunteer work
* Media appearances
* What/where you’ve published
* Speeches and presentations to professional groups, etc.
* Important clients
* A (brief) client testimonial
* Awards
* Relevant family or leisure activities (e.g., travel)
Now, weave these elements into a narrative, being certain to focus on the interests of your audience. Remember, the question on their minds is always, “What’s in this for ME?” Include information that shows how your clients benefit from what you do.
What if you don’t have any awards, or you haven’t published anything? Don’t worry about it. Focus on the positives you have. Likewise, if you are changing fields and don’t have a lot of experience in your new field, look for transferable accomplishments from previous work, or through your life experience.
Once you’ve got all this written down on a single page, even you will be impressed at how good you are! Use your bio sheet every chance you get. I send it out in media kits, include it in proposals to potential clients and sponsors, give it to program chairs when I book a speaking engagement, send it with article proposals, use it on the back of handouts at seminars and speeches, etc.
Remember to keep your bio currentafter all, it is a work in progress, to be continued!
Copyright Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com. Learn how to attract customers and make yourself famous. For more help in creating your own powerful one-page bio sheet, see Cathy’s special report at http://www.idealady.com/biost.htm.
I love tennis both as a spectator and a weekend player. I also believe that effective nonprofit organizations are an essential part of vibrant, engaged communities. As I was watching The Championships - Wimbledon this year, I realized there are lessons from Wimbledon (both from the players and the tournament itself) that can help your nonprofit achieve attention-getting results. What are these lessons?
Have a game plan
Successful players know their own strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. They develop game plans designed to take advantage of their best weapons and to capitalize on opportunities provided by their opponents. Successful nonprofits know their external environment, know what they do well, stay flexible so they can capitalize on opportunities and use strategies based on their strengths.
Don’t play a clay court game on grass
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event played on grass. Grass is a fast, slick surface and the ball bounces in strange ways. Players must be able to adapt their game to compete effectively. The nonprofit environment is constantly changing and effective organizations are able to anticipate and adapt to these changes.
Stand out from the crowd
Grass courts. All white tennis attire. The green backstops and stands. Turn on a televised tennis match and these images let you know immediately that you are watching The Championships-Wimbledon. From the distinctive crossed rackets of the Wimbledon logo to the familiar Wimbledon colors of green and purple, the Wimbledon brand is well-defined. Like it or not, nonprofits must develop an identity and consistently communicate their values and mission.
You can’t play doubles alone
Although not as popular as singles, doubles is an integral part of tennis. Doubles teams are partnerships that take advantage of the strengths of each player. It is not uncommon to see competitors in singles form successful doubles teams. In the nonprofit world, effective partnerships can enhance the ability of each organization to meet community needs and often result in more effective use of each organization’s resources.
Take advantage of rain delays
Wimbledon is famous for its rain delays. These delays often turn out to be opportunities. Time and again I’ve watched players raise the level of their game or successfully use new tactics after unplanned time in the locker room. All of us get caught up in day-to-day activities and feel we can’t take time out. The reality is that taking time away often leads to new ideas and new strategies for advancing your mission.
Consistently applying these strategies will help you achieve attention-getting results. Give it a try and track your progress.
Judith Rothbaum helps talented nonprofit professionals and volunteers use information to build their business and think more boldly about who they are and the changes they create in their communities. Visit www.datafordecisionmaking.com for tips, information and helpful tools.