I think we’ve all experienced the soul-crushing angst of trying to write about ourselves, trying to sell ourselves. The last time I did this, I stared at my blank computer screen for days. I simply couldn’t find the right words to share. I went a little crazy going in circles, writing, deleting, and trying again.

Trained as a reporter, I’m skilled at telling other people’s stories. Why couldn’t I tell my own?

It’s simple, really. While some people have no problem being their own hype person, most of us dislike talking ourselves up. So, when we’re tasked with writing a professional bio, we get incredibly uncomfortable. Trotting out our academic accomplishments, career highlights, and years of experience is about as fun as a colonoscopy. That’s why almost every bio reads precisely the same. Absolute snoozeville.

And it’s why I ended up with massive writer’s block, gave up, and hired a colleague. Sure, I still messed with the phrasing and fussed over some words, but I had the heavy lifting done for me.

That was a few years ago, and I’m still flooded with relief whenever I’m asked for my bio. I hand it over without hesitation or trepidation.

Since then, I’ve leaned into helping others with this task, creating bios that tell beautiful stories and turn readers into clients and employers.

Bios shouldn’t be formulaic templates – that’s what resumes are for. Bios should tell your story, engage, and build trust. Why is storytelling so powerful? When people are invested in a good story, their brain physically responds. A good story can trigger the release of cortisol (the stress chemical) or oxytocin (the feel-good chemical). And who wouldn’t want to leave their target audiences – potential clients or employers – with these warm fuzzy feelings?

If you’re staring at the blank page or embarrassed of your LinkedIn profile, please feel free to reach out to me at shannon@blackcoffeestudio.com. From now through the holiday season, I’m focused on supporting individuals to tell their stories. We’ve created some great packages that include styling and photography. We can also create great social and even dating profiles. Let’s polish your online presence!

With gratitude,