If you are completely lost in how to write a social media bio, an about page or just to introduce yourself to someone new: I have a little assignment for you to get to your perfect elevator pitch. It’s not my own masterpiece, but from the American author Alexandra Franzen. It only takes 30 – 45 minutes, and I’m sure you will come up with the right pitch! You can use this for your bio. So here it goes:
When somebody says to me, “So, what do you do?”. I usually say something like this:
Hey! I’m Alex.
I’m a writing teacher for grown-ups — mostly artists + entrepreneurs — and I show people how to write with speed + simplicity.
Ultimately, all of my work is about helping you get to the point + get what you want.
Because brevity is sexy. And being understood is a beautiful thing.
If you take a closer look, you’ll see that my introduction has a very simple structure.
1. I say WHAT I do:
I’m a writing teacher for grown-ups — mostly artists + entrepreneurs — and I show people how to write with speed + simplicity.
2. I say what my work is REALLY about, when you get right down to it:
Ultimately, all of my work is about helping you get to the point + get what you want.
3. I say WHY I do it:
Because brevity is sexy. And being understood is a beautiful thing. If I was really pressed for time, I could tighten up my introduction even more.
Or faster like this:
I’m a writing teacher for artists + entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, all of my work is about helping you get to the point + get what you want.
Because being understood is a beautiful thing.
Same three-part structure. What I do. What I really do. Why I do it.
If I was insanely pressed for time, I could say:
I’m a writing teacher, and ultimately, all of my work is about helping you get to the point + get what you want.
Similar structure. Just a little more stripped down.
Simple as that.
And now, it’s your turn!
Tell them what you do. Keep it simple.
Try one of these options:
I’m a _______________.
I’m a _______________ and a _______________.
I make _______________.
I teach people how to _______________.
I show people how to _______________.
I run a company called _______________.
For the past several years, I worked as a _______________. But recently, I made a big shift. These days, I’m doing _______________.
I’m in between “official job titles” right now. But what I love most in the world is _______________.
Tell them what you REALLY do.
Keep it much, much simpler than you think you ought to.
Pretend that you’re speaking to a little kid.
Try one of these options:
But really? My work is all about _______________.
Ultimately, all of my work is about _______________.
At the end of the day, what I REALLY offer people is _______________.
But secretly? It’s all about _______________.
But honestly? I just give people permission to _______________.
Sometimes, my work looks like _______________. Other times, it looks like _______________. Ultimately, it’s all about _______________.
People usually come to me for _______________. But what they REALLY walk away with is actually _______________.
Tell them WHY you do what you do.
Or, if you’ve already covered that part, just ask a question to spark a back-and-forth conversation.
Try one of these options:
Because _______________ is a beautiful thing.
Because when people know how to _______________, it’s better for everyone on the planet.
Because when people have the tools they need to _______________, communities thrive.
Because _______________ doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’m here to prove it.
So, tell me. What’s YOUR favorite way to _______________?
So, tell me. What’s ONE _______________ that’s constantly driving you crazy?
So, tell me. What is the BEST part of your _______________?
Let’s pull all three parts of your introduction together.
PART ONE:
Tell them what you do. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
PART TWO:
Tell them what you REALLY do. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
PART THREE:
Tell them WHY you do what you do. (Or, ask a question!) ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
ALL TOGETHER, NOW!
All in one phrase, please. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
Say it out loud, three times — in a big, confident voice.
Feeling too wordy? Too complicated? Try to strip it down even more.
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
… better? Excellent. 🙂 That’s it!
