Your prospects want one thing and one thing only! They want reassurance that what you say about what you offer is legitimate. Because credibility is so important when it comes to convincing potential clients that you can deliver, it should be considered a key ingredient to your success. Yet conveying credibility through a web site can present a challenge.

Because a great many designers, developers, web masters and business owners in today’s market conduct their business primarily by way of the Internet, in all likelihood they will never come face to face with clients or business contacts. Convincing people of our integrity from a distance definitely presents a more formidable task, but one that can be overcome. How? By giving site visitors the facts!

If your goal as a business owner is primarily focused on helping your clients increase sales, improve efficiency, prevent a crisis or understand why a particular strategy might work for them, you have to do whatever it takes to gain the clients’ trust. To be chosen for their next project, you have to find a way to prove yourself. After all, the more credible your site, the more likely your prospects are to make contact with you.

One great way you can prove yourself and boost project inquiries is through the appropriate online presentation of your skills, experience, and professionalism. One of the best ways is through an online bio. A factual biography can alleviate the lack of connection you have with your clients and increase the integrity of your site. Moreover, a descriptive and authentic presentation of your experience can add valuable credibility to your business. A mistake that some business owners make is adding a resume rather than a bio. A resume should only be used if you’re trying to gain employment. If you operate your own business and are seeking a way to win over clients, a bio is the ideal way to convey your professional experience or your company’s history.

What Is a Bio?

A bio, or biography, acts as a portal into your professional experience or your company’s growth and expansion. It’s a condensed version of your career history designed to give potential clients insight into who you are and what you do. However, while your bio is the short story of your professional life, keep in mind that it should highlight the most important aspects of your experience in a way that successfully demonstrates your credibility. The bio is most appropriate when incorporated into a web site, proposals, business plans, portfolios and press kits. Most often entrepreneurs, artists, writers, designers, web developers, business owners, professionals and consultants use a bio.

What’s In a Bio?

As you prepare your bio, remember its purpose: to make a strong statement that boosts your credibility. So first, think about the types of people that visit your site. What kinds of information do you think a prospect would want to know? What will impress them? As an example, web designing and development have become such competitive fields, you must show prospects why they should choose you over your competitors. Once you’ve identified what a prospect wants, make a list of your relevant experience. Don’t be hesitant to do a bit of boasting, but don’t lie about having done something you haven’t achieved. There’s nothing wrong with presenting yourself dynamically, but never make anything up. It can come back to haunt you.

The First Few Seconds!

The first few seconds of reading your online presentation are the most critical. Since you’re attempting to convince viewers that you have what they want, convey your expertise proudly. Ideally, your presentation should be no longer than a page. Here’s a list of the key points your bio might contain:

1. Open with a reference to your name and business title.

2. Share your business philosophy or mission statement.

3. Illustrate your qualifications and strengths.

4. Explain how you got involved in your particular business.

5. Note how many years of experience you have.

6. Mention some of your goals and successes.

7. Outline the background of your company.

8. Mention your education or any specialized training you’ve had.

9. List any special associations to which you belong.

10. Include licensing if it’s a necessity to your credibility.

11. Describe any awards or special recognition you’ve received.

12. Add quotes from satisfied clients.

13. Identify the thing that sets you apart from everyone else.

The following is a brief BIO for a futuristic home building consultant. This particular bio while all factual has been condensed for the purpose of this article:

Gary Downey, Owner & Founder of Innovative Building, Inc. is well known for providing exceptional consulting and project management expertise when overseeing the building of extraordinary custom homes. Taking great pride in the creation of each new home, Gary Downey strives to give his clients more than expected demonstrated by the heartfelt comments offered by those who use his services. With over two decades of home building expertise to his credit, Gary celebrates a large project management referral base that continues to grow each year. Standing behind every new home built by the team associated with his company, Gary promotes a “hands-on” personal approach that remains throughout all phases of the home building process. Consistently attending futuristic seminars and home trade show events, Gary stays current and aware of the newest building products, codes and home building parameters. By making sure that the latest high tech automation coupled with superior craftsmanship is supplied, his company Innovative Building Inc. sustains a reputation for building exceptional homes of the future.

Should You Get Help?

Writing about oneself can be a daunting task, as it may appear as self-promoting or arrogant. But there is a way to express your skills honestly without appearing arrogant or conceited; tell the truth. When information is conveyed honestly, it never appears as smug. But if you find it difficult to write about yourself, consider having a professional prepare your presentation. It’s often much easier for an outsider to be objective about your experience, as they will probably be able to see you in the best light.

Charlene Rashkow brings 15 years of experience as a Writing Stylist and Author to her creative efforts as a freelance business writer/consultant. She has successfully helped companies and individuals reach their objectives by writing outstanding press releases, bios, articles of interest, business plans, resumes, web site content and all other forms of marketing material. To speak with Charlene you may contact her at http://www.allyourwritingneeds.com or write her at info@allyourwritingneeds.com. You can also call her directly at (310) 514-4844

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