Creating the Perfect Profile or "About Me" Page

[Continued from last week...]

To ensure that you write the best “About Me” or profile page, follow these guidelines:

- Briefly describe your education and relevant experience. This section shouldn’t reiterate the specifics of your resume, but should highlight the projects, jobs and coursework that pertain to the work, clients, or customers that you seek.

- Devote a small portion of your text to who you are outside of your career. Are you a parent, volunteer, community leader, wine connoisseur or weekend hobbyist? Do you fish, scrapbook, or collect first edition books? It is important to include items of interest that will show to your reader that you are relatable and approachable.

- Add a picture of yourself, preferably close-range. Avoid pictures that have distracting backgrounds, large groups of people, or are not in focus.

- List items that set you apart from your competitors. Do you have special qualifications, certifications or affiliations that will enhance a client’s work? Have you landed an easily recognizable client like Microsoft, Starbucks or Google?

- Be consistent with tense and person terminology throughout your paragraph. I like using present tense where appropriate (e.g., Virtually Yourz offers writing, editing and marketing services to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the United States.) I also prefer using third person (Virtually Yourz instead of I or we)

While the “About Me” page of your website is intended to be personal in nature, maintain your professionalism. Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and complete sentences throughout to prevent the section from becoming too casual.

Above all, keep in mind that this section should be about YOU, and it may be your only opportunity to impress the reader with the person that they will hire, so use it wisely.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Choosing the Right Advertising Venue

Yesterday I met with an advertising rep for a local biweekly newspaper. I was interested in her rates, demographics, etc. for some local clients who might find her market appealing. She reminded me of a few key points when advertising:

- Choose relevant publications based on your audience. If you are a retail business, advertising in a local newspaper makes sense. If you are advertising to businesses, however, a publication targeted to businesses is a better choice.

- Consistency is key. Getting your message out there once a month or once every six months is not enough. You must regularly get your message in front of your target customer for them to remember who you are and what you have to offer. They might not need you now, but if you are top of mind, they'll remember you at the right time.

- Rates are often based on frequency. You get a better deal on your rates when you run more than one ad. Ad packages are designed to reward you for frequency and to ensure you get the best results because you're being consistent.

- Many publications will create your ad for free. Take advantage of this opportunity to have an expert design your ad for you. It's included in the price, so you might as well get the biggest bang for your buck.

- Ask about special packages. Some publications will offer special deals to certain businesses - restaurants, for example - that they want to encourage to advertise with them.

Virtually Yourz,

Dana