Do you have a bio that really touts your talents? Do you have a bio that demonstrates how good you are at what you do? Do you have a Big Head Bio? That means exactly what you think. It is a bio that screams from the page, I am great at what I do!

Recently I submitted a profile, my bio and a pitch letter in an effort to get a company to hire me as a speaker. A colleague saw the bio and said that I had a big head and was full of myself. Was I embarrassed? Actually, I was embarrassed, but not for myself, for her. The way I see it is that if I don't market myself, who will? After our debate, she reread my bio and wholeheartedly agreed. She even asked me to help her create her own personal BIG HEAD BIO. My complete bio is five pages long. I have several abbreviated versions to adapt for any occasion. I'm not suggesting that everyone have a bio like mine, but it is an important part of your repertoire in your diligence for self-promotion.

These 10 reasons should get you going by convincing you that you need to revamp and revitalize your bio. You should have a big head bio that tells everyone how great you are.

1. It's not who you know, but who knows you. If I could impart upon you one key element to success, this would be it. Who knows you? Who do you want to know you? Ask yourself why someone needs to know you. Be prepared to answer that question confidently and succinctly. You need a 60-second soundbyte to accompany your paper profile.

2. It is not good deeds and hard work that get you opportunities. It is visibility. So, what are you doing to improve yours? Your bio should tell it all (or at least get people wanting to know more about you.)

3. Are you an expert in you field? Your bio should say that you are an expert. Lets do a little exercise. Go to GOOGLE and type in your name. Got any hits? Now try your field of expertise or your company product. See any results? That's your assignment. Get Out There!

4. Did you know that employee turnover is in excess of 1% per week? That means that in one year more than 50% of your associates, colleagues, friends or YOU will have to or will willingly change jobs. Are you prepared if it is you? Having your up-to-date bio on stand by is a way to ensure that if it does happen you will be one step ahead of the game. TIP: Where can you post your bio for increased exposure? Your personal website is one place.

5. Open doors with your bio. Opportunity waits for no one. When you have an opportunity presented to you, do something about it. Make the time! Get that bio on the fast track. WMPKG has numerous ways to get your name in the lim

elight. Become a speaker or write an article for our publications. Submit an application for an award or competition @ http://www.womeninpackaging.org/competitions.html. Don't just sit by while your associates are buzzing by to the front of the line.

6. Build your reputation one step at a time. Get your name in the spotlight by submitting, promotions, awards, relocations, etc. See what other high profile colleagues are doing.

7. Consider the places where you might have a chance to tell someone about yourself. In the elevator (Seriously, this is where the name Elevator Pitch came from.) In a business meeting or conference there are always introductions. Through association memberships. There is always a director and there are ways to introduce yourself to the other members. Through interview and article opportunities. Ask for a byline and ensure that you tell what you really do. Do not just supply your title. Networking events. In most cities there is a formalized network that meets for breakfast or lunch to exchange leads. Check them out to see which one suits your needs.

8. Press release utilization. This is a place to strut your stuff. Send out regular press releases to your resource list. Remember serious stuff only. Keep it short and to the point. Watch for more later on how to write a personal press release.

9. Network. Network. Network. Network. Still don't get it? NETWORK!! The more involved you are, the more recognized you become. Networking is your launch pad.

10. Do I know you? If not, why not? Don't you think I should? I can assist you in gaining notoriety just by knowing what you do. I made myself the most well known woman in packaging around the world. 30,000 professionals read my enewsletter each week. I field over a 1,000 inquiries a month. Whose to say one of those callers might not need to know you? If I don't, how can I put them in touch with you?

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