In today’s hybrid work world, first impressions are often digital. People research you on Google and LinkedIn before meeting you. That makes a video bio essential for all career-minded professionals. Video is the richest form of communications, second only to in-person interactions. Whether you’re pursuing a new job, trying to get in to see a new client, or boosting your online presence, an authentic, engaging video bio is a must.
Craft Your Video Bio
Of course, because first impressions are so important, you want to get it right. Use these techniques to make your video bio a standout personal brand building tool.
Show Your Personality
Exude your unique style. Avoid stiffness and don’t over rehearse. Build an emotional connection with the viewer by letting the real you shine through. Your video should be authentic and differentiating.
Tell Your Story
Don’t make your video bio a long list of credentials and accolades. Demonstrate thought leadership by articulating your perspective and value. And include the human elements of your brand – your values, passions, and purpose. This will allow you to connect with viewers on a deep, emotional level.
Focus On Quality
Invest in one professional-grade video with excellent content, lighting, and audio. Think of your video bio as the most powerful career marketing tool you have. It’s more important than your resume.
Dress Thoughtfully
Reflect your personal style while making sure your clothes are appropriate for the people you seek to impress. Avoid busy patterns that distract on camera. You want the focus to be on you.
Curate Your Background
What surrounds you says something about you. Choose a setting that reinforces your message and avoid these backgrounds. Remember, you are the star of the show.
Keep it Short
Give viewers a potent preview of you in 1-2 minutes. It’s a video introduction, not your life memoir. Make every word count. Attention spcans are waning, so work to keep people interested until the last second.
Invest Wisely
Video production companies can apply all the right resources to help you create something that’s more engaging than something you’d create yourself. Consider online professional services like videoBIO. In our virtual world, this means you don’t have to go a physical studio to create your video.
Publish And Promote Your Video Bio
Once created, maximize the impact of your new career building asset by making your video bio visible to your target audience:
Post it on YouTube
Create a channel on YouTube to showcase your video. Include your name in the title for searchability. You want your video bio to show up on page one of your Google search results (and in Google Video searches). Having your video posted in YouTube will also make it easier to distribute it to other sites.
Feature it on LinkedIn
Upload your video bio to LinkedIn’s profile section called Featured. It’s a large plot of real estate near the top of your profile that was designed to house multimedia.
Showcase it on Your Website
If you have your own website, display your video bio prominently on your homepage or About page to emotionally connect with visitors.
Share it on Social Media
You invested a lot of time and energy into creating your authentic video bio, make it visible in all the right places. Post it on all relevant platforms you use to network and connect with your community.
Video is the most powerful tool we have for expressing our personal brand – next to face-to-face interactions, that is. A video bio is the most engaging tool you have for introducing yourself to others.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and creator of the 360Reach Personal Brand Survey that helps you get candid, meaningful feedback from people who know you.
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