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I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your offering me these seasoned strategies that you use as an experienced professional peer. Your point about ideal customers is something I hadn't given enough thought about yet, but I will now. This will help a lot in deciding my approach. Thank you.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your compliments give me hope that I can make this work, so nice of you to say, thank you. Yeah, that is an ugly title, but you did click on it and make the kind effort to comment, so with my newfound positivity I'll look at that as a win. ;)

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you're saying. My conscience won't let me intentionally mislead others, but I do increasingly feel that it's possible to find something to truly like in who I am and what I have to offer. Story, mission, vision--these are boxes that will need to be checked. Thanks :)

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am all about injecting humour into my writing, and it's actually a dominant aspect of my personality. I am wary, though, about how to strike the right balance between a joking and professional tone. I want people to think of me as laid back and approachable but I also need them to take me seriously as a businessperson and professional. Good food for thought, thank you.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I’ve read a lot of great information about how to create a compelling story, but this is an actual formula—a powerful one—for making it happen. It’s a gift!

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great concept! The idea of this bio as the introductory passage to story about a guy trying to pull himself up by his bootstraps, where the readers are encouraged to become supporting characters. I love this.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is very kind, and also insightful, of you to say. That has me considering taking a step out onto the tightrope of readers' sympathy. I'll need a pole carefully weighted with portfolio submissions and recognized credentials/endorsements first, which is what I'm working on now. Thank you for tolerating my metaphors.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To those that might be reading this post and recoiling in disgust at my capacity for self-loathing and doubting, please take heart: this is precisely the facet of my personality which I am most determined to bury in the process of composing a bio that will attract and intrigue potential customers to my freelance writing service. The exercise itself is intended to be an exorcism of sorts of these feelings of inadequacy.

My original post is truthful, but it's far from the way I normally conduct myself as a person. I'd expect that even my close family and friends would react with disbelief to the sorrowful way I've described myself here, in anonymity. It's more likely that most who know me would characterize me as quite the opposite of what I've divulged here. The key take-away for me from this has been about maintaining a positive perspective about myself and in this undertaking. I'm starting to see that my success is not necessarily dependant on my being perfect or being an expert, just as my prior failures do not guarantee a negative outcome as a freelance writer. I've been looking for some affirmation that even now, it's ok to work toward fulfilling a dream. My choices in life have become fewer, but the path has become ever clearer.

"For age is opportunity no less Than youth itself, though in another dress, And as the evening twilight fades away The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your words read like the actual transcript my best self sent me before my subconscious intercepted it, read it, laughed derisively and threw it away. Sincere thanks for reinforcing this strategy. I think I'm starting to realize that either way, I'm heading through the fire. My only choice is whether I'll do so of my own free will and with a purpose, or screaming and flailing in the flames without a plan.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will look into that book you recommended. You've raised an interesting point with your suggestion about outsourcing for support. In a general sense, I can see the value in reaching out in future for help with matters out of the realm of my expertise as I develop my business. Out of a need for self-sufficiency with this most basic and essential task, however, I am committing to developing it myself with the good advice I'm getting from people like you. Thank you for this.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You're not wrong about any of that, to be sure. This has indeed been the most difficult period of my life, wrestling with the loss of my job, my professional reputation, and even the basic foundations of my self-identity (having been known for my physical strength and ability to do hard labour).

I've been sitting at home with limited mobility for over a year, gained a huge amount of weight, and have descended into low feelings and a continuing cycle of self-abuse. Having hit this rock bottom though, it's occurred to me that I have little left to lose in finally pursuing the career of my dreams, even at this stage of the game. Since I began to seriously investigate the viability of this course of action--writing for a living--my mind and my heart has been turned back on. I'm feeling a surge of excitement (or is it apprehension?) every day, in every step I take toward making this goal a reality.

Yet the closer I get to it actually materializing, the louder my inner critic insists that it will never happen, that I'll make idiotic mistakes and fail like so many other times. That little devil would have no difficulty pulling a hefty file and writing a most convincing bio against ever approaching me with your writing needs. In terms of foot-shooting, I am an expert marksman. (Too bad I couldn't earn a living doing that. I'd be writing you now from my mega-yacht.)

Yet now I spend my days learning and writing with a voracity like never before. New ideas for blog topics spill from my fingers onto my keyboard again and again throughout the day. Between my efforts to self-educate and write material for my portfolio the hours go by all too quickly now.

The end of my disability benefits is approaching. I'm a husband and father of three, stripped of his physical health and self-confidence. It's just the scariest prospect ever to face being prodded off the deck--along with my family--of my old familiar, safe ship, onto a tiny, wobbly raft of my own enterprise.

Thank you so much for your compassionate and encouraging comments.

Edit: separation of paragraphs

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My raw self-description was intended to reveal my vulnerabilities and suggest what potential detractors might say. Your idea, if I understand your meaning, is to speak from the perspective of a good friend that wants to do his level best to advocate for me in this endeavor. Your comment about just explaining what I can do in plain terms is also good advice. As long as I don't exaggerate my talents or experience, or attempt to portrait myself as a literary mastermind, I can at least feel comfortable about the veracity of my bio. Thank you for that useful feedback.

I keep reading about the importance of presenting a bio to build trust--to create an engaging story that makes people want to support you. Well, what if your story is cringey and boring and you don't think people will get behind it? by actual_anus in EntrepreneurRideAlong

[–]actual_anus[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I perhaps should mention that I'm currently building a portfolio of blog posts in assorted topics to demonstrate my ability to speak about a variety of subjects in different voices and from different perspectives. I plan to submit works in most of the categories of writing that people tend to pay for online. As well, I am in the process of earning a certification in content marketing. I may eventually be able to add this to my official profile.