You’re Unique, You Don’t SAY in your bio

You’re Unique, You Don’t SAY in your bio

I can prove you are unique, it’s easy. I do fingerprinting. And while the statistic is that two people in six billion might classify the same; their fingerprints will be unique. There are some practical limitations to classifying fingerprints. So where am I going with this? My whimsical first thought was to have management modify the notes section to allow uploading a fingerprint image. Then, at last, the vast majority of member notes would have something truly unique.

First, I’m going to discuss the problem; somewhat briefly. Take about fifteen minutes; randomly roam around the country. Read a dozen or so notes sections. Soon you might come to the conclusion that they were written by the same person. Tired platitudes ring hollow, “reliable, dependable, responsible, friendly, professional”; the list is long and repetitions abound. Now picture yourself on the other side. You are reading the notes sections trying to decide who to call. After reading a few you can’t differentiate the notes of Sally from the notes of Fred.

The problem is that the writers are using the terms and accolades that should be in their reviews, as written by their clients. They are not talking about themselves, what they are doing is self praise; not self description. As example: “I do perfect signings”. The writer took “Chin did a perfect signing” and, with just a variation of author; made a (hoped for) client comment into self praise. Chin has to earn that comment, not bestow it upon himself.

So, if we are going to drop the BS, what should we write about? It’s as plain as that unique nose on your face! Write, in your notes section about yourself, and what makes you unique. It’s trite and overused to say “I’m dependable”; but there is a way to convey that image; and that’s what rings the bell. “I was raised in a military family with a rich heritage of responsibility and honor”. “My parents insisted I do my personal best in everything I do”. You’re not going find that unique self description often.

Sure, you can give the statistics, accomplishments and such; but what will stick in their mind is a true person to person reflection upon yourself. Some of you are probably horrified at the thought of letting your “shields” down. Well, it’s not a no holds barred question and answer session. You are totally in control of your notes section and can write, within reason; whatever you want. Your best shot at standing out from the crowd is to make a positive, lasting, impression. “You will know I have arrived by the immaculate and highly shined car in front of your house”; I’m sure you can do better; but it does present you as being meticulous, without using that word specifically.

Your uniqueness goes beyond your fingertips. You need to add a bit of you to your notes. The more you and the less “worn out phrases” the better. “When I bought my house the process was terrifying; I relate to the borrowers having been there”. Sure, it’s still selling; but, it’s not just stringing along a bunch of terms and high self adoration. Your background, experiences, upbringing, ethics and a whole lot more – define you. The artful part is blending some you with some what you can do, have done; and are genuinely good at. It does not hurt to mention that you enjoy it too. Take the time to really communicate with, not just to, your reader. For many reasons the site does not use pictures; which only show the superficial anyway. It is only with your words, open and honest; that you can project your uniqueness and that you are the one for the job.