Networking & Career / Online Networking / Lesson 03

LESSON 03 · ONLINE NETWORKING

Write an About Section People Read

Eighteen easy tips to write an About section people read, so your story feels friendly and clear.

Tell your story simply. Make it about them too.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why your About section matters

After your headline, people read this to decide if they want to connect. A warm and clear About section turns viewers into friends.

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Write it.

TIP 2

Start with a strong first line

Many people only read the first two lines. Start with who you help or a short question.

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Write line one.

TIP 3

Write in first person

Say I and my. It feels warm and honest, like a person talking.

TRY THIS
Use I.

TIP 4

Keep paragraphs short

Short paragraphs are easy to read on a phone. Aim for two or three sentences each.

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Break it up.

TIP 5

Share a tiny story

A short story, such as why you chose your career, makes you real and memorable.

TRY THIS
Add a story.

TIP 6

Add one proof point

Mention a result or a kind thing someone said. A small proof builds trust.

TRY THIS
Add proof.

TIP 7

Say what you care about

Share values such as teamwork or learning. People connect over what matters.

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Add a value.

TIP 8

End with an invitation

Finish with, I would love to connect or message me about this topic. A clear invitation helps people act.

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Invite them.

TIP 9

Script: first line

I help small teams feel calm and clear about their work. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: story line

I started in customer support and learned how much kind words can change someone’s day. Say it gently.

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Use it.

TIP 11

Script: closing line

If you enjoy talking about kind leadership, I would love to connect. Say it kindly.

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Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: writing a long essay

Long text is skipped, so keep it under two hundred words.

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Trim it.

TIP 13

Mistake: listing only duties

Lists feel flat, so tell a short story instead.

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Tell a story.

TIP 14

Mistake: using third person

It can sound distant, so write as yourself.

TRY THIS
Use I.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you do not know what to write

Answer three questions: who do I help, how, and why do I care? Then combine the answers.

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Answer three questions.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you feel shy bragging

Share facts and thanks from others. Real facts feel humble.

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Use facts.

TIP 17

Drill: write a draft in ten minutes

Set a timer and write your first draft without editing, then improve it later.

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Write fast.

TIP 18

Drill: read it aloud

Read your About section aloud and fix any sentence that makes you stumble.

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Read aloud.

TIP 19

Start with a problem you solve

People relate to problems they know. Start with the problem and then your help.

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Write a problem.

TIP 20

Use short lines and breaks

Short paragraphs look inviting on phones. Aim for two or three lines.

TRY THIS
Add breaks.

TIP 21

Add your values in plain words

I care about kindness and clear work. Values help people trust you.

TRY THIS
Write values.

TIP 22

Add a call to action

Invite people to message you about a topic. Make the next step clear.

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Add an invite.

TIP 23

Example: the nurse’s about

I help patients feel safe and heard. I have worked in busy wards for eight years.

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Write yours.

TIP 24

Example: the designer’s about

I design simple logos for small shops. I love seeing owners smile when they see their brand.

TRY THIS
Write yours.

TIP 25

Mistake: using a long paragraph of duties

Duty lists bore readers. Tell what changed because of you.

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Tell results.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you have little experience

Share what you are learning, projects you finished and what you hope to build.

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Share growth.

TIP 27

Drill: write three versions of your first line

Write three first lines and choose one.

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Write three.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

START

“Here is a little about me.”

HELP

“I help people with this.”

STORY

“My journey started like this.”

PROOF

“One result I am proud of is this.”

VALUES

“I care about this.”

CLOSE

“I would love to connect.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write the first line

DAY 2
Add who you help

DAY 3
Share a short story

DAY 4
Add proof

DAY 5
Add what you value

DAY 6
End with an invitation

DAY 7
Read aloud

Further reading

• Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.