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Beyond the Profile: What Your Email Signature, Bio, and Business Card Say About You

This issue is presented by:

The Bestselling Personal Branding Book …

​Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer​

I’m an extrovert. 🥳(which I didn’t realize until I was 40)

I love going to events and meeting new people. I prefer big conferences where I’m interested in the topics and I have something in common with the people. But I also like small local events where I get to connect with people in my own community.

There are some events that still feel like “networking” more than building relationships, but I do my best to get through those as well as authentically as I can.

I do have a confession to make.

😵 I STOPPED USING BUSINESS CARDS (until now)

…for a few years because it seemed like such an outdated way to exchange information. And I always felt like those cards mostly ended up in the trash. I’ve leaned more into immediately connecting with someone on LinkedIn or Instagram and them messaging them right after the event to say hello.

But after many years, I just printed out some new business cards. I’m realizing that there are some situations where I’m meeting people too quickly and may need to have cards handy to hand out so I don’t miss a chance to connect. (I still don’t like them, but now I have them)

📷 MY BIO IS A BIG PRIORITY FOR ME

I have spent lots of time curating what my bio says, what pictures are shown, and different ways people access me. I know that after I meet someone, it’s the first thing they’ll see. And if I ever get referred (by a person or search results), it may mean the difference between getting the meeting and not.

I’m constantly finding ways to update my social profile bios, my link in bio, my bio pictures, by pinned posts, and my bio descriptions.

BONUS TIP – When I go to a big event, I make sure my latest posts and bio information are showcasing some of my best work.

📩 MY EMAIL SIGNATURE IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS

I sometimes add a P.S. that talks about my latest work. Or I include a graphic and link to my book or podcast. In my newsletter, I’ll have a longer signature that shares my freebies and resources.

But overall, I could do better at being consistent with my strategy on this.

🤯MY THOUGHT FOR YOU TODAY – the devil is in the details

These tools may seem small, but when executed correctly, they can send a powerful message to your clients, colleagues, and potential partners. Let’s dive into how these seemingly minor details shape your personal brand and offer strategies to make them work for you.

The Hidden Power of Your Email Signature

Your email signature is one of the most underutilized branding tools available, yet it’s something we all use daily. Beyond just offering your name, title, and contact information, your email signature should reflect your brand’s tone, style, and message. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Professionalism and Consistency A well-crafted email signature reinforces professionalism. It provides a consistent and reliable point of contact for recipients, no matter where you’re engaging them—be it in a formal business setting or a casual conversation. Including your company logo, social media links, and website all contribute to a cohesive, polished image.
  2. Branding Beyond the Inbox Consider how your signature can enhance your personal brand by adding value. You can promote your latest blog post, link to an upcoming speaking event, or highlight a recent accomplishment. These subtle nudges allow you to leverage every interaction for ongoing branding. For example, a simple “P.S. Check out my new ebook on personal branding” adds immediate value without being pushy.

Signature Tips:

  • Use a clean, legible font and avoid overloading with too many colors or images.
  • Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) or link to your latest project.
  • Keep the design consistent with your overall brand aesthetic (colors, fonts, logo).

Crafting Your Bio: Telling Your Story in a Few Sentences

Your bio serves as the elevator pitch of your brand—it’s often the first impression potential clients or collaborators will have of you. A strong bio can communicate your expertise, authority, and personal story in a way that resonates with your target audience. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

  1. Brevity is Key Whether it’s for a website, LinkedIn profile, or speaking engagement, your bio should be concise but impactful. Aim for 3-4 sentences that highlight your professional background, key achievements, and your unique value proposition. This is not the place for exhaustive lists of qualifications; focus on the most important aspects that will connect with your audience.
  2. Show Personality A bio is more than just a list of qualifications—it’s a chance to showcase who you are as a person. Infuse a bit of personality into your writing to make it relatable and memorable. Share what drives you, what makes your approach unique, or what inspires your work.
  3. Tailor for the Audience Different contexts require different versions of your bio. For example, if you’re speaking at a corporate event, your bio should emphasize your professional expertise and authority. On the other hand, a bio for a creative or entrepreneurial audience may focus more on your passion for innovation or your personal journey.

Bio Tips:

  • Start with a compelling hook (e.g., “A corporate executive turned personal branding coach”).
  • Include specific achievements that relate to your audience’s interests or needs.
  • Highlight personal interests or values that help humanize your brand (e.g., “When I’m not coaching clients, I’m volunteering with youth mentorship programs”).

The Timelessness of the Business Card: Analog Meets Digital

In an increasingly digital world, business cards may seem like a relic of the past, but they remain one of the most effective tools for face-to-face networking. A well-designed card not only communicates your contact details but also your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s why the business card is still an essential component of your personal brand:

  1. Physical Touchpoint with a Lasting Impression A well-designed business card provides a physical reminder of your brand. Whether handed over in a networking event or included with a thank-you note, it serves as a tangible touchpoint that can make you stand out in a sea of digital noise. The texture, color, and feel of the card all add to the overall perception of your brand.
  2. Showcase Your Unique Style While the content of your business card is important (name, title, contact info), the design speaks volumes about your personal style and the type of service you provide. If you’re in a creative field, your card might be bold and artistic; if you’re in a corporate consulting role, your design might be sleek and minimalist. A business card that aligns with your brand identity can establish trust and credibility.
  3. A Gateway to Digital Presence Modern business cards can bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Consider adding QR codes that link to your website, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio. This allows the recipient to seamlessly move from the physical interaction to a deeper engagement with your digital brand presence.

Business Card Tips:

  • Keep it simple—don’t overcrowd the design with too much information.
  • Ensure readability by using legible fonts and appropriate contrast.
  • Make sure your design aligns with your overall brand message (colors, typography, logo).
  • Consider adding a QR code that links directly to your professional site or portfolio.

Small Details, Big Impact

Your email signature, bio, and business card might seem like minor elements of your personal brand, but when you start paying attention to these details, you’ll find that they speak volumes. These tools are the unsung heroes of your personal branding strategy—they offer opportunities to reinforce your professionalism, showcase your personality, and extend your brand beyond social media profiles.

By crafting each of these elements thoughtfully, you ensure that every interaction with potential clients, collaborators, or speaking opportunities reflects a consistent and powerful image. Your brand isn’t just what you say; it’s how you show up in all the small, everyday details.

😝Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions you’d like answered? Email me at brandon@brandsonbrands.com and let me know!

Talk soon,

Brandon Birkmeyer

Personal Branding Coach, Bestselling author of Front & Center Leadership​