I’ve been trying to find a way to allow AC community members to introduce themselves to one-another without the typical, “Hi, I’m Bob, I live in Manhattan, I like puppies and rural lightning strikes…”, etc. I came up with the idea of the “7 Word Bio.” (I realize that this may not be entirely original, I don’t know.) Anyway, I’d encourage all of us to engage in this. I think this is a good exercise on a few fronts:
1. It helps us all gain clarity to what we’re REALLY trying to do rather than just giving the factual scoop.
2. It helps us communicate to others what we’re passionate about (process) rather than just fixating on the end result (product).
So, here’s my 7 Word Bio:
“An arms dealer for the creative revolution.”
What is yours? (Rough drafts are fine…)
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That reminds me of ecademy. Their site asks you to describe yourself in a sequence of keywords, though a lot more than seven. It’s a sobering exercise. So is your seven-word bio.
I build relationships, solve problems & have fun
I divide my time between supporting philanthropic projects and herding the cats that create the income to support the aforementioned projects. Oddly, in both cases the “bio” is the same:
“Turning your terrain into a usable map.”
One that I thought of, that just sounds correct in an AC kind of way: “Being authentic to purpose.”
“Inspiring connections to heritage values through new media”
I know, I know, that’s eight words, but I’ve been using it for a year now.
That’s cool, Jeff. Just prepare to trim one out when we launch the new site. :)
I make television for screens large and small.
@chrismingryan
Helping others build strong, growing businesses.
Firmly decisive, no wait a second.
Or
Big ideas from a tall fat guy
I was on a call, the start of 42 days of Passionate Presence (see http://www.beingbootcamp.com) The question of bios on the NING discussion page in the networking group set up and I mentioned just having read this post. I was invited to post on the forums there. I gave this link, a few of the bios posted here and continued –
Great first call. Per my comment, the 7 Word Bio was introduced by Todd on his blog, THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE – http://accidental.wpengine.com/random-thoughts/7-word-bioOne he is considering is:“Freeing myself and others to be brilliant.” (I absolutely love yours, Todd)”Others in comments include:and I listed those in the comments above. I went on to say:
OK. Them’s theirs – I’ll play with the first:Wait -I’m getting stuck hereCounting words not syllablesHaiku in the wayOK… just start typing and they’ll show up as words on a page, not syllables on my fingers!For me, Sheila, 7 word bio, in the works:”Inspiring worlds making a difference through photography””Expanding vision discovering yourself photography as access”
Thanks for this great opportunity to expand/shrink (in words) thinking.
Appreciatively,
Sheila
I spent a good couple days on my off time during Christmas trying to hammer mine out. Great topic, Todd. I fleshed it out on the plane last night. So far I’ve settled on:
To excel still more in bold pursuit.*
*Subject to change/vary.
I love these, all. Keep them coming!
Always dreaming of how to add value.
“Applying self knowledge tools to unleash creativity” – wowee – that was my 20 second attempt – ENFP’s like me are not known for their brevity when it come to what matters most to us. I will now go and ponder attempt #2 – something with sizzle.
Observing society and letting society observe herself.
How hard is this? I like word challenges with the best of them and this one has seen me wandering around muttering to myself like a mad-woman whilst I try and distill my 7 word bio. No more! For now it’s ‘facilitating creative thinking to achieve outstanding results‘
How about:
“Helping turn great ideas into great businesses”
– Steve Livingston
My seven-word bio: I help clients solve problems creatively.
Collaborative communicator committed to creating remarkable results
Updated bio – helping businesses overcome challenges and deliver results
or maybe it should be helping businesses meet challenges and deliver results (thinking aloud as I write)
Love the idea of the 7 word bio:
Bringing insight, creativity and intelligence to everything.
My seven word bio just poured out and then I spent a week adjusting one word.
A great ‘ clarrifying ‘ challenge for everyone so here is mine –
Building Bridges between People while Designing Success
I’m changing the way the church does church.
And no that’s not 8 words…it’s actually 6 but I have utilized 2 words twice…brilliant, I know.
Making art from fun, life and simplicity.
Leading others with excellence by leading myself.
Wandering borders between space, art and experience
Disappointing thousands through coffee-driven wearable humor!
I get paid to make things pretty”
I get paid to make things pretty”
I get paid to make things pretty”
I am passionate about everyting photography.
ANEW life, We help make it happen
Holistic development for the working actor
Helping others to happily live with less.
always ask what if; then apply progress
Slowly making the world a better place
revolutionizing brands; from vanilla to rockstar! (the “!” is my seventh)
old school new media. hey, nice shoes
Seeking the work I have to do.
How about 7 words or less? My 6-word bio: “Making the grace of Jesus unavoidable”
I strive to make us less corporate.
here’s mine
“avoiding failure by failing at false success”
I admit to spending little time on my 7 word bio:
international poetics in painterly mixed media
Is this exercise for all member? or just site administrators? I enjoyed writing a 7 word bio and will probably write more of them in future. My real Bio line for publication begins:
…lives and works from a remote location …
I like that one too as my 7 words
‘a wandering generalist but aspiring magnificent specialist’ cheers Seth
I love this idea. Here is what i do in 7 words:
Creating joyfully, designs using love and laughter.
I am loving these bios, all. Thanks for playing.
Funny crazy artistic inspirational woman with pizazz
Educating myself and others through engaging design
“Do you have those in black?”
“Living a life of salt and light.”
avid student of the Art of life
“Constant drawing in the pursuit of laughter.”
“Making millions of people happy.” Stolen from Kermit the Frog, “The Muppet Movie,” but I am always thinking about it.
I’m Tony and I make stuff stink
My 7-word bio: Save Your Kleros Save The World catalyst.
Help others see the ordinary as extraordinary
“Express beauty to realize world harmony.”
I explore the connections across many domains.
Great exorcise…
– I enjoy painting memories with light.
– Capture the moment, enjoy it for life
– Time flies, so I freeze it
“Using Paint to capture amusing social interaction”
GREAT idea! Currently working on updating the resume/book. This is an amazing exercise. The first cut… “Passionately focused to inspire excellence through creativity.”
I have just forwarded this to a few colleagues. Good article.
A storytelling approach to life and work
Definitely struggled to squeeze it into seven words….”Find me where technology, community and education collide.”
I’m a student ministry pastor who highly values creativity, so this was a unique challenge for me. I came up with three seven word bios (whose forces combined make one super 21 word bio!). Enjoy:
“Helping students discover their identity, belonging, + mission.”
“Collaborating for the restoration of all things.”
“Collaborating to capture ideas + connect the dots.”
The Tooth Fairy Journal site is under construction…..
However, my 7 words:
“Creating traditions and memories from everyday experiences.”
okay … here’s my first shot at this …
Finding the story – whether known or hidden.
That’s all I’ve got tonight. I’ll work on it some more at a later date.
A better way just around the corner
Experimenting and having fun, exploring global thoughts…
This is not really so much a Bio as it is a missions statement; “Living life with grace, purpose, and passion!”
Imaginatively blending structural elements into the land.
I surprisingly came up with a few and love the fact that I was forced to keep it simple and short. Terrah Kocher
7 word bio(s)
Eagerly Learning, Teaching and Growing in Everything.
Lighting the world through creativity and passion.
(affirmation, credence, passion, eagerness, anticipation, hope)
Actualizing ideas through creative innovation and execution
Always thriving in gratitude, creativity, and change…
Hey Todd, thanks for speaking at WEMUP last week. Took me a bit but here are my 7 word bios
Venturepax.com
The gateway to outdoor experiences for families
Self:
Refresh lives by producing juicy spiritual fruit.
Seven? Luxurious! When my firm decided to figure out what our mission was, we kept it to three. As designers of science centers and children’s museums, we wanted something that reflected what we do for both our clients and their end-users–the visitors who come to those museums and, we hope, leave inspired about something they didn’t know they loved.
“We make enthusiasts.”
Love it Sharon! Reminds me of the Antoine De Saint-Exupery quote: “A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Changing the world with big ideas.
That’s 6, if anyone is counting.
Sharing my life stories, hoping you relate.
“Get to the creative CHOPPA!”
I’m Blaine, I make things about hope.
Igniting people to thrive in their purpose.
Empowered to Educate on Whole Life Prosperity
Mission statement in 7 words! “Changing Lives One Card at a Time!”
Creatively solving problems for others/my benefit
Todd, I love the newer iteration of your 7-word bio.
Here’s mine:
Marriage counselor for agencies and their clients.
“Creatively influencing non-profit communities with cultural insights.” This is my rough draft. I work with CultureWaves a division of Noble World Communications. We are part of a “large shop” ad agency and do behavioral studies that allow us to go deeper then surveys and focus groups and bring real-time evidence to customers allowing them to “Be First Faster!”
exploding creatively thanks to grandfather big bang
I am my own kind of man
“Creating a plan that makes life great”
Editor of stories and sentences.
I already chimed in with once before, but I’ve been chewing on this challenge continually. The latest edition; “Empowering and inspiring others to urgent living”
“I like to illustrate and animate things”
Attempting the difficult while obtaining the impossible.
Fantastic idea, and here’s mine.
An Architect of “Wow!” creating economic fortresses
Dean Jackson Helps Realtors Make More Money!
i know i am late to this, but i quite much enjoy this question and have approached it before. with no further adieu:
“a wounded healer and generous thief, amen?”
Creative Mind/Body/Spirit Tweaker/Teacher & Humorist
(I’m a nurse)
7 Word Bio:
Needs Bleed, Feed With Speed, My Creed.
7 Word Bio:
“Needs Bleed, Feed With Speed, My Creed”
Enabling children to design their successful futures.
Ensuring Children A Successful Future They Design.
Overcomer of obstacles illuminating joy and creativity!
SAVE THE WORLD- THEN SAVE YOUR SOUL.
Here are 3 choices that are related.
“Father- into your hands I commend myself”
” My Jesus, I abandon myself to you”
“Give me the grace to die in your love”
…embrace life capture it with visual storytelling.
Selfless creative leader engaged in your success.
Create ballrooms for the soul with forgiveness
“bringing color to an otherwise gray world”
Writing in a trailer with three dogs.
No, I don’t put ink on their paws!
@kellikozak:disqus
“I am a visual and verbal storyteller.” or: “I tell stories with pictures and words.”
I like simplicity. We can assume that you get results, that you are outstanding, that you are the best. Most adjectives are filler words, anyways. What I prefer knowing is what you “do,” as cleanly and simply as possible. :: my two cents ::
Alive olde man creatively mentoring the future.
Creating my own success by helping others.
I just finished your book and being in a family business for 20+ years I am working to create my own “niche” and your book does help to sort out my guilt and brain matter to FOCUS. Thank you!
“Expressing my minds eye through images/books.”
sandra mcpeake
Fantastic, San!
Pontificating ideas as the Pope of Pixels
Putting good books in kids’ hands everyday.
“I cultivate blissful creativity for everyday living!”
Matchmaking people with careers, houses, friends, and information
Passionately making a difference in my community
Have fun, do great things, create impact.
“Making music for he dance floor’s flow”
leader of artists telling gripping transcendent stories
Five children after diagnosed infertility… chaotic joy.
I love your book video. What program did you use to make this?
Susan, it was created by Epipheo Studios. (Epipheostudios.com)
Was never young. Won’t be old. Timeless.
There are two words in Greek for time: chronos (quantitative minutes) and kairos (qualitative moments). I started Kairos Partnerships as a way to connect with leaders and pastors when they are in the cusp of significant transition or seasons of growth.
My seven: Partnering with leaders in ‘kairos’ life moments.
J.R. Briggs
Kairos Partnerships
I empower artists to live their calling.
I promote learning and encourage others’ creativity
What if it’s less than 7 words?
I coordinate community to sustain creative culture. (7 words!)
Much mo’ better:
A human ecologist of independent community culture.
Saucy Launcher, Inspiring Irresistibly & Insane Growth
This is fab, Todd!
1. a possibility promoter implementing insights and change 2. a velvet hammer voice for your commitments 3. a disruptor of normal, promoter of possibility 4. turning potential into results for everyone’s benefit
Painstaking workplace democracy driven by dynamic reporting
Building bridges by shattering policies that marginalize
Make hope tangible so people will thrive! a2zhope.com
My 7 words: Helping leaders tackle wicked problems &
social complexity
Love it, Rick.
With me, your great ideas become reality.
Serving a call to empower and equip.
A creative, offensive lineman helping brands advance.
Develop outer beauty to reveal inner magic
A creator of amazing life long memories
Color in a black and white image.
Writer of meaningful, Biblical children’s stories.
I’m listening to the audio book currently, and am going to buy the actual book to go back and highlight many of the nuggets I heard in the audio version.
I make hearts smile with great storytelling.
Provide a toolkit for the creative practitioner