Sharing your personal story in the "About" section on LinkedIn can significantly impact how others perceive you professionally.

“Storytelling is the way knowledge and understanding have been passed down for millennia, since long before the invention of written language. Storytelling is part of what it is to be human. And the best stories share our values and beliefs. Those stories are powerful. Those stories inspire. Those stories are both the source of our WHY and the fuel that keeps our WHY alive. That’s the reason companies that understand the importance of living their WHY make it easy for their teams to fortify themselves with stories.” ― Simon Sinek

Here's why it's important:

1. Connects on a Human Level: Your personal story humanizes you. It allows others to relate to your journey, struggles, and successes. People connect more deeply when they understand the person behind the professional achievements.

2. Builds Trust and Credibility: Sharing your experiences, challenges, and how you overcame them demonstrates resilience and authenticity. It shows that you're not just a list of skills but a real person with a valuable journey, making you more trustworthy and credible in the eyes of your connections.

3. Differentiates You: In a sea of professional profiles listing achievements and skills, a personal story stands out. It distinguishes you from others in your field and can make you more memorable to potential employers, collaborators, or clients.

4. Engages Your Audience: Storytelling captures attention. When your "About" section tells a compelling story, it keeps the reader engaged, increasing the chances they'll explore more of your profile or reach out to connect.

5. Showcases Your Values and Motivations: Sharing your story allows you to highlight the values that drive you professionally. Whether it's a passion for innovation, a commitment to helping others, or a dedication to a cause, your story can illustrate these motivations.

6. Encourages Networking and Relationships: A personal story often resonates with others who have had similar experiences. This common ground can facilitate stronger connections, leading to valuable networking opportunities or collaborations.

1. EXAMPLE:

I am Driven, by Shannon Casey

6 years ago I held a position to which my primary role was finding deficiencies in medical care provided to patients and improving processes. During this job I encounterd an issue. Our measurements were at a bare minimum for the care provided to the pediatrics clinic. Our physicians were reported to be meeting only 20% of a requirement. I was told it was hopeless to improve this number by members of the uper echelon. The physicians were frustrated because they swore they were working the problem from every angle. I told my boss to hold my root beer float because its going to get interesting.

I left no stone unturned; I talked to every person who had their hands on patient care; from the schedulers to the medical assistants to the check out desk staff. I reviewed over 200 hundred charts and confirmed what the physicians were saying. Every patient they had seen in the months prior had care provided to the standard required.

I talked to he program developers who designed the software from which the metric was provided. The problem was found and the percentage soared when the software developers fixed it. Up 50% in one month.

In this position I discovered fine details are my jam. I can find a needle in a haystack. Discovering the history, pathway to the outcome and steps taken to get there is where I thrive.

2. EXAMPLE:

Maybe you can relate to my story! I NEEDED TO BECOME A NURSE! By Lisa Campbell

Maybe you can relate to my story! My professional journey commenced at 18 as a police dispatcher, where the veil over the real world lifted. Training at the law enforcement center introduced me to emergency medical dispatching. Soon after, a 911 call from a distressed boy seeking help for his non-breathing baby brother changed my path. Guiding him through CPR over the phone crystallized my calling: I NEEDED TO BECOME A NURSE!

After earning my LPN, I delved into long-term care, nurturing patience and compassion in an Alzheimer's unit. Transitioning to a primary care office, fostering relationships with our community's patients became my joy. The passion to do more for my patients ignited a thirst for knowledge. Pursuing RN school, I graduated at 45, feeling that my varied experiences sculpted the empathetic nurse I am today. My life's passion revolves around aiding and nurturing other

3. EXAMPLE: As you grow older, you will discover the reason you have two hands! by, Gayle Monroe

At twenty years old, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Everything seemed perfect, but the reality was far from it. Within 48 hours, my daughter was being transferred to a nearby children’s hospital. By the end of the week, we had a diagnosis- Cystic Fibrosis. And so began our medical journey. For the next 11 years, the hospital would become our second home. We were inseparable, fighting this disease together and living life to the fullest in between. It was through caring for my daughter that I found my calling as a nurse. Like most new parents, I thought I was there to teach my daughter, but instead, I found the opposite to be true. Through her eyes, I learned what it meant to love wholeheartedly while embracing every moment of life. Even in the face of affliction, she stood joyful, embodying perseverance, strength, and determination. It was during these early years that I obtained my nursing degree, having found my life’s direction, and it was all thanks to my daughter, Alexis. My daughter is now only with me in spirit, but the life lessons she taught me live on in my work. The beauty of nursing is that my unique journey continues to lend authenticity to my practice. Due to overcoming adversity in my own life, I find a deep purpose in extending patient-centered care, with an emphasis on kindness, compassion, and empathy. Zest, drive, and tenacity define my approach to life. Over the years, I have served my profession in different capacities, including administration, clinical instruction, leadership, and management. I have met many amazing people along the way. I have had the honor of helping most to heal and the great privilege of being present for those who passed. As I move forward with the next chapter in my nursing career, I am ready to return to administrative work, focusing on remote opportunities that provide flexibility, autonomy, and a positive work/life balance. One in which I can use my extensive leadership skills and clinical knowledge to benefit the healthcare team and the healthcare organization in which I serve. I am excited to meet new goals, take on new challenges, and embrace new possibilities.“As you grow older, you will discover the reason you have two hands. One is for helping yourself, the second is for helping others.” -Audrey Hepburn

When you engage with other people's stories, you immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of experiences, emotions, and perspectives. As you listen or read, you may find connections to your own life, drawing parallels between their narrative and your personal journey. Empathy becomes a bridge, allowing you to step into their shoes and feel the nuances of their joys, struggles, and triumphs.