When deciding how to write a business biography, one of the most important choices is whether to write it in the first person or the third person. Both approaches have their advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on the tone, audience, and purpose of the biography. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each perspective to help you determine which one is best for your business biography.

Writing in the First Person

In the first-person perspective, the biography is written using "I" and "me," with the entrepreneur directly speaking to the reader. This approach creates an intimate, personal narrative that allows you to directly share your experiences, challenges, and achievements. Writing in the first person is often more conversational and relatable, allowing the audience to feel as though they are hearing the story straight from the source.

Advantages of First-Person Writing

1. Personal Connection: Writing in the first person allows you to build a stronger connection with the reader. It feels more authentic and can help readers connect with you on a deeper level, as they experience your journey through your eyes.

2. Tone and Voice: Using "I" allows you to showcase your personality, voice, and emotions. You can give insight into your motivations, internal struggles, and triumphs, providing a richer, more detailed account of your experience.

3. Relatable and Authentic: When you write in the first person, you come across as more transparent and authentic. Readers can see the human side of you—not just the successful entrepreneur—but the person behind the achievements, making the story feel more genuine.

Disadvantages of First-Person Writing

1. Limited Objectivity: A first-person narrative can be subjective, as it reflects only the writer's perspective. While this can make the story more intimate, it may also limit the ability to present a balanced view of events or achievements.

2. Potential Bias: Since you are telling your own story, there’s a risk of overemphasizing your successes and downplaying challenges or failures, which could make the biography feel less credible or relatable to readers.

Writing in the Third Person

In contrast, the third-person perspective uses "he," "she," or "they" to refer to the subject of the biography. When writing in the third person, the writer presents the subject’s story from an external perspective, almost like an observer or narrator. This style is more formal and professional, making it ideal for corporate settings, biographies for media outlets, or professional networks like LinkedIn.

Advantages of Third-Person Writing

1. Objectivity: Third-person writing offers more room for objectivity. By presenting the story from an outside viewpoint, it can showcase the entrepreneur’s accomplishments in a balanced manner, without the potential bias of first-person narration.

2. Professional Tone: The third-person approach often lends itself to a more polished and formal tone, which may be preferred for certain business contexts, such as company websites, investor pitches, or press releases.

3. Credibility: Writing in the third person can provide a sense of authority and credibility, especially when referencing the subject’s accomplishments, qualifications, or expertise. This perspective allows you to frame the biography in a way that feels more like a professional endorsement.

Disadvantages of Third-Person Writing

1. Less Personal Connection: Because the third-person perspective distances the reader from the subject, it can feel less personal and more impersonal. Readers might not connect as deeply with the entrepreneur since they aren’t hearing the story directly from them.

2. Potential for Dryness: If not written carefully, third-person biographies can sometimes feel overly formal or dry, lacking the emotional depth that a first-person account provides.

Which Approach is Best for Your Business Biography?

Ultimately, the decision between first and third person depends on your goals and the context in which the biography will be used. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to guide your decision:

• Who is the Audience? Consider who will be reading the biography. If you're writing for a broader audience—such as potential investors, partners, or the public—a third-person perspective might work better to convey professionalism and credibility. However, if you’re writing for a more personal audience or sharing your journey on your own blog or website, a first-person narrative may create a stronger connection.

• What Tone Do You Want to Set? Do you want your biography to feel formal and professional, or more casual and relatable? If you want to convey authority and objectivity, the third person is likely the better choice. If you want your personality and voice to shine through, the first person is more suitable.

• What’s the Purpose of the Biography? If the goal is to inspire others and share your personal experiences, the first person allows for a more emotional, motivational tone. For professional, fact-driven contexts, the third person works best.

Conclusion

Both first and third-person perspectives have their merits when writing a business biography. The first-person approach offers intimacy, relatability, and authenticity, while the third-person style provides objectivity, professionalism, and credibility. The best choice depends on your target audience, the tone you wish to set, and the specific goals you hope to achieve with your biography. Ultimately, it's about choosing the perspective that will most effectively communicate your entrepreneurial journey to those who matter most.