You are more than the tools you use: tell your story

How many times have you seen someone introduce themselves via the tools they use? Maybe this looks familiar:

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently building an app with Express, Nuxt, and the Twitch API. Let’s connect! 🚀👩🏻‍💻🌐

I understand the need to find shared interests with the online community to make genuine connections, I really do, but statements like this don’t tell people anything about what you actually do. Last year I did exactly what I described above. But what does it even mean? Take the following non-tech examples:

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently making music with a piano, guitar, and synthesisers. Let’s connect! 🎹🎸🎵

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently making food with pasta, onions, and seasonings. Let’s connect! 🍝🧅🌶️

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently making clothes with fabric, thread, and needles. Let’s connect! 👗🧵🪡

You get the idea. The above statements tell people about what you’re using, but not about what you are doing. Let’s reframe the above non-tech examples.

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently working on an experimental EP that pushes the boundaries of the human perception of sound through the blending of acoustic instruments and digital noise to produce ethereal and meditative soundscapes. 🎹🎸🎵

Hi, my name is Salma! I really love making unique pasta sauces that combine culinary influences from around the world. This week I’m trying to perfect a Japanese-inspired pasta sauce that takes inspiration from ramen and blends it with the traditional Italian concept of bolognese. 🍝🧅🍜

Hi, my name is Salma! I’m currently making all my clothes from old furniture fabric and thrifted offcuts to prove that fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be exciting and innovative. I recently made a dress from my grandma’s old bedspread and I can’t wait to wear it to a party this week! 👗🧵🪡

The above examples may be a little contrived, to say the least, but they tell a story; they reveal a little more about your personality; and they communicate more about who you are. Now, what about that technical example?

Hi, my name is Salma, and I write code for your entertainment. Last year I built a text-based game for my Twitch stream that blurred the lines between me being online and offline, allowing viewers to interact with my stream 24/7. I love to find ways to help people truly connect through unexpected and fun applications of technology. 💖🔥📺

You are more than the tools you use: tell your story. And your people will find you.