conferenceWhether you’re at a networking event, at a bar, or visiting relatives, how many times times are you asked, “So, what do you do for a living?” We are asked this all the time, yet few people actually answer the correct way. 

Now, if your aunt asks you this question, you can answer it however you want. But when you’re at a business mixer with potential clients, you must give a confident, interesting answer that communicates what it is you do.

Go ahead and ask a few people what it is that they do. When I ask others, I usually get three types of answers: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. 

The Ugly

“I Help Businesses Increase Their Revenue.” I have no clue what this person does. When this is the answer I receive, I’m ready to end the conversation.

The Bad

“I’m a marketer.” Simple, yes. Good, no. When people give me a vague answer like this, it tells me one thing: this person is bored by what they do. 

The Good

“I’m a tax accountant and work with technology corporations in the Los Angeles area.” Perfect. I know what he does. If I’m a technology corporation in Los Angeles ready to file taxes, I now know he can help me.

So how can you make your “What I do” statement better? Here are a few tips.

Keep It Simple

You ever get someone who tells you what they do 15 times and you still have no clue what they do? Make sure that you state as simply as possible what you do. If you’re a tax accountant, just say you’re a tax accountant. Don’t try to make it fancy by saying you help businesses save money on taxes.

Keep It Short

Don’t go on for 5 minutes telling someone every little detail about your job. It’s boring. Keep it short. As a rule of thumb, keep it less than 30 seconds. More than that and someone’s attention span will drift.

Trial and Error 

How do you know if it works? You don’t, until you try it. Notice the ways people react to different versions of your “What I do” statement. If they ask you questions, you may have a good one. If their eyes start wandering, it may be time for a new one.

 

Do you have any tips to add? Do you agree or disagree with any of mine? Leave me a comment and let me know.