Jaw-Dropping Self-Introduction

On the Profitable Joyful Consulting podcast, I teach you how to increase your profits and enjoy your business more. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the frequently-asked question, “What do you do?” 

Over the last several years, there’s been a backlash against elevator pitches as being inauthentic, awkward, and reducing someone to their profession. Of course, there are many facets to a person, not just their work.

But we still need to be able to explain our work and the value of our work to others so they can recognize if they need to work with us or want to refer us to someone else.

Our answer to this question should engender goodwill and create a conversation with someone who has taken the courtesy of asking us the question in the first place by taking an interest in us.

I’ve talked in past episodes about how I answer the question, “What do you do?” Today’s episode is a deep dive into the specifics and how you can put this message together for yourself.

When someone asks, “What do you do?” they’re really asking, “Do I need to know you?”

It’s harsh but realistic. We’re all busy. We only have so much brain space and so much capacity for new colleagues, contacts and friends.

What people want to know is: can you offer them or someone they know value? Can they offer value to you? They’re figuring out if they need to know you and how you can fit in their lives.

The proof that they do need to know you is in your response to that question. If you answer it right, their jaws can fly open or their eyebrows can go up and they may say, “Oh, wow, interesting,” or “Can you help me?” or “Can I have your card?”

The truth is, the right answer to this question can be very profitable.