How do you answer the question what do you do? when someone asks? Do you have a good answer ready to go, something that takes 30 seconds or so to get out, something that shows your pride and excitement and has them wanting to know more?
In business books, they call it the elevator pitch—something you can get across in the short time you’re on an elevator.
So, what do you do? Your answer needs to speak to how you see yourself, the value you apply to it, and how it makes you feel.
In this short pitch, you’re going to speak about what matters about your business and why it matters.
When someone asks you the question, don’t be shy or self-effacing. Rather, smile, face them, and launch into your pitch because that is what the answer is: a pitch; your pitch.
Be ready.
Take your time and work on it until every word feels right, until it has the right emotional connection and demonstrates a value of which you’re proud.
Do it in a way and with words that encourage an emotional connection.
Be memorable.
Be proud as you answer.
What do you do?
Now, for some tips:
To get started, try moving past the function of what you do and focus on the outcome you create. Instead of just stating your job title or industry, describe the problem you solve or the joy you bring to your customers. Think about the best compliment a customer has ever given you, what did they say? That specific feedback often holds the key to your most powerful pitch. It turns a mechanical description into a story about connection and service.
Once you have your draft, don’t just keep it on paper, speak it out loud. Say it to yourself in the mirror, say it while you’re driving, and test it on friends who will give you honest feedback. You want to reach a point where the words roll off your tongue naturally, without sounding rehearsed or robotic. When you believe in what you are saying, your body language changes, your eyes light up, and that energy becomes infectious.
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