Do you dread the question, “What do you do?” We often say the boring and typical response of what our profession is. For instance you would say, “I am an accountant.” The problem with this is that it really doesn’t tell the person you are meeting much about who you are. Usually you will get awkward silence because they don’t completely understand what it is you do. Or even worse, the person you are meeting already has a preconceived idea of what your profession is and relate that to you now (accountants are so boring!).
According to the book, Book Yourself Solid, we are so much more than your one word professions. We need to toss out the generic labels of teacher, designer, etc. Instead set yourself apart from everyone else and make yourself unique during introductions. The secret is two easy steps:
- “You know how” – here you state the problem or issue that is in the world that the other person should be aware of.
- “Well, what I do is” – here you state how you solve the problem or issue you mentioned previously.
Easy right!?
Do you enjoy meeting new people? What’s your new introduction?
(photo by docucinema)
About Anna Runyan
This is such a great tip!!! It will change the way I approach those daunting networking events
Ooh, such great advice (as always!). Telling people where I work tells them nothing about what I do and telling them my title makes me sound super lame…this will be great!
I really do like meeting new people but I just need a little more confidence to become comfortable with it.
Sonia- I know! I am so glad it will help you! It changes how I approach the events too!
Ag- I know! I hate telling people what I do because it sounds so boring. This should help us out! Good luck building your confidence! I bet you are much more comfortable than you even think!:)
Haha, I am an accountant and I hate telling people that because I am always afraid they will think I'm boring.
Jessica- that is funny! I totally used you as an example!:). Thanks for commenting and good luck with the introductions!
I always hate the dreaded introduction but I am going to try to do this now. good tip.
I usually lead with , Well, I work at XX in the XX department, and specialize in XX. Maybe also throw in a client they might know also?
That's a great tip to throw in something relevant that the other person will know like a mutual client or friend! Thanks!