Not an “Elevator Speech”

You meet someone at a social event or are introduced by a mutual friend and they ask “What do you do?” The next time they ask, “What do you do?,” try giving them some information they can personally relate to, and that will help them remember your name. If you feel good and proud of what you do, your expertise, your experience and the contributions you are making, talk about it. Let your enthusiasm show.

If you don’t feel good or proud of what you do, talk about what you’d like to be doing. Like this: “I’m working as a budget analyst learning the food distribution policies. I hope to move into a policy making role to help us find way to eat safe and healthy food.”

Are you your title? Or are you serving in that capacity or role? You title is significant to your organizations, and perhaps your industry. Beyond that, many titles don’t translate the same. A title generally denotes rank, status or level of responsibility. A Director in one organization may be a Board position, while at another it is the Manager of a specific area.  An Analyst makes very different contributions depending on their employer. So don’t hide behind, or stand on your title pedestal. People are generally more interested in the types of activities, challenges and successes you’ve had.  What kind of problems do you tackle and/or solve?  Say something that will intrigue them. Take into account the type of setting you are in and anything potentially in common – such as the person making the introduction.

At a professional meeting:

“As a Life Coach, I help people find their personal charisma.”

“As a Procurement Analyst, I help my company get the best contracts for our IT needs.”

“I help my co-workers get the software they need to help their clients avoid personal bankruptcy.”

It’s a conversation, not a pitch.  Be curious about the other person by asking. “What do you do?“