> What Do You Do?

Saturday, April 08, 2006

What Do You Do?

Have you ever been in a situation where someone asked you what you did and you were at a loss for words? OR Have you ever shared what you do, but shared it in small voice, as if you were afraid to share? (Not because you hate what you do, but because you don’t feel confident about conveying it to others.)

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart …not only because I have struggled with it myself, but also because this very topic came up recently in a marketing and practice building teleclass I have been teaching.

During class, as we were going around the group sharing what we do, I noticed that many of the participants would share with an apologetic tone…as if they were sorry for the amazing things they do. How they were sharing was not unusual, but rather common. It happens when you are not sure how to describe what you do in a way that is compelling and understandable.

So how do you eliminate the apologetic tone? How do you find the right words to say? How do you share with confidence?

Here are just a few suggestions…

1) We have all heard of an elevator speech, that 10-20 second blurb that people use when describing what they do…well, I encourage you to develop a passion statement instead.

A passion statement is a statement that comes from the heart. When you speak from your heart, not only do you come from a genuine place, but you also share with a level of enthusiasm that is hard to ignore.

2) Get really clear on what you do, why you do it, how you do it, and why what you do is important. (What needs and concerns do you address by doing what you do?)

3) Practice sharing your passion statement with others and ask them what they heard. Gaining feedback is important! The feedback will help you to gauge your level of energy when sharing and the clarity of your message.

4) Develop a fun one-liner. (This great tip comes from the book, Getting Business to Come to You) For example, when people ask me what I do, rather than just tell them that I am a personal and business development coach I say... "I am a talking compass. I help people who have lost direction in their personal and/or professional lives, find that direction.”

5) Have fun and play with your words and remember you do not have to memorize a little schpeel. With a foundation (your passion statement) what you say can and does change depending on circumstance, but the message will always be consistent.