“What do you do?”
I hear it a lot.
The answer is complicated.
So…
To respond, I’ve used a few tactics:
- One word. “Writer.”
- Many words. “I run a health and wellness blog.”
- Joke. “I drive the Red Line for the CTA.”
The results are usually the same. Several followups with little or no long-term benefit to anyone.
Time for a new method.
That’s What I Do Method
Respond with a question. That question should get an answer where you can respond with, “That’s what I do.”
For example:
Partygoer: “What do you do?”
Me: “How do you find inspiration and advice on staying healthy and well?”
Partygoer: “Well, I listen to speakers, read blogs, and talk to my friends.”
Me: “That’s what I do.”
Partygoer: “Really?”
Me: “Yup.”
Conversation over.
And, they ACTUALLY understand what I do.
AND, there might be some mutual benefit afterwards.
Can’t wait to use it.
[HT to Kiko Doran for this idea]