When I first started out I called myself a business advisor. I found that I used to say it in a way that was almost apologetic as if it was the world’s most boring profession ever! The net effect was that it killed most conversations which is certainly not helpful at networking events. Now if someone asks me what I do my answer is simple…I say “I help businesses grow”. This naturally leads on to people asking me how I do that which triggers a good conversation about how I help businesses and the sort of results I get.
What do you say when someone asks you “What do you do?” Do you give them an answer that leads them to continue the discussion or one that ends it? The way to give an answer to that question that feeds the conversation is to do it in a way that is based on the transformation that you deliver to your clients.
Another way of thinking about this is to consider the problem you solve for your ideal clients. So what problem do you solve for them? Do you help them sleep easier in bed knowing their income is protected (a financial advisor)? Do you help them create the time in their day to get the more important things done (a virtual assistant)? Do you help them increase their sales (this could be loads of different professions, everything from graphic designers, marketing specialists, business development consultants and so on)? It’s totally OK if the descriptor you use is quite broad as it will naturally lead people to ask more questions. After all it’ll be those additional questions that help you build rapport with that person which could well lead to business!
Today’s task is to write down the new way of describing your business that is based on the transformation you deliver. Then go test it out!