How Do You Answer The Question - “What Do You Do?” Part 1

Written By Terri Penshorn

If you are meeting new people, odds are they are going to ask you what you do for your job or hobby. It seems to be a natural question between strangers — it helps our minds categorize people and decide if they are someone that we’d like to share more time with, and invest our interest and attention in them. Maybe we will find a connection we have in common or maybe they can help us solve a problem that we are having.

In business, the answer to this “what do you do” question is called your “Elevator Pitch”. It tells people who you are and why they should care. It’s fairly short and memorable, and leaves them wanting to know more.

Here is the problem: Most of us aren’t confident talking about what we do and why it matters.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short speech— anywhere from 10-60 seconds long, that memorably showcases your unique talents and what you have to offer.

An amazing elevator pitch should get people interested in you. Ideally it will end with you giving your contact information, handing over your business card or connecting on LinkedIn, or meeting up for them to learn more about you.

Where to Use Your Elevator Pitch

Besides the elevator, more popular places to use your pitch include:

  • booths and trade shows

  • networking events

  • job fairs

  • chance encounters

  • the airport

Any time you find yourself in a group, you can use your elevator pitch if others are curious about you. Once you’ve taken the time to think about what you do that makes you special and planned out what you’d say if someone asks you the question, you always have that elevator pitch in your back pocket. Way to go for being prepared!

What an Elevator Pitch is NOT:

  • a sleazy pitch to get someone to buy your product

  • a plea to get a job offer

  • telling your life story in half a minute

  • desperate, unclear or confusing

“People don’t want information—they want connection.

So if your elevator pitch is fluid, conversational, and natural, your prospect is much more likely to want to meet up with you again than if it’s 100% information.

They’ll understand you better, feel great after your pitch, and relate to you as a person.”

You are a unique person who has great value. Let’s continue the series and learn how to tell the world.

From the Science of People, March 24,2025

Terri Penshorn
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