“So … what do you do?” is the first question we are asked when we meet someone new. Why? Because people want to know your affiliation and what box to fit you into.

It’s your choice. You can either put yourself in a bucket or create your own, which make them walk away from you. What they are assessing is whether you are interesting enough or if  you are simply trying to sell them something.

When you are asked “what do you do?” the way you answer that question will help you move the conversation forward or not. People want to hear about interesting problems to solve. Bring your passion and turn it into a conversation. And if someone is not interested, see it as a gift as it is not someone you want to connect with regardless of what they do. Often it’s great to know early on that the other person puts you in a box called “edgy.”

Part of the challenge is when people ask you what your super power is, don’t give them a clever elevator pitch. See it as an opportunity to have a conversation and share your story. Asking questions around their passions also makes connecting much easier than a pitch.

“No one ever buys anything on an elevator. Have more conversations and fewer announcements.” Seth Godin