The "What Do You Do" Question and How to Answer It
Description
It's amazing how four simple words can throw even the most experienced business owner completely off track. So what do you do?
You hear it at networking events, school pick-up, family gatherings, conferences, everywhere, and yet, so many of us freeze, over-explain, or fall back on something vague and forgettable.
But this question isn't a test. It's an invitation. And when you answer it clearly, simply, and confidently, you open the door to opportunities, referrals, and meaningful conversations. In this episode, I'm breaking down how to create a simple yet impactful answer that actually works for you, not overwhelms you.
How to Create a Clear and Confident Answer
Why This Question Matters More Than We Think
People make sense of us quickly, and your answer helps them understand where you fit and why they should lean in. A clear response positions you instantly, builds trust, and makes you memorable. A muddled one does the opposite.
The Three-Part Formula That Keeps It Simple
Who You Help
Be specific enough that people can picture the person you serve. When your listener can recognise themselves (or someone they know), they'll want to hear more.
The Outcome You Help Them Achieve
People don't buy job titles, but they buy results. Think in terms of clarity, confidence, structure, visibility, momentum, or reduction of overwhelm.
Your Approach or Method
This isn't your whole process, just the flavour of how you work. It gives people insight into what makes you uniquely you.
Put together, it becomes one clean sentence: I help [who] to [outcome] by [approach].
Why This Works So Well
It's short enough for conversation, strong enough to build curiosity, and flexible enough to tailor for different audiences. And once you practise saying it aloud, it becomes second nature.
Key Takeaway
You don't need a clever pitch. A simple, grounded one-liner makes you memorable, helps people understand the value you bring, and turns everyday conversations into genuine opportunities.
Your Next Step
Craft your one-sentence answer using the formula. Then practise it out loud until it feels natural.
If you're feeling brave, share it online or with someone you trust and notice how differently the conversation flows when you lead with clarity.
Tools and Resources to Help You Refine Your Message
The Ideas, Impact & Marketing Circle
A supportive space where business owners refine their messaging, explore new ideas, and build visibility with confidence. Inside the Circle, you'll find templates, workshops, Q&A sessions, and community feedback that help you sharpen the clarity of your message and offers.
A monthly co-working and accountability space where you can focus on the projects that need your attention, practise your message, and build momentum with support.
Step away from the day-to-day and into a focused, creative environment where you can map out your messaging, content, and offers with hands-on guidance. These retreats help you get clear, strategic, and consistent with how you talk about your business.
Join the Business Business Business Community (Free!)
Join thousands of business owners who share ideas, ask questions, and support each other daily. It's a great place to practise your new "what I do" statement and get real-world feedback from people who understand business.
If you'd love an outside eye to help refine your messaging or craft a clear positioning line, let's chat. A discovery call gives us time to look at your offers, your audience, and your language so we can shape a sentence that feels like you and resonates deeply with your ideal clients.
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with another business owner who struggles with this question or finds themselves rambling every time someone asks what they do. And if you craft your new one-sentence answer after listening, tell me. I'd genuinely love to hear it.
Highlights
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