How would you answer someone who asks you this simple question, “What do you do?”

Do you notice that sometimes this question actually pops up even AFTER you have exchanged business cards? There are just some simple reasons for that. 

1. Your namecard does not say anything about you as it only has your title, the name of your company and your contact details.
2. You have only met the person for the first time and he is interested to know more about you so he can get ahead with the next thing on his list, that is shortlist you for future contacts.
3. You have not explained yourself clearly the first time.

In the words of Jonathan Senior, he thinks it is ‘boring’ to answer the question by mentioning the title of your job or name of occupation.

BORING: I AM “WHAT I AM”

“I am a hairdresser.”

” I am a fashion designer.”

“I am a teacher.”

“I am a housewife.”

These titles read like the list you would tick on an immigration visa card when you travel overseas. So what if you were a lawyer or an accountant. Do you think it would sound any better?

The people who I can really connect with are those who do not advertise or promote their job title or occupation. For me, the road to networking ends right after the person says: “I am .(who I am).” One would be led to assume so many things that are associated with that title. 

Let us do a simple quiz. Which of these do you think will open the path for networking opportunities in your chance conversation? 

1. “I provide business training for business entrepreneurs and networking individuals on languages and culture in Asia.”
2. “I am an author.”
3. “I am a business trainer.”

Unless you are not interested to connect, refrain from being short and lazy. It is like gesturing to them to look at the namecard for the answer, even then, it still does not say what you do in your business. People in Asia generally have a tendency to answer simply:

1.  I work for IBM as technical officer.
2.  I am an Assistant Engineer at the Singapore Changi Airport
3. I am a police officer. 
4. I teach at a local primary school. 

All these do not answer the question” “What do you do?” Business English goes beyond the ability to speak properly. Although you do not run your own airport or school, it is certainly boring to just say in one sentence what you might write in a job application form under the heading, “Nature of your job.” 

What does the question mean?

When someone asks: “What do you do?”, he is indeed asking for what sort of activities you do in your business. So don’t be too quick to dish out your namecard and state your name and occupation, as if you were standing in front of the custom officer at the airport.

Here are some better ways to start answering the question.

1. I have an internet cafe in downtown…..

2. I own two restaurants which serve…..

3. I look after a small department in the catering wing of ….

4. I play the piano at a cafe at  Marina Bay Sands. 

The keypoint is to put some energy and enthusiasm in your answer. Even if the job is boring to you, “YOU’ cannot afford to sound bored.