How do you respond when someone asks you “What do you do?” It’s a pretty common conversation starter, and a great way to get to know someone. But generally, the answer is related to our career or finances, as in “what do you do for income?” And truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with that!
But have you ever considered this: That we may be unknowingly wrapping our identity in those words by the way that we respond?
What do you do? I’m a __________.
-
- Sales Professional
- Coach
- Engineer
- Virtual Assistant
- Lawyer
- Business Owner
- Financial analyst
Now, it’s okay to tell people what you do for a living! But as you’ve grown in your profession, is it possible that you have rather lost yourself in the process?
After saying it over and over and over again, it’s easy to trick ourselves into thinking that what we do IS who we are. And for many people, it’s worth it to take a step back and reclaim ourselves outside of our jobs. Rather than BEING our profession, we can be ourselves IN our profession.
What does this have to do with sales? Everything! It makes ALL the difference to our success! Because there is nothing more refreshing than an authentic person, secure with themselves, who is reaching out to serve (and sell to) their clients!
Because you see, THAT is the type of person that prospects want to connect with! Lead with who you are, not with what you do!
What if next time, when asked what you do, you responded with answers related to who you are instead of what you do for work?
I’m:
-
- A parent
- A friend
- A lover of the outdoors
- A coffee lover
- Deeply spiritual
- Artistic
- Left-brained and analytical
Why? What is to be gained in your sales by identifying yourself outside your profession?
You have a purpose – and that purpose may not be related to the way that you earn income. Furthermore, I believe that when someone asks you about what you do for a living, they’re trying to open the door to getting to know YOU – and not necessarily everything about what you do.
And when they are sold on the real YOU, they will buy from you.
On my last podcast, I interviewed the beautiful Linda Rasch. Linda is one of the most authentic and genuine individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to know, and she has masterfully found a way to create success for herself simply by being herself. And she teaches others to do the same in order to achieve success! She’s an inspiration – you do NOT want to miss this show!
Don’t let What do you do become Who you are.
Let who you are lead what you do.
