Personal Branding -So What Do You Do for a Living?

You are at a party and someone asks you a simple question the answer to which may have a huge impact to your personal success. It’s a question you’ve been asked a thousand times and most likely answered without much thought.

“What do you do for a living?”

Now you may think this is a really easy question to answer, especially if you’ve been in business for a number of years. But at seminars you’d be amazed at the different responses I get to that simple question, even from a group of people all in the same profession such as accountants, car dealers, or Realtors.

A Hyundai dealer and a Rolls Royce dealer may both sell cars but they are hardly in the same business.

A Hyundai dealer sells transportation; a Rolls dealer sells luxury.

A Timex dealer sells watches; a Rolex dealer sells jewelry.

Let’s take Realtors as a simple everyday example. When I ask what business they are in at a seminar, I typically get these responses.

• I’m a Realtor, I sell homes.
• I’m in the service business.
• I’m in the people business.
• I’m a relocation specialist.