Imagine this: you’ve just met someone new. It could be at a conference or at your local grocery story — doesn’t matter. You’re chummin’ it up as you both introduce yourselves. A new friend in the works? I think yes. And then boom. The dreaded question…
So, what do you do?
As a freelancer, blogger, or small business owner, that question can be downright difficult to answer. If you’re anything like me, you cringe thinking about the times when you stumbled over your words trying to muster up an answer.
“Oh, I have a blog.”
“I do freelance design.”
Meanwhile, you’re met with blank stares or, possibly worse, “oh, cool.” Yikes. Unless you have a job that people are familiar with, like being an elementary school teacher or a chef, it’s pretty likely that they will have no idea what in the heck you actually do. But all hope isn’t lost, friend. Today, I’m sharing a strategy for how to introduce yourself as a freelancer or blogger that will leave a more lasting first impression.
The big secret to effectively introducing yourself as a freelancer or blogger?
Focus on the value you provide rather than the title you’ve given yourself.
Try one of these on for size:
Instead of saying you’re a blogger, try, “I run an online website geared toward helping creative entrepreneurs build their dream business.”
Instead of saying you’re a freelance designer, try, “I help small businesses build a strong web presence through design and consulting services.”
Instead of saying you have a jewelry store on Etsy, try, “I own a jewelry business that’s focused on environmental sustainability. We only use recycled products in our designs.”
The key is to focus on what sets you apart and how your business adds value to the people it serves. Not only will this make you more memorable to new friends and peers, it will also deepen your conversation and give you the opportunity to elaborate further on what you do.
Are you enjoying this post? I have a free worksheet for you to help put these ideas into practice! Click the button below to get it right now.
In addition, make sure your elevator speech uses vocabulary that the average person is familiar with. Unless you’re at a blogging conference where people are familiar with WordPress, don’t go around telling people you’re a “WordPress specialist.” They just won’t get it. You’ll kill the conversation. Focus on ways to communicate your work in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
Lastly, practice! You may have read some of the examples above, nodded your head, and thought, “yeah, I’ll do that.” But simply reading those examples just isn’t enough to introduce yourself and mean it. I highly encourage you to take a moment (right now!) and write down what you will say. Then, take a couple minutes and practice saying it out loud. Do it so much that it becomes natural. Each morning when you’re getting ready in front of the mirror, push your shoulders back, stand up straight, and say your elevator speech. The more you practice, the more natural and effective it will be when someone at your local coffee shop strikes up a conversation with you. This time, friend? You’ll be ready.
Here’s a recap for how to introduce yourself as a freelancer or blogger:
- Figure out the value you provide other people. What do YOU do that sets you apart. How do you help others? Who do you help? Make a list.
- Now, form your answers from #1 into a couple sentences. This is your elevator speech. Make sure your speech uses words that the average person will be familiar with, especially if you’re in a field most people don’t know much about.
- Finally, practice! Practice your speech right after you write it down and then continue to practice it for a minute each day until it becomes second nature. You got this!
Now, I’d love to hear your new introduction! Share it in the comments below. What do you do, friend?
Pin me for later!
Oh this is great Melyssa! I really struggle b/c I have a full-time job as a Tech Writer for a software company but I’m also a lifestyle & empowerment blogger. I tell people I’m a tech writer (a job no one really understands) and a personal empowerment blogger and I’m met with blank stares all around. I’ve started to just say, “I’m a writer” and let it go.
Ahh I bet that’s hard to describe, Ashley! Especially with two different fields. Are you looking to make blogging your full time job?
I’d love to make freelance writing my full-time job. My husband and I have toyed with the idea of moving back home to be near family but there is no tech writing industry there. I’d need to be able to make a sustainable living as a freelance writer in order to make that leap. I’m not sure how to begin so right now it’s trapped in the dreaming stages.
I love it! Not ashamed to say I just spent a minute rehearsing my new intro.
Woohoo!! That’s awesome, Sophia.
I love this! Thanks for sharing this one!
Kristi
http://www.beloverly.com
Glad you liked it, Kristi! 🙂
This is great!! Just what I needed:) Now to figure out my speech and practice!
Woop woop! I need practice, too. 😉
Love this! I’m a new personal trainer, and though I got into this to help others (I hated sports as a kid and find gyms intimidating, too!), the job unfortunately has a big sales aspect – I can’t help anyone if they don’t sign up to work with me! As an INFJ, asking for the sale has been really difficult for me. I have these great free sessions and really connect with my clients, and when it comes to discussing pricing, everyone says they’d love to and “just need to think about it.” I’m always supportive of this, because hey – I’d say the same thing in their position! But the sales-y trainers at my gym have far more clients than I do (even though I feel like I’m friends with mine!), and it’s getting discouraging.
Maybe practicing my own version of this will help, without making me feel like I’m “badgering” people into working with me. 🙂
Ahh I totally know how you feel Simone! Especially seeing more “salesy” people who are able to woo more customers, but might not be as close to them in the long run. I hope the new elevator pitch helps! Sometimes it’s just about coming off in a sure-of-yourself kind of way. 🙂
I love this!! I feel like when I tell other people (usually older than me) that I run a blog and am starting to break into freelance design they get weird and I feel like they don’t think it’s a real job. Thanks for sharing this!!
Ohh I totally get that, Abbie! Hope this helps. 🙂
This post is so relevant to me because I recently just re-created my elevator pitch/ brand statement. Here goes:
I team up with overwhelmed creative entrepreneurs to develop and implement social media and content marketing strategies in order to free up their time for building their businesses. Whether you own an online boutique, edit a digital magazine, photograph newborn babies, or coach other business owners, I take a grassroots approach to seeking your ideal customer and building relationships with your audience in the online space.
Sounds awesome, Andrea! Get it get it!!
I have such a problem when explaining my university degree. I graduated in Applied Linguistics and pretty much nobody knows what that is. So when someone asks, I usually go with “I studied to be a translator.” 😀
That sounds like the perfect response. Bonus points if you add a brief sentence about the type of translating you want to do (which languages?) and why. 🙂
This is such great advice. I need to work on my elevator speech.
Same here, Jessa! 😉
This is a great idea! It can always be awkward when you have to explain yourself haha
http://www.ajourneywithjo.com
Ha, definitely can! Glad you like it, Jo!
“I have a business where I help people create error-free documents and
web content. I provide proofreading and editing services for businesses
and individuals.”
Thanks Melyssa! I knew I had to do this and your post inspired me to stop thinking about it and just do it.
That sounds PERFECT, Joy! Very clear and value-based. Love it!
Great post! I hadn’t really thought about how to improve sharing what it is I do with others but it’s true, as you’ve mentioned here, it’s all in the way you say it!
http://www.monica-galvan.com
Totally is, Monica! 🙂
Love this!!
Thank you Olivia! 🙂
I’ve read about this in a book! It’s works like magic when you introduce your job with its value. Eventhough you have normal job, people will find what you do is amazing.
★ meilijourney.blogspot.com ★
Definitely! 🙂
This is such good advice! It also helps to like you say read the context you’re in. When I tell most younger people what I do they completely get it but I got asked what I do by one of my father in laws friends the other day and decided to simplify it by just saying that I’m an internet marketer and thought that would make sense enough for an older person but instead got a sound telling off about how wrong it was to ‘run scams and steal peoples emails to spam them’. Ah the generational change lol, obviously I should have said I do advertising even though I’m nothing of the sort just to get out of that awkward covo.
Aww man I hate those conversations which feel like a big misunderstanding! Always leave me feeling a little sore. Glad you were able to brush it off though! 🙂
LOVE this, thank you!
My response when asked what I do will now be:
I run an online hub to connect and inspire people who are seeking more joy in their lives.
It has a charitable arm, and it is the most honest, safe and supportive online space for those most in need.
Wow, Lisa! You knocked it out of the park, my friend.
This post gave me ALL kiiiiiinnndssss of happiness considering the future plans I have for my blog. I totally know how I am going to refer to myself once those plans are manifested. *happy dances*
YAY! So glad to hear that, Mary. 🙂
Great post! I get such confused looks when I say I’m a blogger haha I’ll have to come up with something more creative…like I run a website geared towards supporting and motivating other military spouses. That sounds MUCH better!
That sounds AWESOME, Keating!
I just wrote mine! Had to combine my day job as a retail planner + my style blog & personal styling business but I was able to do it! I think it flows quite nicely. Glad to finally have a way to describe what I do. Thanks Melyssa!
http://theblockishaute.com
Awesome to hear, Cymone!! 🙂
i think this is great advice. And to be honest, I think most people can benefit from it, freelancer or otherwise. I’m used to getting the “oh, cool” or blank stares when I talk about my 9-5 job. So I will definitely be using your tips for that!
Awesome, Lauren! I think you’re right that it’s applicable for just about anyone. 🙂
I just introduced myself as a Blogger over the weekend, and it sparked an interesting conversation. It’s time we owned it! I’m always so terrified of revealing this part of my life, that it felt liberating to say I am a blogger so publicly. They ended up asking for my blog link which I provided!
That is SO awesome to hear! Glad you owned it. 🙂
Ah yes, great post! This year my goal is to begin the transition from working full-time as a photographer (I own my own wedding photography business) to blogging + helping other creative entrepreneurs start + grow their own businesses and I was getting a lot of confused looks/responses at first when I mentioned the “blogging” part. Explaining WHAT I’m providing (i.e. that I’m providing the tools + resources to other creative entrepreneurs) has been WAY easier to explain- although it’s still a little weird. 😛
xoxo
Allison
http://www.wonderlass.com
I’m an artist and I create high end linen home goods. http://www.linenandlemons.com Great article-I needed it! Now I need to practice saying it out loud.
Maybe you see yourself as one in a million freelancers or bloggers, but it’s important to think about what makes you different and what makes your services unique so that you can attract customers. Also, your potential future clients will be more willing to work with you if they sense how passionate you are about your job. Don’t be afraid to show how much you love what you’re doing!
Great advice!
So necessary!! I work part time at a cafe (love the food, environment and it gets me out of the house!) and run a blog, but whenever I say that, people just kind of look at me like I must be a boring mooch-of-a-housewife with no ambition (unless they ask questions like “how do you make money blogging” or if I decide to explain further because I can’t stand it when people look at me like I’m lazy!). Anyone that runs a blog knows that’s not the case!!
I’m definitely going to work on calling it a website and come up with some lingo that makes sense and sounds more authoritative!!
Thanks for this post, friend!
Great article. After reading this I realize why people would give me strange looks after I introduced myself as a blogger every single time. It’s plain boring !! Now I know it. Will work on it now.
You get it!! Glad to help. 🙂
This is such fantastic advice! At the end of the day, your value is so much more important than your title so it makes sense that you should lead with that first. By the way I love that you did a recap at the end of the post. It was great for readability.
http://DisforDreamer.com
Glad you found this useful! And I’m also glad you liked the recap. 🙂 I think I might add that more often!
I run an online website oriented toward helping people deal with mental disorders and improve their every-day life… Are you curious? Check it out! http://italianhurricane.com/
Hugs 🙂
Sounds great! 😉
I write stories on my website, mamawolfe, about thinking deeply, loving fiercely and teaching audaciously. http://jenniferwolfe.net
Love it! 🙂
Great read! I always clam up a little when asked, “What do you do?” Here’s what I’ve come up with after my brainstorm. Going to use at my next twitterchat! “My name is Vanessa & I’m a weaver creating lush striped OOAK scarves & accessories. Art you can wear!” http://www.pidgepidge.etsy.com
That’s awesome, Vanessa! Love that you thought it through. It can definitely be tough to do.
I’m still trying to perfect mine, but I’m working on something like “I own businesses that produce and introduce new products to stitchers.” I’m not 100% happy with it, but it’s better than some of my previous answers!
This is great, and so true! I always feel like people tune out when I say “I’m a blogger and consultant.” I used to be a full-time lawyer, and everyone seems to get “lawyer”; no one knows what a blogger/consultant is.
xx Lexi @glitterinclexi | Glitter, Inc.
Ha, so true, Lexi! I definitely think it’s harder for people to understand what a blogger and consultant does, but with some little tweaks they’ll be all over it. 🙂
Good food for thought. I still struggle with calling myself a designer or thinking of my work as work instead of a hobby.
Thanks, Teri! The more you speak confidently of yourself and your work, the easier it will get!
This is awesome. I didn’t know how to say I was a blogger/consultant without being vague or boring about it. I want outsiders to know what I do. I figure if I can explain myself just a little bit better, I could avoid the ” You should consider a 9-5 ” convo. *ahem*
http://www.RicheLife.com
Definitely! Glad this helped potentially avoid those conversations 😉
Love all the tips and I signed up for the library, always looking for a learning curve to improve my blog and my services.
Thank you JC! I am so glad you signed up for the library. Welcome to the crew. Woohoo! 🙂
A very mature view on Blogging! Loved it!
Thank you Rodrigo! 🙂
It is always a good idea to introduce yourself in a way that most bloggers have been through. Yes, I haven’t even introduced myself yet. I have visited your blog a few times. I design website and some graphics, and it’s the reason I joined the blogsphere. It’s nice to meet you. 🙂
Definitely! One of my favorite things about blogging is the connections and friendships 🙂 thanks so much for always participating in the comments, Sam! It means a lot 🙂
You’re welcome! One bad habit I have is that I comment on older blog posts too, which most people don’t often comment older posts.
The author always sees it though 😉
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Melyssa, I LOVE this post! I feel like it can definitely be hard to explain what you do when you have an online business/your own business. Practicing my pitch to my dogs now! 😉 As always, you da you da best! xo
Haha, dogs are the BEST listeners! YOU da the best, Jamie! 🙂
Great Post, Melissa. As the owner of a small business, I have found that practicing my “pitch” to explain what I do to be very important…and different based on where I am/ who I’m with.
Absolutely, it can be a little tricky-especially at first! I’m glad you found this helpful, Zoe 🙂
Thanks for the post. It is especially helpful to have a few examples. I am working on my elevator pitch with my husband right now!
That’s awesome Steph! And you are so welcome, I’m glad this was helpful >_<
This is fantastic advice Melyssa- I’m learning so much from you! Thank you Thank you!
I’m seriously so glad! This makes my day 🙂 Thank you Heather!
Thanks for posting this! I agree with the comments below, the samples were extremely helpful!
Thanks Rosanna! >_<
Great post as ever. I could spend all day on your site…
“I run a website that inspires and helps people decorate their home and live there lives in a stylish, affordable way that is true to them as individuals. I show that it’s good not to follow the crowd and expressing yourself creatively ultimately makes you happy.”
Haha- probably a bit long but I’m working on it now at least!
I LOVE what you have so far, and I know you’ll be so awesome when you say it out loud to others. Way to go! 🙂
This is great! It’s so perfect because, I keep blushing and feeling weird every time someone asks me. I realized I just need to say it straight what I do and be confident in it. I also think it’d be great to explain it a bit. So I can still say, “I’m a lifestyle blogger.” But I can also add in… “And this is what I do…” (Which I’m going to have to specify right now! Haha)
That’s perfect Carmela! You’re ready to rock any introduction 🙂
Thanks for this! It’s really helpful.
“I run a blog that teaches women life can be exquisite when lived mindfully and in the moment. There’s so much life clutter and by clearing away the all the things that bog us down, we can better focus on the stuff that truly matters.”
You’re so welcome, Amy!
This is so great!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to change “fashion blogger” to something like, “I run an online website geared toward bringing fashion inspiration and style tips to the everyday woman.” 🙂
That’s perfect, Molly! I love it 🙂
Instead of travel blogger* I am supposed to say: I help people to discover places on a budget while still living comfortably… with helpful and real tips. Too short?
I think that’s great, and you’ll evolve your intro more and more 🙂
#smiles…thanks melyssa…I wrote.. “I run an online website geared towards bringing hair inspiration, and styling tips to everyday woman…” do you think its cool?
I think it’s cool Oluwatumininu
Thank you Melyssa! Instead of educational consultant (www.ednexus.com.au) with a blog, my elevator phrase is now “I support parents and teachers help children achieve their potential’.
Love it! That’s such a clear pitch. Great job Jenny 🙂
Thank you!
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Hi! I create visual solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Mine reads: Hi I’m Nicki. I convince busy grown ups that their lives need creativity. I run different creative activities to join and a blog with ideas and inspiration to help everyone get creative.
Thanks Melyssa, a huge help!
That sounds great! Nice job, NIcki 🙂
Such valuable information. So glad I “bumped” into your blog!
I’m so glad you bumped into me too, Camila 🙂 Best of luck with everything and please keep me posted on your progress!
Thank you!!! I didn’t know how ill-prepared I was to answer the “what do you do” question until I was in the middle of an awkward conversation. Nothing that I could come up with on the spot was short of a crash and burn.
I hear ya! For the longest time too I didn’t know how to answer this question in a way that I was proud of so hopefully this post was helpful for you 🙂
So glad I found this, thank you.
Yay! I’m so glad this was helpful for you, Azeezah 🙂
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I would say:
Hi I’m Amy and I run my own online business providing people with tools and products to help the improve their mental health and wellbeing. ????
Thanks for the tip!!
That is SUCH a clear message! Great job, Amy! 😀
Thank you 🙂 that means a lot!
So much yes!!! How many times did I introduce myself as “I write a blog” and got in return: “what?”. This helps! Hit the nail on the head. Thank you! xoxo, Sissi http://www.beauty4free2u.com
Yay! I’m so glad this post was helpful for you, Sissi. Thanks for letting me know. 😀
Thank you so much for sharing these tips, helped me so much! 🙂
Instead of saying ”I’m a freelance photographer.”, now I’m gonna say: ”I run a photography business and online website, both focused on creating valuable content for my clients and helping my readers live by their passion.”
xx http://www.partsofthesun.com
That sounds BEE-YOO-TIFUL! Great job, Stella! 😀
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This is a great article I stumbled upon. I am taking away positive learnings from this one. Thank you so much, Melyssa.
Now I can strike cool conversation with people by introducing myself as “I run a software business that focusses on helping other software developers to quickly build applications for their clients.”
That sounds so good and clear, Sourabh! Nice job! 😀
Nice article about freelancing. Freelancing tutorial may help you to learn more about freelancing.
Thanks for sharing this informative and helpful post with us. I really appreciate your work. I have learned so many new information from here .
Thank you very much, Melyssa Griffin.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate you 🙂
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I am so glad that you addressed this issue, it makes me feel like I’m not alone! Last week I was on vacation and everyone I met asked what I did– I replied “I’m a blogger”, and the conversation came to an awkward halt. Since then I’ve been wondering what on earth to call what it is that I do. This helps a lot, thank you!
So glad this helped you, Kiya. 🙂 Don’t be ashamed at all of being a blogger! Share what type of content you write about, and let your passion shine through.
Thanks Melyssa. I am a budding blogger and your tips are really helping.
Amazing, Aprajita. Good luck to you with your blog! 🙂