Whether it has been online, at a networking function, or leads group, how many times have you been asked this question?

What do you do?

Quite a few, right?

This is the ultimate networking question and how you handle it can make a difference in your success as a professional networking person.

If you're a realtor, a car salesman, or if you're a barista, what should you say in response to this question? What will make them remember you and what it is that you do 5, 6, 7 days a week?

Here's a Clue: It's not "I'm a realtor", or "I'm a car salesman", or "I'm a barista". A what?

The answer should be something like this:

"I help you find the home of your dreams"
"I help you drive the hottest luxury cars for less"
"I help you get that buzzzz that you need every morning!"

When someone asks you what you do, it's not about you. It's about what you can do for them. By saying, "I help you...", you are tuning them in to how you can satisfy their needs.

Isn't that what we all want? To have our needs met.

If you can tell me how you can meet my needs then I will remember you. Plus, if you actually follow through and meet my needs, then I will tell everyone I know about you!

Isn't that what we all want? For everyone to know what we do professionally.

The simple question of "What do you do?" is so very important. It deals with supply and demand. If you're focusing on your demands when you answer this question then you will fail.

If, however, you focus on the supply side, and what you can supply to meet their needs, then you will pass.

Change your next social or business networking function into a memorable experience for you and your contacts.

Change your online networking profile to display what it is you can do for me and I will visit you, I will email you, I will call you, I will buy from you, I will tell my friends all about Y O U.