What do you do Archives

Elevator Pitches, often meant to describe an idea, but what about describing what you do? Last week I listened to a podcast where the hosts were talking about describing what you do in the form of an elevator pitch. If you listen to the podcast (which is fairly short and worth listening to) you can hear how simply stating your job title can lead to confusing information and awkward conversation. In this podcast they demonstrate how to turn this simple question into an engaging conversation.

Normally when people ask me what I do I say “Graphic Design and Educational Consulting,” which is a mouthful and doesn’t illustrate what I do to anyone. Coming up with a title for myself is hard enough since there is so much that I do. I build websites, specialize in print publication, create art, am a photographer, manage and teach how to use social media for your organization, teach computer applications, broadcasting, work with schools to implement 21st century tools with project based learning, logo design, branding, you name it. So today I’m going to try and pitch myself, and you can tell me if it works.

What do you do? I have a great job, I help charities and businesses focus on their mission. How do you do that? I give them the tools they need to handle all of the things that aren’t their primary concern but are essential to carry out their goals. I make websites for people who don’t know how to code, make it so they can blog with the same ease they use Word. I do the grunt work of publications and printing so they don’t have to think about it, and everything they put out looks professional and encourages people to use their services. I help with making sure their staff are well trained and can use everything I design for them. I make sure they they have complete control over everything pertaining to their organization, so they can focus on the stuff they do best.

So how does that sound? Is it more interesting? Would it make you ask me more questions about my job? What’s your elevator pitch?