How do you respond when someone asks: “What do you do?”

Most people reply:

• “I’m a lawyer.”

• “I’m in sales.”

• “I’m a software engineer.”

But there’s a problem with that.

Naming your professional category is the fastest way to stop a potentially interesting conversation dead in its tracks.

It happens all the time: two strangers meet, swap titles, engage in small talk, then part ways.

They miss the chance to genuinely connect and learn how they can support each other.

I’ve found through personal experience that there’s a better way.