When you have a title on your door or desk and a cubicle in an office to go to everyday, not to mention a job description typed out and filed away—it can make it easier to tell people what you “do” when you are faced with that constant social question. Working from home can be a little more challenging to explain for some of us—especially those of us who may be doing a few different types of jobs…
I love the diversity of the work I do since it hasn’t always been that way. It suits my personality well and I like feeling like I don’t have all my eggs in one basket. That doesn’t make it any easier for me to tell people what I “do” when I’m asked. Sometimes, I just pick one thing—I’ll tell people I’m a writer if it is a very casual, passing question. However, I also plan international conferences, and do public relations and marketing work. Not to mention—as a writer—I do different kinds of writing that don’t necessarily fit into one category. If a person follows up with “What kind of writing do you do?” then it takes a bit longer to explain.
I’m finding that it is more and more common when I meet people who have home businesses or “work from home” that they do more than one type of work. While I think this is fun and definitely a little “counter movement” to big business and the corporate world, I get that it is hard to fit that on a name tag or into a 15-second introduction!
My only advice is to assess your audience and figure out what is the best impression you can make and how can you help your business best. What can you tell the “asker” that will help you promote your business and make it accessible and understandable? If you are ever on the lookout for ways to promote yourself and your business or work—you should be able to come up with a nutshell way to let people know what you do.
Also: Do You Have a Home Business Title–Do You Want One?
Do You Consider Yourself a Founder?