So... What Do You Do?

Does that question sound familiar? Or..."What do you do for a living?"," Who do you work for?", "What industry are you in?"...

You probably don't realize it, but people are asking you this every day in a variety of settings, and it is almost always the question people ask when they first meet you, right? It's an easy way to break the ice and get to know someone.

Best of all, it's also an easy way to get to know who they know and make opportunities happen. But chances are you are likely missing out on the chance to strike, to tell them who you are, what you want to do, and most importantly, what you bring to the table. And the best part...show them how they are going to help you do it.

When someone asks you..."What do you do?" your immediate reflex may be to respond with: "I am a litigation attorney at a medium-sized law firm," or "I work as a portfolio manager in financial services." or "I dunno, not much, sort of between jobs". (eeek!) In response, you'll likely ask them what they do for a living, go back and forth for a few seconds, and move on to different conversation. Or you’ll turn to watch the baseball game on TV, watch others playing pool, flip the burgers, whatever. Big mistake!

The "what do you do" question is an extremely valuable and time-sensitive opportunity to dramatically enhance your network and your job search. Instead of answering what you "do", focus on the expertise you bring to the table. It's much more interesting and you'll have your listener's attention immediately.

Example conversation:

John Smith: "Hi Mary, what do you do for a living?"

Mary Jones: "For the past 15 years I've been providing financial strategies and easy-to-grasp investment solutions to those people who are either too busy to manage their own funds, or don't necessarily have their finger on the pulse of the market like I do. I'm looking to speak with savvy professionals who understand the importance of having a financial strategist like myself to partner with to manage their finances.”

...but don't end there....

Mary Jones, continued: “Do you have any advice on how I might best expand my network in that area, and is there anyone else you think I should chat with?”

John Smith: "Interesting...tell me more about those strategies..." or "Actually my good friend Bob Johnson has been looking for a capable financial manager. He's right over here, let me introduce you to him."

It's a critical part of securing a business or job lead. Don't ask them what they do right after your initial statement (you'll get there eventually)...ask them to think of people they know who work in the field you want to be in. Ask for advice, and you'll receive it. Guaranteed! If you ask for a sale or a job, or if you offer your resume, people won't be interested in what you have to say. Also guaranteed!

Remember, keep the focus on yourself and ask them to refer you or introduce you to someone in their network. That person will probably know someone who knows someone who can get you a conversation with another someone at the company you want to work for. You'll eventually expand your network dramatically.

The best way to prepare for this? Practice! Practice what your value proposition is. Don't make it too specific. Make it general enough to appeal to anyone you meet. You can sort out the details as you continue your conversation. Once you have your 2-3 sentence hook and follow-up question rehearsed, you'll see you job prospects multiply.

Now go out there and make it happen!

Networking in the Win Again Clubroom

The Win Again Clubroom platform is revolutionizing virtual networking because of the “live event” experience it emulates and the ease with which you can meet others and take your businesses and careers to a whole new level!

See why we've had 1000+ impressive athletes, entrepreneurs, business owners and executives attend our Clubroom events which have led to over $1.5 million in deals!

If you haven't been to the Clubroom, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to move table to table, speaking with whoever you want, whenever you want, not being stuck in breakout rooms here!

Develop valuable relationships that become collaborations - it's been such a great way to expand our networks!

For those of you who have, feel free to bring a friend or three who you believe could use an upgrade in their circle of connections!

Read more about it here: https://www.winagainacademy.com/the-clubroom

Sports Wellness Innovation Forum in the Clubroom

Wow, what a great event this week in the Clubroom!

Innovation is happening every moment of every day, and much of it is making our lives easier, healthier, and more efficient, changing the way we compete, recover, replenish and energize ourselves.

Two companies that I have partnered with are leading innovators in their respective spaces, and I was thrilled to showcase their products in the Clubroom this week for our first Sports Wellness Innovation Forum - Wait until you hear about them!

Michael Hutchison DDS,?founder of?PowerPlus Mouthguard LLC, has invented a mouthguard designed to dramatically reduce concussions while at the same time increase performance by 17% (!) simply by changing the physiology of our jaw's position...it's really amazing!

Dr. Susan Kleiner is one of the world's most renowned sports nutrition experts, and has distinguished herself in that space with the work she has done (uh, 8 books? Wow!). Her current focus is on the incredible Electrolyte Boost, the delicious powder you pour directly into your mouth. It dissolves on your tongue, replenishing your body's electrolytes almost immediately.

Watch the Sports Wellness Innovation Forum

Give this a watch, jam-packed with great insight and, of course, groundbreaking products!

30 Seconds with Mark

Don't be afraid to reach out to senior -level executives, high profile athletes, or anyone else you may think is above your reach!

It can be intimidating to reach out to them, but they are regular people just like you and me.

They may dress a little differently, but they all put their pants on one leg at a time.

Just treat them like they are a human and be respectful, and you are going to crush it!

Be sure to check out the Win Again YouTube channel for more quick tips!

Win Again Assessments

Are you ready to launch a new chapter in life, and need the guidance, tips and strategies to truly catapult you forward?

Then let's partner up!

I'm certified in offering valuable assessments that feature Axiology, the study of values.

Wait until you see how they highlight not just your strengths and how to leverage them, but also some of the things that you could use some work on.

Ask to see a sample report, you'll be amazed at how thorough and accurate they are!

Whether you are a graduating student, a seasoned professional, a retiring executive or member of our military, or a current or retired athlete, there are assessments that fit your background and future careers and businesses.

Check out a few of the most valuable and insightful assessments here: https://www.winagainacademy.com/assessments

Reach out to me directly at [email protected].

WIN AGAIN! - The Job Search Playbook

WIN AGAIN! The Job Search Playbook, is filled with over 150 pages of my proven WIN AGAIN methodology, where you’ll discover how to define your true identity outside of being an athlete, plan your path towards an ideal job and business and work towards it. You’ll turn strangers into allies and grow your network as you position yourself for meetings and interviews, negotiate offers, and anticipate your prospective client's or employer’s needs.

WIN AGAIN helps you transition from the playing field to the boardroom. Yes, there’s competition in the corporate world, but you’re used to competing.

You’ve already got an edge!!

You can join the WIN AGAIN social media pages, its LinkedIn Group, Facebook page and follow on Twitter to be able to access exclusive content just for you.

ABOUT ME

Combining my passion for sports and a desire to help others succeed, I founded Win Again, where current and former athletes can discover their identity beyond sports, develop the structure needed to succeed again, and receive the tips, strategies and actionable advice that allows them to WIN AGAIN and be elite in their next great career. Over the past 20 years as a business advisor and career coach, I have guided athletes and executives, holding them accountable during their transition.

The Win Again Clubroom events, "Make Your Mark" podcasts, and MYM Live webinars highlight athletes who are making a positive impact post-playing career, and my book “Win Again!” is a job search playbook for athletes, equipping them with strategies needed to land their ideal job or boost their entrepreneurial ventures.

As a graduate of Colgate University and a longtime Manhattan resident with my wife, kids, and Duke, I enjoy playing ice hockey, softball and golf, along with the guitar and piano.

Reach out to me anytime and let me know how I can be of service!

If you've read this far, many thanks for sharing your time with us at Win Again and have a great rest of your day!

Thanks to our Win Again partners!