Stop Pitching—Start Connecting

Lesson 47: Stop Pitching—Start Connecting

One of the most common questions entrepreneurs face is this: “What do you do?”

Seems simple, right? But let’s be honest—it’s one of the trickiest questions to answer. Most of us either freeze up or ramble on, unsure of how to make our response impactful or memorable.

Here’s the truth: every time someone asks you this, it’s not just a question—it’s an opportunity. It’s your chance to inspire, connect, and empower.

This is Lesson 47: Stop Pitching—Start Connecting.

The Power of a People-Centric Response

Instead of rattling off your credentials or a generic elevator pitch, flip the script and make it about the person you’re speaking with.

Imagine someone asks you, “What do you do?” Instead of diving into your job description, you respond with a question like:

"Do you know any women entrepreneurs who are struggling to set up their business?"

This approach works because:

1. It Makes It About Them: People love talking about their experiences or someone they care about.
2. It Creates Curiosity: You’ve invited them into a conversation, not a sales pitch.

Now, instead of a polite nod, you might hear:

• “Oh yes, my sister is starting her business!”
• “Actually, my friend has been trying to figure that out.”

From there, you can connect the dots: "That’s exactly what I do—I help women entrepreneurs build their businesses and set themselves up for success."

Why This Approach Works

1. It Shifts the Focus to Relationships People remember how you make them feel. When you make the conversation about them, you create a sense of connection and trust.
2. It Positions You as a Solution Provider Instead of talking about what you do, you’re framing it around the challenges you solve. This instantly makes your work relevant and valuable.
3. It Makes You Memorable Forget generic answers like “I work with entrepreneurs.” A story-driven, people-centric response sticks.

Turning Conversations into Opportunities

Here’s how you can implement this strategy:

1. Know Your Core Audience

Be crystal clear about who you help. Examples:

• Women entrepreneurs launching their first business.
• Creatives turning their passions into profit.
• Professionals transitioning to entrepreneurship.

2. Craft a Question That Resonates

Your response should address a pain point your audience faces. For example:

• “Do you know anyone who wants to start a business but feels overwhelmed?”
• “Have you met someone who feels stuck trying to grow their side hustle?”

3. Follow Up with Your Value

When they respond, tie it back to your work: "That’s exactly what I do—I guide women through the process of turning their ideas into thriving businesses."

Practice Makes Perfect

Yes, it might feel awkward the first few times. But like any skill, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. The goal isn’t to sell yourself—it’s to create a meaningful connection.

Empower and Inspire Through Conversations

Every conversation is a chance to inspire someone or be inspired yourself. By approaching these interactions with curiosity and a focus on the other person’s story, you don’t just share what you do—you plant the seeds for real relationships and opportunities.

So, the next time someone asks, “What do you do?” don’t just answer. Engage. Make it about them, their challenges, and the impact you can have together.

What’s Next?

What’s your go-to answer when someone asks, “What do you do?” Let’s refine it together—drop your ideas in the comments!

This is part of the FemFuel Fempreneurial Journey, where I share the lessons I’ve learned from growing businesses and building connections.

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