OK, so youre standing in line in the supermarket, or youre in an elevator, or youre at a party, or youre in a networking group. Sooner or later, someone is going to say to you, So what do you do? This is what you want, free publicity so to speak. However, how you handle this question could determine whether this person becomes a prospective client, a prospective referral source or just walks away.

This article exposes the 3 mistakes you could be making and why they dont work. Then youll discover the ideal answer and understand why its important to use it.

Here are 3 common answers:

Mistake #1 You say to little.

You say something like, my name is Jane Doe and Im with _______________________ Real Estate Company. And then you smile hoping the other person will ask you a question. Probably they wont . This is a mistake because you have made a short statement that doesnt engage the other persons attention. It doesnt invite questioning. The other person may politely say what they do to fill in the awkward silence or they may excuse themselves in some socially graceful way.

Mistake #2 You say too much and ask for the business

You say something like , My name is Jane Doe. I work for ____________________________Real Estate Company and I specialize in country homes. I love the country and I love to show country property. It feels so good to get outdoors, breathe the fresh air and help someone find a home they love in the country. So who do you know who is seeking to buy or sell a country home?

This is a mistake because you said too much about yourself, did not ask a question that would engage the other persons attention and its way to early to ask for the business. You should be cultivating a relationship with that person. Remember, people do business with you when they know, like and trust you. With someone you just met, youre still in the getting to know each other stage. The most you should ask for is their business card and give them yours. If you have a connection with that person and would like to contact them in the future, you might consider adding them to your Sphere of Influence and sending them an Item of Value once a month.

Mistake #3 You talk on and on about yourself and your career

I know this may sound hard to believe but youd be amazed at the things people say when they are nervous and trying to make small talk. So someone says, So what do you do? and you answer, My name is Jane Doe and Im with ___________________________ Real Estate Company. I have been with them for 5 years. Its a great company. All the people there are so friendly and helpful. I am so glad I chose real estate. I love the flexible hours and the income potential. This really beats my corporate job and .

This is a mistake because its all about you. Not only that but the only things youre promoting here are (1) The nice atmosphere of your office and (2) what a great career real estate is . If you keep going you might talk the other person into becoming a real estate agent but they wont be a prospective client or referral source.

So, what should you say?

In my 10 years of specializing in coaching real estate agents in doubling their incomes I have found one amazing answer that does wonders and Im about to let you in on that secret.

Heres the scoop. When the other person, asks , So what do you do? , you need to ask them a question to engage them. The question is , Well, you know when people are buying or selling a home how nervous and stressed out they can get? Pause and let the other person respond with a yes. Then you say, Well I take care of all the details and paper work, I hold their hand through the process and make the whole thing a relaxing, enjoyable experience for my client. My name is Jane Doe, and Im a real estate agent with _______________________company.

Now, what do you think youd feel or think if you heard that ? Most likey youd want to do business with that person. Why? There are 3 reasons :

They didnt talk about themselves

They showed that they have a thorough understanding of the issues and problems people face when buying or selling a home

They provided specific solutions to the clients problems

When you give this kind of answer there are a lot of benefits. Can you guess what they are? The other person will be genuinely interested because youve engaged them. The other person will begin to trust you because you put the clients needs before your own. Finally, you answered in a unique way and that sets you apart from the crowd. So the next time the person has a real estate question, they are going to call you because you have demonstrated that you care.

With those kind of benefits wouldnt you want to use this answer, memorize every word and have it roll off your tongue the next time someone says, So what do you do? You bet you would. Just watch your income increase.

Maya Bailey, Ph.D.

Maya Bailey, Ph.D. is a Psychologist, Life Coach and a Business Coach. She specializes in helping people to reach their goals and live their dreams . Maya has had more than 30 years experience in coaching people to be more fully effective.

Maya has produced her own televison show called Inner Journey and is the former Marketing Director of the Center for Personal Development.

Maya's awakening to coaching came 10 years ago when she moved up to Northern California and discovered how coaching helped her build her own businees in months instead of years.

She is currently a popular speaker, teleclass leader, expert author and has her own private practice both locally and internationally.

Her business, The Coaching Edge, has helped thousands of coaches, real estate agents and success minded professionals to work smarter instead of harder. Through her unique process of coaching from "the inside out", Maya has received hundreds of testimonial letters from satisfied clients who have reached their financial and personal goals.

Maya delights in coaching people not only to overcome life issues and move forward, but also has a keen interest in helping professionals to make 6 figure incomes in a short amount of time. She has written many articles on Marketing Advice. Some examples of her articles are: Marketing Advice: Are you Proactive Enough? Marketing Advice: Do you find it easy or difficult to

"toot your own horn"? Marketing Advice: Stop struggling and start attracting

Maya combines sound leading edge marketing tools and strategies with psychological skills and catalyzes her clients to achieve the results they deserve. Many have doubled and tripled their incomes.

Maya is passionately committed to helping people live their dreams, one client at a time.