How to Answer “What Do You Do?” With Confidence

Networking is important for growing your VA business. But there is one question that comes up at every single networking event, and it is the one most of us dread.

“So, what do you do?”

If that question fills you with a flicker of dread, you are not alone. Here is why we struggle with it, and how to answer it in a way that actually works in your favour and gets easier to say.

Why this question trips us up

It is the classic opening line at almost every networking event, which is exactly why it carries so much weight. There are a few common reasons it catches us off guard:

• We do not like being defined by our job title
• It is genuinely hard to sum up everything we do in one sentence
• Being put on the spot makes most of us uncomfortable
• A lack of confidence can creep in, and we end up downplaying what we do – we get the dreaded imposter syndrome talking in our ears
• We simply have not thought about how to answer it

Whatever the reason, the truth is the same: you need a solid answer ready to go.

Why your answer matters more than you think

This is not just small talk. Your answer leaves a lasting impression, and that impression is shaped by more than just your words. Your tone, body language and confidence all play a part too.

You want the listener to come away with a good feeling about you and curious enough to want to know more. Ideally, you also want them thinking about how you could help them, or someone in their network, down the line.

Get it wrong, and the opposite happens. People make snap judgements based on job titles. Think about the assumptions that come with hearing “accountant” or “salesperson”. Your answer can trigger similar assumptions, good or bad. Their body language might close off. They may switch off entirely, or start looking for a polite way to end the conversation.

So, how should you answer it?

There is no single right answer here, but there are approaches that tend to work well:

• Lead with how you help people. Focus on your ideal client, not your job title. “I help business owners get their inboxes under control” lands differently to “I’m a VA.”  Let’s also ban the phrase “I’m just a VA…”
• Use a problem and solution format. For example, “Do you know how many business owners struggle to manage a new product launch? I take the guesswork out of that process and manage the whole thing for them.”
• Open with a fact. Research shows a third of small business owners say they simply don’t have enough time to get through all their admin during working hours. That is exactly why I do what I do. I help business owners get that time back.

Once you have answered, turn the conversation back to them with a question. People love talking about their own business, and it keeps the conversation flowing naturally.

If you are new and do not have clients yet

Not having clients on the books does not mean you do not have an answer. You have something just as valuable: experience.

Most VAs come from a background of admin, PA or office management roles before going self-employed, and that experience is exactly what makes you credible. Lead with it. Something like, “I spent eight years as an office manager handling diaries, inboxes and supplier relationships, and I have now set up my own VA business doing exactly that for small business owners who need the support but do not need a full time employee” tells people you know what you are doing, even if you are new to working for yourself.

If you have a particular niche or industry background, mention that too. It gives people something specific to remember you by, and makes it far easier for them to think of you when the right opportunity comes up.

Five ways to feel more comfortable saying it

1. Focus on what you want to highlight. You do not have to lead with “VA” if it does not feel right. Talk about what you love doing or the impact you have instead.
2. Keep it short, but not too short. Aim for a one to two sentence elevator pitch, not a three word answer.
3. Get comfortable with it. Say it with a bit of passion. It builds confidence and comes across as authentic.
4. Practise it. The more you say it out loud, the more natural it becomes. And smile while you say it.
5. Be confident in your delivery. Confidence is contagious. The more comfortable you are, the more naturally confident you will sound.

Networking will always come with the “what do you do?” question. But with a bit of preparation, it does not have to be the awkward moment it once was. It can be the start of a genuinely good conversation, and possibly your next client relationship. Buffer have a blog post with 27 questions to ask from a few years ago but the questions are still relevant.

If you want to build your networking confidence and get ongoing support to grow your VA business, our VA Membership could be exactly what you need. It is affordable, practical and packed with training, resources and a supportive community to help you grow with confidence. You can find all the details on the VA Membership page.