One-Liner That Sticks

Craft a short, memorable answer to "what do you do?" that opens doors instead of closing them.

Open a blank document and set a timer for 15 minutes to draft five different versions without worrying about perfection. Pull up your current resume or LinkedIn profile to quickly reference your key skills and achievements.

Use the frame: "I help [who] do [what] so they can [why it matters]." Write 5 versions, each under 20 words. Read each aloud — cut any word you'd never say in conversation. Pick your favorite and use it as your reply for the next 3 networking touches. Refine based on which version got a follow-up question.

The best one-liner gets a "tell me more," not a polite nod. Optimize for the next question.