Terrance --

I agree with everything Gordon said. An important thing to keep in mind when you craft your answer is how it positions you in the mind of the inquirer. The Lant book Gordon mentioned is a very good one as are the seven types of people he mentions.

Example - in the past I've made my living performing sleight-of-hand and mental mysteries. That is the phrase I finally choose to describe it. Earlier people would ask or someone would tell them that I was a "magician". The word is fine but most of the people immediately would say "too bad the kids aren't here" or something about a birthday party. Now I have nothing against children, have a whole houseful of them myself, but they weren't my intended audience. Changing to the "sleight-of-hand and mental mysteries" cleared this right up. It was descriptive but vague enough not to pigeon hole me.

Lately I've taken to using the "computer work" tag when I don't want to get in a long discussion. In your case you might try "Mail Order business" as an easy hook to hang yourself on and it is generally accurate. You do mail order using the Internet for your advertising.j

And don't always assume it's easier for some people. Try telling people you sell cars and see how long they hang around!

Hope that helps!

-- Dan Butler
ps -- Anyone looking for an interesting small potatoes idea should check Terrances course out. I checked into it for something my family could do together.

> I know this is a strange question.... but
> for me, I have often had a tough time
> answering the question.

> Here is the deal. I make my living off the
> internet now. Its not just one particular
> thing that I do...but its a couple of
> projects here and there.

> You know how you are at a party or around a
> lot
> of people and the question comes up.

> So..."What do you do for a
> living?"

> To others its a basic answer

> I work for an accounting firm..
> or Im a teacher....Im a doctor and etc.

> Now, I just hate saying..."Im an
> internet marketer"

> ..because you always get the crazy stares
> ...and then you get hammered by 1001
> questions.

> Sometimes ...I just tell them I do computer
> work
> (which is not really the case..but at least
> it
> keeps them from asking a ton of questions)

> Last week, an embarrasing(sp) incident
> happened.
> I was being interviewed over the radio
> yesterday..
> in a large market.

> and I had already well prepared myself for
> any possible question regarding..the topic I
> had.

> Guess what the first question was..that
> stumped me?

> So...what exactly do you do for a living?

> For about 5 seconds ...I froze as I kinda
> stumbled
> saying something about computer marketing.

> The interviewer pressed...me more.

> Please explain..what type of computer
> marketing.

> ughhh well I basically do "such and
> such and such and such".

> I survived....and the rest of the interview
> went well...but Im just curious..

> What is it that you say, when asked
> "What do you do for a living




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