Tag Lines Tell A Tale of One's Occupations

"What do you do?"the magic of their profession with their listeners. And
In our society this is the first question we're asked,listeners respond accordingly. It's a powerful
after "What is your name?" The real question is:conversation opener, whether in a networking event,
"How do you answer this question?"a job interview or just during casual conversation
Do you tell people your title: clerk, programmer,Whatever your profession, you can create a "tag"
driver, teacher, sales rep or receptionist - or do youline to showcase the results of your work and cast it
answer more descriptively?in an ennobling light.
Too many people respond to this question with aHere are some more examples to stimulate your
bland, unimaginative job title or standard industrycreative juices:
classification (SIC) code. B-O-R-I-N-G! To set yourself• The Internal Revenue Service agent who
apart from the crowd, cast your profession in itstells people who ask that he's a "government
most ennobling light and focus on the benefits offundraiser."
your work as they accrue to others!• The Gardener tells people "I Turn the
Consider Ruth Blumert Walker, longtime receptionistWorld Green. . .one garden at a time."
for the Oakland, California law firm of DONAHUE,• The Dietitian says "I Teach People How to
GALLAGHER, WOODS AND WOOD. When asked herBehave in Front of Food."
occupation, Blumert proudly proclaims "I'm the• The Voice Coach who proclaims she
Director of First Impressions." Indeed she is!"Gives Voice to the Timid."
Walker knows that people dread going to a law firm.• The Telephone Customer Service
They're usually there because of a problem and theirRepresentative (CSR) who tells people she "has a
visit is costly to boot. Walker understands the keyspecial calling."
role she plays in their experience, and her moniker• The Plantronics headset saleswoman who
showcases the power she possesses to make asays she helps people "Use their head… not
difference.their hands. "
Why not replace your official title or occupation with• The photographer who "Gets paid to
a more descriptive tag line? An effective "tag line"shoot people for a living."
casts your skills in an ennobling light, sharing pride in• The executive assistant who calls herself
your chosen profession. People respond affirmativelythe "Presidential Gatekeeper"
when you tantalize and enthrall them with an• And even the motivational speaker, Craig
interesting or compelling tag line. Furthermore, you'reHarrison, who tells people he's "a motivational
sending a message you have a strong sense of whomagician who turns aspirations into achievements."
you are and what you do and are thus deemedIt's your turn! Look anew at your occupation or
more employable.profession and identify its outcome or the effect its
Consider the following:commission has on people. Now create a descriptive
• The residential realtor who describestag line to excite others about what you do, and
herself as "putting people into their dream home."what it can do for them!
What a powerful statement she is making.Use the power of language to create a compelling
• The commercial credit specialist whotag line that gives you pride and infuses others with
smiles and tells strangers who ask that he is "givingexcitement too. Tag, you're IT!
credit where credit is due."San Francisco Bay Area-based Professional speaker
• A commercial airline pilot informs peopleCraig Harrison's EXPRESSIONS OF
who ask that she is "shrinking the globe to reuniteEXCELLENCE!â„¢ provides sales and service
families and loved ones."solutions through speaking. For information on
• A midwife proudly proclaims that she iskeynotes, training, coaching, curriculum for licensing
"bringing new life into this world."and more, call (888) 450-0664, visit or E-mail for
In each case these professionals are sharing some ofinquiries.