"So, what do you do for a living?"

dvduval

15 years ago

I compete in ballroom dancing, and own a web development company.

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Ciaran Doyle

15 years ago

I have tried for years to explain to my parents what i do, but still they say get a real job!!

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Desmond Ong

15 years ago

"I go to bars and clubs every night to hit on random women" is what I would say.

The last time I said "I'm an internet entrepreneur and I own a company" -- my whole class laughed at me.

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David Raybould

15 years ago

Entrepreneur/copywriter.

I found my family stopped asking questions
at about the same time I started showering
them with expensive gifts.

Strange coincidence huh?

-David Raybould

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Jamie Iaconis 15 years ago

Hey...

I usually say:

"Sell downloads" "Web design" stuff like that which is broad
and hopefully makes for no endless amount of questioning.

HTH

Jamie
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seriousmny

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Raybould

Entrepreneur/copywriter.

I found my family stopped asking questions
at about the same time I started showering
them with expensive gifts.

Strange coincidence huh?

-David Raybould

HA-HA. That's so funny. Money talks honey, especially when others are benefitting from it. Things become so crystal clear then.

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MarkWrites

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Raybould

Entrepreneur/copywriter.

I found my family stopped asking questions
at about the same time I started showering
them with expensive gifts.

Strange coincidence huh?

-David Raybould

Not strange at all, I still remember the day we bought my father-in-law a top of the line outdoor grill for Father's Day while my wife was on maternity leave. He hasn't questioned my "trouble finding real work" since.

That was one of the best purchases I've ever made.

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1 reply

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steveweber 15 years ago

It depends how well I know the person. Usually I just say, "We have several Internet businesses."....most then reply, "ohhhh"...and that's it.
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ken_p

15 years ago

well i do have a job, but its something that i love doing, and i am very lucky. Im a divemaster, and at the same time, trying my hands on online marketing - the main reason im here. to learn from you guys.

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1 reply

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skyward

15 years ago

Just got back from meeting with a potential client and he asked me the same question.

I said I direct traffic to people's sites, market online offers, etc. He just did not get it.

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1 reply

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MarkWrites

15 years ago

Originally Posted by skyward

Just got back from meeting with a potential client and he asked me the same question.

I said I direct traffic to people's sites, market online offers, etc. He just did not get it.

There is a funny disconnect at times with some "general internet users". They surf about the web, going from page to page until they find something they wish to purchase. They never realize that what really happened was that they were led around by a structured link building strategy so that they would end up as targeted traffic heading to professionally written sales copy that will then try to convert them into being a customer.

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LMC

15 years ago

I say, I invest in the Internet

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Tyrus Antas

15 years ago

I'm an Internet publisher. Although I do spend some time doing a little bit of PPC+ affiliate marketing just for the kicks.

Tyrus

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ecoverartist

15 years ago

My license plate says it loud and proud: WEBDESNR

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2 replies

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Jamie Iaconis 15 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

My license plate says it loud and proud: WEBDESNR

SWEET!!! Your license plate says it all!
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jtrag 15 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

My license plate says it loud and proud: WEBDESNR

LOL That's Awesome! I want that plate!
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Don Schenk

15 years ago

"This guy was in his late fifties-past the threshold if you ask me."

Hmmm. I'm past my late fifties - into my sixties - even have a geezer license to prove it, and I certainly am not past the threshold. AAArrrrgggghhhhh!

Why, after more than 40 years in business I've learned more than most young people have forgotten. Wait, that's not right. I've forgotten more than most young people have forgotten. No, that's not it. Oh darn. I forget what I was I was going to say.

:-Don

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Tron2k

15 years ago

I dont bother to explain things.they will realize soon.

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Diego Hernando

15 years ago

I always say "I'm a software developer" and that's enough to prevent a waste of time

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RecurringRevenue

15 years ago

"Web Marketing Consultant." The conversation moves positively fast after that.

Mark Robbins

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I focus on ONE online business model - Recurring Revenue (RR). If I can help you in any way just post a RR question or PM me.

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Gooddeal86

15 years ago

just figuring, people never treats IM as a real stuff. yes i just stumbled across and started reading ebooks, some information since the last two months. haven't start doing anything yet. when some frens ask what am I doin these days? i replied, "reading ebooks, found some interests in IM". then they were just looking at me in such a weird way, one even laugh and said they are all scams. right...

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DeePower 15 years ago

I'm a writer.

When asked "Oh what do you write?" The answer is nonfiction business books, articles, web content, business plans, press releases, and screenplays.

The questions I hate is "Have you written anything I've read?"

Dee
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- R Hagel 15 years ago
  
  I tell folks I'm a writer too, since that's mainly what I do.
  
  Dee...
  
  Originally Posted by DeePower
  
  The questions I hate is "Have you written anything I've read?"
  
  Just tell 'em, "No, my books don't have pictures."
  
  Cheers,
  Becky
  
  [ 1 ] Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  ShayB 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by R Hagel
  
  Just tell 'em, "No, my books don't have pictures."
  
  Cheers,
  Becky
  
  ROTFL
  
  I like that answer.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
  
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  Paul Myers 15 years ago
  
  Becky,
  
  Just tell 'em, "No, my books don't have pictures."
  
  Suuuhh-WIPED!
  
  Same answer: "I'm a writer."
  
  Them: "What do you write?"
  
  Me: "Stuff you'd find completely boring, and that I don't want to talk about during a pool game/dinner/normal conversation. 'Kay?"
  
  Paul
  
  Thanks
  
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  .
  Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.
  
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sbucciarel

Banned 15 years ago

Site flipper, graphic designer, Internet marketer ... makes for interesting conversations.

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GeorgR.

15 years ago

Some people actually "kind of" understand since everyone and their mama uses google, and they see and know the adwords ads. So if i tell them i use such ads they get a rough understanding how it works with clicking on ads, having a site and selling product(s).

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1 reply

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Sandor Verebi 15 years ago

To answer that question I used to say: I'm writing articles on the internet and in the meantime I'm dealing with business consulting.

They say: uhhmmm and then the conversation takes another direction.

Sandor
_____________
If you let it too open your mind, the peoples scatter a heap of garbage into it. (W.A.Orton)
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Mark Riddle

15 years ago

I create profitable solutions to business owners.

Mark Riddle

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SullyUI

15 years ago

People are really pretty clueless when it comes to business, let alone internet business, and so it's kinda tough to explain it to most. The best thing to do is use a term that everyone knows to describe your work "Freelance writer (if you write products), software developer, web designer, marketing consultant, etc."

If you're an affiliate marketer, you can say that you work in ecommerce selling digital products, and if they press further you can explain that you sell informational products or ebooks and/or whatever other products you sell.

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CBSnooper

15 years ago

When I had my lingerie wholesale business I used to say 'I'm in womens knickers'.

I just say now that I work in IT. That's enough to bore anyone enough to change the subject!

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ShayB 15 years ago

It really depends on who asks.

My usual answer is that 1. I am a writer and 2. I help Moms work from home and make money (because my main niche is work at home moms).

But if I am not talking to a mom, then I just say 1. I am a writer and 2. I help people find ways to make money from home.
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DavidTheMavin

15 years ago

It used to be a difficult question when I was the director of marketing for a "non-mainstream" company, but now I just tell people I'm a Web guy, or Internet Marketer.

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zuberr

15 years ago

When someone asks me what I do for a living...

... I point towards the sky and say "Look... that's Superman"...

... then I run as fast as I can, far away from that person.

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JonesersRX7

15 years ago

I do investor buy outs for short sales and just recently started a private equity fund that invests in multi-family dwellings that offers other investors an alternative to the stock market.

I don't think I have ever once said I have stated I run businesses on the internet as well. But my mini commercial intrigues more interest and is more profitable :-)

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1 reply

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BlueStar Banned 15 years ago

Business Consultant, offline and online.
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patrickmoore1980

Banned 15 years ago

[DELETED]

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BlueStar

Banned 15 years ago

Originally Posted by patrickmoore1980

I help drive traffic to local businesses in order to keep local economies thriving!

Economies or You?

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patrickmoore1980

Banned 15 years ago

[DELETED]

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adamv

15 years ago

Originally Posted by FlashDriveDT

I don't quite understand why members here sound annoyed or apprehensive about this form of questioning

The reason a lot of us get tired of answering that question is because when you tell people you make money on the internet a lot of people either think you are a con artist or they are super interested in learning to make money from home that they rope you into a free 3 hour coaching session rather than letting you enjoy the party, gathering, or what ever event you happen to be at.

I got started online as an artist putting my artwork online so I usually just tell people I'm an artist. If they have further questions, I would prefer talking for 10 minutes about drawing pictures rather than delivering a free seminar on article marketing.

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JonesersRX7

15 years ago

Originally Posted by adamv

The reason a lot of us get tired of answering that question is because when you tell people you make money on the internet a lot of people either think you are a con artist or they are super interested in learning to make money from home that they rope you into a free 3 hour coaching session rather than letting you enjoy the party, gathering, or what ever event you happen to be at.

I got started online as an artist putting my artwork online so I usually just tell people I'm an artist. If they have further questions, I would prefer talking for 10 minutes about drawing pictures rather than delivering a free seminar on article marketing.

Why would you not just defer all the questions, trade emails, and then refer them to the best course that you learned from or a resource like a forum? "Hey that's a great question but a little more heavy than normal party conversation so here's my email and email me if you are interested in learning more" (80% of the time they won't) Them receiving of 3 hours of "free" coaching does not reflect on them taking advantage of you, it shows that you are caring and require the skills to value your time more and gently brush them off.

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FlashDriveDT

15 years ago

Being able to answer that question with "I make a living online" is actually one of the reasons why I'm getting into IM. I always dreamt of saying that! You see, I love to blow peoples mind and if that answer doesn't then I'm pretty sure ">>How much?<< >>Oh, about $8000 a month<<" will.

Also I think it's great to share the energy of success with others, whether they actually get it or don't.

So I don't quite understand why members here sound annoyed or apprehensive about this form of questioning since to me it's a motivation.Previously I didn't feel comfortable when people asked what I was doing for a living because usually the answer didn't really reflect who I am. With IM though I know it does. I can't picture myself trying to evade these type of questions but maybe there will come a time. Of course only because I got tired of explaining the same thing all the time.

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Tom B Banned 15 years ago

I am a door to door salesman of adult diapers. I can pretty much retire from all the sales I have been getting from John Taylor and Paul Myers. They drink a lot.

I am starting to make some cash from Riley but I think it is more of a fetish and not a daily fashion statement type of thing.
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sam12six

15 years ago

"Hitman" and "Gigolo" are my default answers for people I don't think have any business asking me where I get my money.

The scary thing is 80%+ believe me...

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Gooddeal86

15 years ago

u r one heluva gigolo

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MJ Schaefer

15 years ago

I just say I'm a copywriter. That resonates with most people who ask (certainly fewer follow-up questions than "Internet marketer" tends to generate), and I also think it's mostly close to the truth; conversion is the dealbreaker when it comes to making money.

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Dana Forsythe

15 years ago

Since I still have my realtors license I just tell people I'm still a realtor. I tried saying that i was a currency trader a few time but when I did the people started asking a bunch of forex questions. Since I use forex robots.. I dont really know a ton about manual forex trading lol.

So, a realtor I am! Haha :-)

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Gooddeal86

15 years ago

i don't know anything about forex. you mind giving me some infor? sorry, i'm pretty new here

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1 reply

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mojojuju 15 years ago

I'm a "telemarketer". Telemarketing is essentially what many of us here do for a living.
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:)
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- Dean Shainin 15 years ago
  
  Infopreneur, niche marketer and that I own about 220 websites usually works...
  
  Cheers,
  Dean
  
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RonaldBoyd0602

15 years ago

I always tell people that I run a company that does marketing on the Internet. It's a company of 1, but that "company" part satisfies them.

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The Villa

15 years ago

I am a web content writer. But here in my city, people don't understand what my work really is. They think I work as a service crew in an internet cafe. It doesn't help that my daughter pipes in and tells people who ask where I work that I work in my bedroom.

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Basic Blog Guide

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Akky

15 years ago

Just going on with product flips..Really love that job!

G'day,
Akky

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Just a random guy. Learning Ruby On Rails at the moment.

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halfpoint 15 years ago

I'm a magician.

*Abra-Kadabra*
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- YseUp 15 years ago
  
  @Pat Jackson
  
  ...wow!
  
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  halfpoint 15 years ago
  
  Just in case you didn't notice, it's not real..
  
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Quilst

15 years ago

@Pat Jackson

Nice trick I can pull that one off and have a rabbit jump out of the stats

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btheiler 15 years ago

I'm actually a bank analyst and part time product promoter
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- Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Pat Jackson:
  
  That's hilarious!
  
  Hasn't this topic been discussed before (ad nauseum)? Always interesting though!
  
  Michelle
  
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  "You can't market here. This is a marketing discussion forum!"
  
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Margaret Arumugam

15 years ago

Just tell them you're a money maker

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melanied

15 years ago

Depending on the web savvy of the crowd or person asking, I usually say I'm in promotions and branding, or that I'm a freelance writer.

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*melanie

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mathiaslebesby

15 years ago

I tell people that I am an Internet Marketer. What's wrong with that?

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Hi. :)

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Ernie Lo

15 years ago

Yeah I agree with the post above.

If you say you design websites, people understand that and won't give you a funny look

And you will find that you will get more business by saying that, because they usually need a site or know someone who does.

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1 reply

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LynnM 15 years ago

Most people seem to assume I'm unemployed so don't ask!
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djenyns

15 years ago

I say "you're on a need to know basis and you don't need to know" unless i like them.

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Chuck Staff

15 years ago

"I work with local businesses who are struggling in this screwy economy."

"I help them develop trackable, hands-free marketing systems that deliver more clients to them than traditional forms of marketing for 40 to 50% less than they used to spend."

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Chuck Staff

15 years ago

Most run for their lives or quickly change the subject.

Those who don't become clients.

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Christa_Regalado

15 years ago

I usually tell them that I'm a part-time marketer. I'm in the insurance business and that is how most people see me. They don't ask much about the part-time stint that I do unless we talk about supplemental income.