If you're in business for yourself, you must master the art of self-promotion. Every opportunity you get to explain what you do is an opportunity to earn new business. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you might already be familiar with the concept of having an elevator pitch, which is a short, 15 second explanation of what you do, how you do it and for whom.
Ergo, it's an explanation that can be delivered in the same amount of time that it takes to ride an elevator.

Often times, when people ask you what you do, you might feel compelled to give a one word response: Doctor, Teacher, Realtor, Musician, etc. If you're giving a one word response, naturally people may ask follow-up questions: what is your practice; what grade do you teach; where do you sell houses; or what instrument do you play, etc. The problem with giving a one word response is not with being asked to further explain yourself, in fact, asking questions is a great way to build a relationship. It's the amount of time it takes to respond. If you're in an actual elevator, you're likely to leave your new prospect or networking friend hanging.

The second misfortune that comes with a one word response is allowing your prospect to group you with other business professionals i.e. you're just another doctor, another teacher. Don't allow people to assume what you do. Tell them by developing an elevator pitch that can delivered to anyone, even your mom.

Start with the three questions above:

1. What do you do?
2. For Whom
3. Most importantly, what do they get out of it?

Or you can fill in the blanks: I help (Who) _________________________________ (do what?)________________________(so that they can) ________________________________.

Let's take the example of a teacher. They're not independent contractors in all cases, but let's assume we have an elementary school teacher at a party with bankers. He or she might say something like this: I manage and instruct twenty four 10-year olds in Literacy and Math for ABC school so that they can one day become productive members of society. Ok, so maybe this is a little bit over the top, but it's at least a start and a better description than a one word response.

In some cases, you have to give a one word response; in which case, you should label yourself with specific details i.e. I am an emergency room physician; I am a residential real estate agent; I am a lounge, bass guitarist.