What’s in a name?

One of my close friends is an architect. I love having her outside perspective when I’m explaining what I do – she almost can’t conceive the life of a copywriter.

The other day she invited me to a party to celebrate one of her friends getting a great job in San Francisco. I jumped at the chance to be in a room full of non-entrepreneurs.

As I socialized, I found a running theme when I described what I do. Here’s the gist of the conversation:

“Yep, I’m an architect too – just like everyone else here. So what do you do?”

“I’m a copywriter”

“Oh, OK.” (insert perplexed look here) “So are you a lawyer that helps people get a copyright?”

At this point I paused – learning that I certainly needed to reword my title. I tested different responses….

“…I’m a freelance writer”

“What do you write about?”

“I write all the words that go on the promotional pieces for a business. Things like websites, fliers, brochures, advertisements – things like that.”

Although this was better – it wasn’t quite there.

Then I hit it.

“…I’m the Chief Idea Officer of Write Ideas Marketing”

“Wow. Really? What does that mean?”

“I help come up with creative ways for companies who have a great product or service get the message out.”

“Sounds like you have a fun job.”

“I do.”

So the question I’m posing to all you fellow copywriters out there is this – how do you introduce yourself at a party? How do you explain your profession so people “get” what you do?

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Andrea Morris is the Chief Idea Officer of Write Ideas Marketing and specializes in helping visionaries, entrepreneurs, consultants and small businesses use high-ROI strategies to get the right message to the right people. For more information, please visit writeideasmarketing.com