people/musings

“What’s New And Exciting?”

Always have an answer to that question—especially when it’s asked in reference to your work. Don’t answer with something like, “Oh you know, it’s busy around here” or “All sorts of stuff; you know, it’s that time of the year.” (Nowadays, it’s always “that time of the year.”) Say something interesting, assuming you are actually working on some exciting stuff.

When someone you meet asks you that, it is at the very least an invitation for some self- or company-promotion. So why not take advantage of it?

If it’s a colleague in your organization and they’re asking with respect to your work, your answer is an opportunity to highlight the neat projects you’re working on. It’s also a chance to receive feedback from someone in your organization, but someone who can look at what you’re doing from a different internal perspective.

If it’s a superior in your organization, perhaps someone who doesn’t even work directly above you, but has significant power, your answer could be an opportunity to ‘wow’ them with an innovative, cross-organizational idea. It’s also a chance for you to enhance your personal brand within your organization.

If it’s an associate at a networking event – this likely happens frequently – your answer is a way to promote your organization’s current and future services and solutions. It also tells the person whether or not you’re passionate about your job and the people and projects you interact with each day. This perception could come into play in the future, perhaps if you’re looking for a new job at their organization, or they’re considering one at yours.

If it’s a journalist – and perhaps you don’t even know that’s what they are – your answer could be a great story if you include the right information. You really never know.

And because you never know, you should always have a great answer to the question of, “What’s new and exciting?” This shouldn’t be hard. And if it is, perhaps it’s time you found something new (and hopefully exciting) to be doing with your life.