Stop Saying "Not Much": How to Turn Everyday Conversations Into Business Opportunities

Think about the last time someone asked you, “So, what do you do?” or “What are you up to these days?”

Now, be honest. Did you say, “Not much,” or “Same old, same old”?

We’ve all done it. We don’t want to overshare. We assume they’re just being polite. But what if that casual moment held more potential than we thought?

In business, every conversation is a chance, not to sell, but to connect. That’s where pitching comes in.

Pitching isn’t selling, it’s storytelling

Let’s clear something up: pitching isn’t about pushing. It’s not standing on a soapbox trying to convince someone to buy.

A great pitch is simply a compelling answer to a very common question. It's about being prepared to talk about your work in a way that makes people curious and gets the right ones leaning in.

At BYOB, we teach a simple but powerful pitch framework built around five key steps: Tease, Problem, Solution, Why You, and What’s Next. Whether you’re chatting over coffee or presenting in a room of 50, this structure helps you sound clear, confident, and memorable without ever feeling pushy.

So let’s break it down further.

Start With Curiosity, Not Clarity

When someone casually asks what you do, don’t dump your job title. Start with a teaser—just enough to spark interest, not overwhelm them.

Instead of “I’m a physio,” try “I help triathletes train smarter so they can avoid injury and finish strong.” It’s specific, intriguing, and instantly opens the door for a follow-up.

That’s the goal. You’re not delivering a monologue but you’re inviting a conversation.

Show You Understand the Real Problem

If they lean in and ask more, it’s the moment you go deeper. Talk about the pain points, the real challenges your clients face.

You might say, “Most triathletes overtrain and end up with recurring injuries, not because they’re lazy or careless, but because they don’t know how to balance their workouts with proper strength training.”

Now you’ve moved from “here’s what I do” to “here’s why it matters.” That builds a connection.

Offer a Real, Lived-In Solution

This is your chance to offer a way forward. It’s not just about listing services, but it’s about showing you understand the problem and have something meaningful to offer.

“As a physio and a triathlete myself, I create personalised programs that integrate strength, recovery, and conditioning. That way, my clients don’t just heal, they perform better long-term.”

What you’re doing here is positioning yourself as both expert and ally.

Make It Personal

People don’t just want credentials. They want more context and more knowledge. They want to know why you.

You could say, “Because I’ve trained and competed myself, I know exactly how hard it is to juggle performance with recovery. I help people avoid the setbacks I’ve been through.”

When your story aligns with your offer, it builds trust. And trust is what turns interest into action.

Let Curiosity Lead the Next Step

Now comes the hardest part: stopping.

You’ve said your piece. You’ve planted the seed. If it resonated, they’ll ask for more—your contact details, a time to chat, a link to follow.

If they don’t? That’s fine. You didn’t waste anyone’s time. You left them with a clear sense of who you are and how you help. That’s more powerful than any flyer or sales script.

Final Thought: Know Your Story. Tell It Well.

You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch. You don’t need to sound like a startup founder on Shark Tank. You just need to know what you do, who you help, and why it matters, and then practice saying it in your own words.

Pitching isn’t just a business skill. It’s a life skill.

Because the next time someone asks, “What are you working on these days?” you’ll smile, take a breath, and say something real. And that might be the start of your next big opportunity.

Want to develop your own pitch with a framework that works? Message us and we’ll help you craft a pitch that fits your personality, purpose, and path forward.