Over the last 15 years when people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them I design, sell, program, install high end audio/video systems, dedicated home theaters, home automation. I'm the guy that fixes your VCR that is still flashing 12:00. (Can't use that one anymore), I come behind and fix what Best Buy, sat guys, cable guys screw up.

They still don't get it and it somehow that translates to "cabinet maker", "electrician", "cable guy" and "geek"

How do you explain what we do?

Can you program a VCR/DVR?

Well I can too, but I charge $120 an hour to do it.

At least that is the joke I make to friends.

I just say custom home theaters. What we do is so much more but O equate what we do to what any super specialized trade does. We all know a painter but few know the ones that do faux or mural work.

"I play with electronic toys"

"I design and install electronic systems and automation equipment for business and large residential properties."

I do NOT come behind Bestbuy or Dtv to fix their screw ups , but every business model is different.

This thread was done before.....word for word....was it here? IP? I have read this before.

It does not matter what we call ourselves. We are normally referred to as the "TV guys" or "Sound guys". People who somewhat get it will use "Audio/Video technician" but I have never, not once, heard anyone outside of other CIs refer to us as such. Even if they did, whomever they were talking to would not have a clue what they were talking about. Unless it was you.

Just get a PHD and call yourself a Dr.

rich people toys

Sonos! As custom as it gets!

I struggle with this too, but usually tell people I'm a specialty contractor that automates homes with lighting control, automated shades and audio/video systems.

Stating that I'm a contractor somehow helps set the tone and most people seem to get it.

Thaumaturgist.

Why not just say, "we simply use our expertise to install electronics to be as simple, easy to use, and reliable as possible." From there talk about all of the bullet points: Lighting, audio/video, networking, etc.

I say I'm an Audio/Video Contractor. It seems to convey the point pretty well.

Oooh, that one made me thaumaturgid.


I hate the word "simply." If that's simply all you do, then it must be simple. Either that or you're lying or leaving out a lot of detail.


You're a specialty contractor who automates....
Please, people, use "who."  Don't use "whom" because it seems to be too difficult to figure out when to use it.  But don't call people "that."

I miss the days when people were referred to as who and whom, and animals and things were referred to as that or which.  I think poor education resulting in a fear of using "whom" wrongly has killed the distinction between people and jackasses that was built into the language hundreds of years ago.


Yes, that is key to getting the idea across.

I simply think you are wrong ;)

BTW, simply was inserted because of the OP asking what to say. I used that term simply to indicate that it was simple. I should have not included it under the quotations. Sorry Ernie!

I almost get annoyed when someone asks me what I do these days...in a kind of "here we go again" sort of way. It doesn't seem to matter what I say. I usually get a quizzical look in return, which is typically accompanied with the word "cool" and a bobbing head.