Six Sigma: What's the big deal?

I was at a networking event today and as often as I mention that I am a Six Sigma Black Belt, I had a regular at these networking events ask me what it was and what made it special to be one.

I paused for a bit to make sure I gave my genuine, personalized description. I started out with with my academic description: Six Sigma is a methodology that centers around meeting a goal. The practice advocates identifying problems that prevent meeting that goal (and, identifying means articulating the problem in tangible terms, using metrics). The theory behind the metrics is if a problem can be quantified, definite actions can be taken to reduce (or eliminate) it in order to meet the customer's goal.

Then, I proceeded with explaining that if projects were done right, they would be done using the Six Sigma approach anyway. And, Six Sigma was a terminology set for that ideal process.

I think that sums it up quite succintly.