Are you a COO? Founder? CFO? CEO? How did you choose your professional title?
So what’s your title? Does it truly present who you are and what you do professionally? I happen to believe that an over stated title can do you more harm than good. It might get you noticed but once discovered can sink you if it’s deemed as fluff. The first thought that comes to mind is if they over state who they are what else are they over stating? The term “Blow Hard” comes to mind.
For those of us who remember 30 years ago, a CEO was the head of a large corporation. How did CEO creep its way to a solopreneur? A General Manager is now possibly a COO. A CFO used to be called an Accountant or Treasurer. “C” stands for chief. My suggestion is if your going to use it, make sure it represents just that.
Perhaps all this title up-sizing began with the boom in the internet. A well done website can make a small company look like they are captains of industry. The truth of the matter may show they have two or three employees who go to work in their pajamas. This does not mean they are not good at what they do. I believe the deception lies in what isn’t said. This leads me to think they are a small company masquerading as a big business. The same I believe can be said for your business title.
I want to bring to point the best LinkedIn profiles are those that do not use your actual business title. These LinkedIn job titles speak to what they do. Mine happens to say, ” Customer Experience Expert.” That’s not what on my business card but it does speak to what I do. Be clear about who you are and want you want to project.
For all you folks trying to be unique “Founder” does not do it for me either. If your business is a one person show that has brought nothing new to the business community drop it. Perhaps you can use ” CEO and Founder” once you have a track record of success and your have been really innovative in delivering new concepts to the business community.
Over stated business titles are just fluff. Be honest with yourself first. Reality finds it way to the front no matter what you do. I personally don’t have a lot of time for folks who don’t understand the power of humility. Big titles lead to big expectations. You better be able to deliver.
Paul R. Roy’s many years of business ownership and life experience have provided him with the expertise to help his clients deal with complex issues regarding success and obtaining your goals. Paul is a Certified Professional Coach. Paul has lived first hand much about what he writes about. For more information please go to http://www.toyourfuturesuccess.ca.
Photo Courtesy of Pat David [Flickr]
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