| Corporate Title: President or CEO? Hey guys,
I've been mulling over this for a while. My legal firm that set up my corporation says that my title is President; the title CEO doesn't add any more power since I'm a very small business. They didn't say I couldn't do it, just that it doesn't make any difference.
Most business people I know, esp. small business owners, call themselves CEO, and I'm curious as to why. Does the name/title seemingly give your status more power and respect? Would businesses tend to pay attention to a CEO more?
I consider myself a consultant when people ask what I do. Just saying, "I'm a President" doesn't narrow down what I do. Any suggestions? I have to make some new cards soon, and I could use some advice. My current title on my cards/site is President/Consultant. Thanks! |
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 fegulPremium
join:2004-08-23
united state | It would certainly make you seem more influential, and yes businesses would probably pay more attention to you.
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 yockTFTCPremium
join:2000-11-21
Miamisburg, OH
kudos:3 | said by fegul:It would certainly make you seem more influential, and yes businesses would probably pay more attention to you. Why? A title is a title, and if you make it abundantly clear that it's your company I don't see how it matters.
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fegulPremium
join:2004-08-23
united state | Not sure why, and I agree, if its your company it shouldnt matter. However that doesnt mean that the words CEO won't perk some ears somewhere.
It just has a little more professional sound to it IMHO. Not everyone will think the same way of course.
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1 edit | Thanks for the feedback. I did some more research and decided upon using the CEO title. I was considering President/CEO, but in my opinion that wouldn't make me seem down to earth; I don't want a multitude of titles, just one. If I have to sign something official as a board member I will use President as required. Thanks again! |
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akosoPremium
join:2003-03-24
Guelph, ON | reply to lawilson2
I think it depends on the size of the organization. If it's a large organization, then obviously the various titles imply different roles.
However, if your clients know that you're a small organization, then, from my experience, they find it comical when you try to pretend like you've earned some fancy title (ex. being the CEO in a 1 man show).
I'm sure your clients won't be too easily fooled by your title... they'll just care about the work you produce... and I'm sure they know what you're capable of already.
Anthony |
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 EUSKill cancerPremium
join:2002-09-10
canada
 ·voip.ms
2 edits | reply to lawilson2
Grand Poobah. 
You should probably use President & CEO on your card.
I would not use President/Consultant, as that looks a bit strange.
If people don't know what you do when you give them your business card, there's a problem with either your business name, or description of work that should be on the card already.
For example:
ABC, Inc.
John Doe, President/Consultant
ABC, Inc.
Computing consultants you can trust.
John Doe, President & CEO |
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| said by EUS:Grand Poobah. You should probably use President & CEO on your card. I would not use President/Consultant, as that looks a bit strange. If people don't know what you do when you give them your business card, there's a problem with either your business name, or description of work that should be on the card already. For example: ABC, Inc.John Doe, President/Consultant ABC, Inc.Computing consultants you can trust.John Doe, President & CEO This is a great idea; I didn't think of this; thanks!!! |
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 Furious bEzfgclive.comPremium
join:2003-08-13
Los Angeles, CA | Although the recent example breaks down the info on the card, making it more descriptive, I prefer the title Founder, as I too head-up a very small SoHo operation.
President/CEO kinda gives the impression that you are on top of a mid-level to large corporate Org. Chart. Whereas Founder or Founder/Consultant directly indicates your role and/or what you do within the organization. |
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 legioxResistance Is FutilePremium
join:2004-02-05
Colorado Springs, CO
 ·Comcast
2 edits | CEO is a prestigious title which is reserved for the head honcho of a corporation (large enterprise). The CEO is the boss of all other CO, such as CIO, COO, CFO and so on.
Unless you have another CO that reports to you, I do not think that CEO is an appropriate title for a small business owner [ 500 employees max].
The title of president, shows that you rule the company and that you are involved in the day to day activities, you do not delegate everything.
Title of founder shows that you have created this company and that you are an entrepreneur.
In your case, it might be good to have president & founder as your title.
On a side note, I remember one day talking to somebody who told me that she was the CEO of a company and she was going on and on about her company and herself. I finally decided to ask her about the size of her organization, and what they do, since clearly it was a no name.
Turns out it was a group of about 6~7 people who were designing web pages under a common name and since they all started the 'company', they all gave themselves title of CEO.
I couldn't stop laughing!
Point of the story, giving yourself a title of CEO will not make your work or your worth any more that what it is, in reality it might make you look like a wanna be, instead. |
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| said by legiox:CEO is a prestigious title which is reserved for the head honcho of a corporation (large enterprise). The CEO is the boss of all other CO, such as CIO, COO, CFO and so on. Unless you have another CO that reports to you, I do not think that CEO is an appropriate title for a small business owner [ 500 employees max]. The title of president, shows that you rule the company and that you are involved in the day to day activities, you do not delegate everything. Title of founder shows that you have created this company and that you are an entrepreneur. In your case, it might be good to have president & founder as your title. On a side note, I remember one day talking to somebody who told me that she was the CEO of a company and she was going on and on about her company and herself. I finally decided to ask her about the size of her organization, and what they do, since clearly it was a no name. Turns out it was a group of about 6~7 people who were designing web pages under a common name and since they all started the 'company', they all gave themselves title of CEO. I couldn't stop laughing! Point of the story, giving yourself a title of CEO will not make your work or your worth any more that what it is, in reality it might make you look like a wanna be, instead. Point very well taken. I will keep using the title President. I will, however, follow what EUS stated and drop the President/Consultant and state clearly what I offer as a consultant on my cards, etc.
Thank you all for your help and insight. The decision has been made with akk if your help, and I really appreciate it! |
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 Jafo232You Can't Spell Democrat Without Rat.Premium
join:2002-10-17
Boonville, NY | reply to lawilson2
I usually like this one:
Supreme Corporate Commander |
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fegulPremium
join:2004-08-23
united state | "Darth " tends to work as well  |
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 jmpenguinJmpenguinPremium
join:2004-01-16
Labelle, FL | reply to lawilson2
Yes CEO is just a title, however depending on your clients a title may make a difference.
I have an associate who formed a corporation and made his wife President (minority preference for contracts was the reason) his title was vice-president. Years later they moved and he called Amex to change their address. Amex told him they can't take the word of a vice-president. He changed his title to COO Chief Operating Officer - No more problems dealing with people in big corporations.
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