New business - job title struggle?

stokeymad

Hi all,

I have recently started a new business, and moved to the online world.

My question is this - What should your job title be when referring to yourself and contacting prospective clients. I want to give the right impression, but being a samll business and using terms such as CEO or managing director could make it seem like your just playing games and not taking it serious.

So far I have referred to myself as Head Freelance Writer, but this also gives the impression that I report to someone else.

Any ideas?

I know this isn't a money saving tip but it is so I don't change my mind and have to reprint business cards in the future.

Thanks

chalkie99

If you are not a ltd co then you are not a director and unless you have people under you you are not a "head".

Why not just call yourself a freelance writer or proprietor?

Either way you cannot advertise your own website on the forums!

stokeymad

Sorry about that, I did not know, I have removed the link.

The problem with Freelance Writer is that I have people who volunteer for me and work for me on a irregular basis who's job title would be freelance writer.

Murtle

Senior Freelance Writer then?

pitkin2020

It really depends on the image you are trying to portray. Your title is fine if you are trying to produce an image where they will think you are a large company with lots of staff, the problem with that is its not very personal. Whilst your the owner/proprietor you'll becoming across as just a member of staff from the business contacting them. Obviously nothing wrong with that.

If you want the more personal touch, to show your smaller company and you want them to know they are dealing with the person at the top of the chain than owner/proprietor is a better title.

It really will come down to who your clients are. If your dealing with the big boys and global companies making yourself sound bigger than you are is no bad thing. If your dealing more with the smaller business or general public making yourself sound more personal and smaller can have a positive effect.

InsideInsurance

First of all, are you a sole trader or have you formed a Ltd? From memory there are some issues with using certain titles if you are only a sole trader

stokeymad

Hi

I am a Sole Trader but I also have a small workforce as well as volunteers. I want the personal touch to show we are not just another SEO company, but in time I want to be targetting the big boys, at the moment I am just looking to expand the client base we have.

Previously I referred to myself as a freelance writer, but now that I have moved to having a website I expect to be meeting prospective clients, and while the job title will not make or break a deal, I think it shows professionalism if we have got it correct.

Horace

In my sole trader business I refer to myself as being the business owner.

pitkin2020

InsideInsurance wrote: »

First of all, are you a sole trader or have you formed a Ltd? From memory there are some issues with using certain titles if you are only a sole trader

The only titles you can't really use are those associated directly with a limited company such as director.

heretolearn_2

I've always said I want my title to be 'Head Honcho' but I'm not allowed :-(

pitkin2020

heretolearn wrote: »

I've always said I want my title to be 'Head Honcho' but I'm not allowed :-(

Thats where the fun of trade shows come into play, you get your badge with what ever title you want.

I usually take one or two members of staff to shows and depending if they have been good or not depends if they get a good title or not for their badges lol.