There are a couple schools of thought when it comes to titles and monikers–some folks think they don’t really matter while others think that your title, or how you think of yourself can be a strong motivator–as well as a big chunk of a person’s identity. As the entrepreneur of a home-based business, do you think of yourself as the “founder” of your home-based business operation?
There can be something very powerful about adding the title “founder” to your work identity. A founder does imply someone who is entrepreneurial in spirit and willing to take all the risk and responsibility. Plus, people know that they are dealing with the ultimate authority in your business if they are dealing with the founder. While the term may not mean as much in the early months or years of a business–a business that has stood the test of time and is still being operated by its “founder” can send a strong message of stability and longevity to customers and prospects.
Since I do freelancing and consulting work, I don’t really consider myself a “founder”–after all, I haven’t really formed a separate business entity or a company that can exist “outside” of my own personal, individual efforts. But, I do have a friend and colleague who started a small home-based business years ago and it has grown into a small business corporation. She definitely considers herself the founder and uses that title more than any other. I think her official title is “founding publisher” or “founding director” and I can’t help but think that sounds both professional and entrepreneurial. I know that she’s the one in charge.
Even if you don’t use the word “founder” in your official title or on your stationery, it might be helpful and confidence-building to think of yourself as the founder of your little home-based business. After all, you are the founder–you are the one taking the risk and putting in the effort to build up your own small business.
Also: Do You Have a Home Business Title? Do You Want One?