Which title to choose?

[Practica]

Hi everyone.

I need some help regarding my job title at my new-founded company. I recently started up a sales-company focusing on the maritime sector with four others. I am the majority shareholder with 40% of the share capital and the boss. The four others have 15% each and are vital to the company's operation.

What I'm asking is which title to choose as the boss when working with four other founders. It is not a big company, at least not yet. I don't want anyone to recognize me as arrogant, but I still want people to know I am the main man.

I appreciate all suggestions.

Best regards
Marius

 

[BrandUK]

Managing director while the others can be director

 

[Practica]

Thank you, BrandUK.

That was actually my original idea, but I was a bit uncertain. We have already made titles for the others.

 

[fisicx]

Marius is a great title, why not use that.

 

[Practica]

Marius is a great title, why not use that.

The title is primarily for my business card. I can't just have my name there. We often meet up with potential clients and therefore it is nice to have a card to hand out. Internally i just go by Marius

 

[businessfunding]

. I can't just have my name there.

Why not?

Titles are largely for egomaniacs.Not disclosing one can give you a lot of freedom

 

[SwindonSteve]

I don't have a title on my card.

I always work on the basis that if you need a job title on your business card, I should be having a conversation with someone more important than you.

 

[ethical PR]

Agree I don't have a title either.

 

[marklew]

I'd be interested in the sales market you have entered, also being in the Maritime sector... I take it you will be at IMPA for the next two days???

 

[Practica]

Hi everyone and thanks for your suggestions.

I'm sorry for the late reply, but I've been busy traveling today. I get the freedom I will enjoy from using no title, but let's just say that I need one. Which should I go for? The other members have titles as well, and I feel it looks a bit weird if I only have my name. I will though remember this if I start up a company with fewer members one day.

 

[Practica]

I'd be interested in the sales market you have entered, also being in the Maritime sector... I take it you will be at IMPA for the next two days???

Hi marklew

No, unfortunately I'm currently in Bilbao, Spain at my other job. I will be here until 1. october at least. But I'll gladly exchange pm's with you if have any questions.

 

[philmc1]

On your business card, email signature etc, just say Director. It will mean many things to many people and it reflects your senior role in the company.

 

[fisicx]

Head Honcho
Owner
Chief Designer

Still reckon just you name is the best option - it begins to build trust as you are giving me your name not your title (something which is meaningless without context). Putting Director has no value unless you tell me what you are the director of.

 

[Nuno]

'Big C', as in CEO, CFO, COO etc and with a nice little pun thrown in.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Putting Director onto your card means everyone knows you speak for the company where as with just a name you could be anyone employed by the company and might have no power to speak for the company

A Director is a legal position and means you must always work in the companies interest. if the company grows and people are confused who the boss is then add Managing Director

 

[Practica]

Thank you for all your replies

 

[r8ash]

I personally would go either no title, or you could go for director and co founder

 

[MikeH]

Always interesting this one. It is a discussion we hear from time to time from our customers. Our general response is not to worry too much about titles and focus on getting the business up and running and building your company's reputation.

All of our team have their names only on business cards and written communication. That includes the company owners and directors unless authority is required in a letter or email. When the directors do meet people they introduce themselves correctly depending on circumstances.

Are you thinking up titles for you, to gain trust or because you think it will impress customers?

On the flip side if every email to the company is answered by a director then what impression does that create? Just my 2 pence, but do not lose any sleep over this decision.

 

[gemma.wilson]

I am personally leaning towards Managing Director.