What is the leader of a small business called?

Ah, the age-old question that perplexes many small business owners: “What is the leader of a small business called?” Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry; by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the various titles and roles associated with small business leadership.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why does it matter what I’m called? I’m the one running the show, right?” Fair point. But the title you choose can carry weight and influence how others perceive you and your business.

The Traditional Titles: Owner, Founder, and Proprietor

Let’s start with the classics. If you’re the one who had the initial idea and invested your blood, sweat, and tears (and likely a good chunk of your savings) into starting the business, you might opt for the title of “Owner” or “Founder.” These titles have a certain ring to them and convey a sense of ownership and authority.

But what if you purchased an existing business? In that case, “Proprietor” might be more fitting. This term has a long-standing history and implies that you’re the sole owner and operator of the business.

“But I’m not the only one calling the shots.”

If you’re thinking, “Hold up, I have partners or investors who also have a say in how the business is run,” then you might want to consider a title that reflects a shared leadership structure. “Co-Founder,” “Managing Partner,” or even the more generic “Principal” can work well in these situations.

The Modern Titles: CEO, President, and Chief (Insert Role Here) Officer

As your small business grows and evolves, you might find that traditional titles no longer quite fit the bill. That’s when you can start exploring more contemporary options, like “Chief Executive Officer” (CEO) or “President.”

These titles tend to carry more weight and authority, signaling that you’re the top dog in charge of the overall vision and direction of the company. They can also help differentiate your role from other leadership positions within the organization.

And if you really want to get creative (or specific), you can always opt for a more descriptive title like “Chief Operating Officer” (COO), “Chief Financial Officer” (CFO), or “Chief Marketing Officer” (CMO). These titles not only showcase your leadership role but also highlight your particular area of expertise or responsibility within the business.

“But I wear multiple hats, and those titles seem too narrow.”

Fair point. As a small business owner, you likely handle a little bit of everything, from operations to finance to marketing and beyond. In that case, a more flexible title like “Chief Executive” or simply “Chief” might be a better fit.

The Bottom Line: Choose What Feels Right

At the end of the day, the title you choose should reflect your role, responsibilities, and the culture of your small business. Don’t get too caught up in what sounds “impressive” or “fancy” – go with what feels authentic and resonates with you and your team.

And remember, the title is just a label; it’s the hard work, dedication, and leadership you bring to the table that truly matters.

So, whether you opt for the traditional “Owner,” the contemporary “CEO,” or something entirely unique, own it with confidence and keep focused on growing and nurturing your small business.

Looking for more small business help? See our article on
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