Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

Just the question. I have a "company" which is basically just an online identity and is completely unlicensed (for the time being). Can I actually call myself the "CEO" of the company if it is unlicensed, or no? Does it actually matter (will anyone care)?

Thanks ahead of time.

share|improve this question
In the US, you can only get a company by registering it. I imagine it is likely the same in the UK and you don't actually have a company. In the US it would be called a sole proprietorship. – Kekito Sep 15 '12 at 14:01
Yes, I don't really have a "company". – Abluescarab Sep 16 '12 at 1:35

3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

It's best if the title you present to the world reflects what you actually DO. If it's just you, "Owner" is best. If you have two employees -- say, a book keeper and a web designer -- figure out what you "do" and that is your title. If you're an engineer, "Owner and Engineer" might be the way to go.

You're not going to fool anyone with just the title "CEO". They are going to ask you pointy-headed questions and you're going to get nowhere with that. In particular, if you claim to be the "CEO", you might get asked business executive questions you just can't answer. You'd have been better off with "Engineer" in your title -- at least you could answer those questions.

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the answer! I will definitely take this approach. – Abluescarab Sep 16 '12 at 6:57
up vote 1 down vote

In Silicon Valley, it's common for early-stage startups to use the title CEO if it's a high-growth company and their job includes things like pitching investors and building partnerships.

But what's common in Silicon Valley might be viewed differently in regions with different culture.

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the info! – Abluescarab Sep 17 '12 at 0:33
Certainly if you are pitching investors and have been through the process of actually getting real investors, angel or VC, to hand over a large check, a title of "CEO" is warranted. A CEO is a different breed of person from an engineer with a good idea. I'm an engineer with good ideas and I know that if my company grows much beyond where it is today, I'll be hunting for a CEO. Because I'm not one. – Julie in Austin Sep 21 '12 at 23:59
up vote 3 down vote

You can call yourself whatever you like.

Personally, and this may just be because I'm British, I find anybody labelling themselves CEO in a company with less a three digit employee count just a tad silly :-)

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the answer! I do find it a bit silly, as well, but it probably looks good on a resume. ;) – Abluescarab Sep 15 '12 at 11:00
4  
Until somebody asks you about it.... – Adrian Howard Sep 15 '12 at 11:01
Yeah, then you probably look like a dunce. – Abluescarab Sep 15 '12 at 11:06
1  
If you are doing this so that it looks good on a resume, you are effectively just lying on your resume. I wouldn't recommend that. It's not the best way to start a relationship with your prospective employer. – Joel Friedlaender Sep 16 '12 at 2:30

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.