I’ve had numerous discussions with aspiring rock stars over the last few years with regard to the old “title or no title” on the business card thing.
I’ve even gone from one extreme (as in not having one) to the other (as in having one that is fun and creative)
Which one works best?
I’m going to leave that one for you, but before I jet on out of here, here are 4 things for you to do with your title!
1) Consider A Creative/Fun Approach: Sometimes an appropriate change in the corporate stuffiness might (emphasis on the word “might”) be a breath of fresh air.
Perhaps that’s why Dan Zarella is The Social Media Scientist
Rana DiOrio is the Chief Executive Pickle at Little Pickle Press
And I might be a tad guilty of being a Vice President of Jedi Mastery
Note: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times my title has broken the ice. Certainly more times than when my title was “The Artist Formerly Known As Uncle Paul” but I digress. And yes, Prince stole the idea from me and we haven’t spoken since!
2) Make It Customer Focused like my friend Donna Highfill who is the Chief Change Messenger at Highfill Performance group.
How about a “Customer Care Specialist” vs a “Customer Service Representative”?
A “Solutions Architect” vs “Sales Representative”
3) Lose It!: Sometimes the old “less is more” thing can offer a modesty vibe. That’s exactly why I went “Sans Title” when I owned my printing company way back when.
4) Take Your Title Seriously . . . But Not Too Seriously! The serious part pertains to your role with your customers, internal customers, prospects, the community etc. The not too seriously part pertains to you realizing that you stopped walking on water years ago . . . so keep it real!
So there you have it; 4 thoughts to consider when reviewing the title you chose to help brand the experience of YOU!
And speaking of YOU, where do YOU stand on the subject of titles?
Paul Castain is a coach, a keynote speaker and resident rock star at Castain Training Systems. click here to attain way cool levels of awesomeness!
As the Dark Lord of Staffing, I approve this message!
That is still my favorite title John . . . never gets old my friend!
As the Dark Lord of Staffing, I approve this message!
That is still my favorite title John . . . never gets old my friend!
When I owned a web development company called Leap Frog a few years back my title was Front Frog (Sales), the CFO was Fiscal Frog, etc. People still recall the titles may years on, so I would say it can be a good thing. I think a title of some sort is better than none, in any event. It kind-of respects the person you are handing it to to know what capacity/role you have imho.
I agree on both accounts.
I really like the way you played with the titles to further reinforce the name of the company.
Well done Nigel!
When I owned a web development company called Leap Frog a few years back my title was Front Frog (Sales), the CFO was Fiscal Frog, etc. People still recall the titles may years on, so I would say it can be a good thing. I think a title of some sort is better than none, in any event. It kind-of respects the person you are handing it to to know what capacity/role you have imho.
I agree on both accounts.
I really like the way you played with the titles to further reinforce the name of the company.
Well done Nigel!
Thanks for the thought — I like the fun-approach yet customer focused. Looking forward to playing with some title-alternatives.
Debbie
Thanks Debbie.
Keep us posted on your new title 🙂
Thanks for the thought — I like the fun-approach yet customer focused. Looking forward to playing with some title-alternatives.
Debbie
Thanks Debbie.
Keep us posted on your new title 🙂
Hi Paul,
A good question you posit, titularly speaking.
A title can open a door sometimes, but so can being pleasant and respectful. Once the door has creaked wider, one can have some fun, hence to folks who know me, I am the loopy leprechaun lawyer.
If one wants to avoid the pretentions of title-creep, a possible solution might be the use of a tagline. Thus, I refer to my legal pursuits as “Estate Planning with Empathy.” In the initial consult, the prospective client hears my story, (as you have Paul) and quickly understands that these are not rote forms we are filling out, this is a family we are firming up.
Perhaps then, as in so much of our lives, context is everything.
No matter what our livelihoods may be, we are all ultimately engaged in selling. If we are real, then at some point in the nascent relationship the title is irrelevant.
And as for me I am now off to understand why the term “onboard” is au courant in the business world. Say what?
Cheerio my Jedi ONE !
Kevin Keane, loopy leprechaun lawyer, 1st Class
Spot on Kevin . . . the title can’t ever take the place of one’s true self.
And I completely dig the idea of the tagline especially one as true and authentic as yours my friend.
Thanks for stopping by my brother from another Irish mother.
Spot on Kevin . . . the title can’t ever take the place of one’s true self.
And I completely dig the idea of the tagline especially one as true and authentic as yours my friend.
Thanks for stopping by my brother from another Irish mother.
I am not sure what I think about this, I mean, I guess I am kinda traditionalist when it comes down to titles, I don’t really like too fancy titles as it often masks what it is all about, and it’s not well perceived by more stiff business people. My personal experience tells me if we had to show off such titles the people we work with would be less than enthusiast about the chance, but of course it really depends on what you do and whom you do it with.
I agree Gabriele . . . its definitely a time, place and appropriateness thing!
Thanks for stopping by Gabriele!
I am not sure what I think about this, I mean, I guess I am kinda traditionalist when it comes down to titles, I don’t really like too fancy titles as it often masks what it is all about, and it’s not well perceived by more stiff business people. My personal experience tells me if we had to show off such titles the people we work with would be less than enthusiast about the chance, but of course it really depends on what you do and whom you do it with.
I was a “Senior Account Manager” for too many years to count. Recently, I became the “Ultimate Sales Dude”. Customers mention it frequently and I tell them I was the “Penultimate Sales Dude” but was recently promoted. It works well as an ice breaker and allows me to more easily discuss the sales process and how it works for their benefit.
Agreed!
Sounds more fun too!
I was a “Senior Account Manager” for too many years to count. Recently, I became the “Ultimate Sales Dude”. Customers mention it frequently and I tell them I was the “Penultimate Sales Dude” but was recently promoted. It works well as an ice breaker and allows me to more easily discuss the sales process and how it works for their benefit.
On LI my title is Chief Transferer of Enthusiasm. I have had a few people comment, which is more than I can say for when I was “President”
I agree. I think it can be an awesome ice breaker!
Thanks Rebecca!
On LI my title is Chief Transferer of Enthusiasm. I have had a few people comment, which is more than I can say for when I was “President”
The best title I have ever seen was a receptionist at a very large global company; her title and plaque on the desk was “Vice President of First Impressions” Wow now that was an impression
How cool is that one Casey?
Very important if you ask me!
Thanks for your input!
How cool is that one Casey?
Very important if you ask me!
Thanks for your input!
Funny and interesting…I remember way back when I first started in business I managed a company in Orange county for man who was a multi multi millonaire..He told us never to tell anyone that he was the big boss, and almost never introduced himself as the CEO, Chairman, etc..His reasoning was that people were more likely to open up and be themselves if they didn’t feel intimidated by his title and accomplishments. It worked for him, he was worth close to a billion by the time he left this earth..
HI
Sounds like a very humble human being!
Thanks for stopping by!
Funny and interesting…I remember way back when I first started in business I managed a company in Orange county for man who was a multi multi millonaire..He told us never to tell anyone that he was the big boss, and almost never introduced himself as the CEO, Chairman, etc..His reasoning was that people were more likely to open up and be themselves if they didn’t feel intimidated by his title and accomplishments. It worked for him, he was worth close to a billion by the time he left this earth..
HI
Sounds like a very humble human being!
Thanks for stopping by!
My title is CIO – Chief Inspirational Officer
I consider my education as part of my title !
NO PhD, rather PHP, Practical Hands On Professional, acquired at a very prestigious school, The School of Business at the University of Real World. Unfortunately, you get the degree but never graduate you just keep learning more.
Love it Bill and so true about never graduating. I believe that’s what keeps us growing and what keeps this all so interesting.
Thanks for weighing in on this!
Love it Bill and so true about never graduating. I believe that’s what keeps us growing and what keeps this all so interesting.
Thanks for weighing in on this!
One of my clients loves using chief guru somewhere in his title. He says it has gotten him calls because folks wanted to know why he calls himself the guru. Title are really telling re who you are but also being able to communicate in a memorable way, what you so.
I like titles that follow that type of guideline because they capture attention and conversation. They also get remembered.
That sure is very different than the good old CEO or VP of…
What great tips! Creative titles can definitely break the ice & attract interest quickly!
The one title I despise is “Sales Consultant”…Wait a second, you work for a major company how can you be a consultant, and why would you want to throw Sales in front of it…
The one title I despise is “Sales Consultant”…Wait a second, you work for a major company how can you be a consultant, and why would you want to throw Sales in front of it…
I’m Chief Executive Salesman by day, when I meet with prospects and clients.
When I don my cape and super hero garb at night (networking events), my business card simply has my name, number and social media information. My name tag only has my name. For me personally, I find that opens up a lot more conversations.
I once read that no one cares about what my card says anyway. After applying band aids to me ego, I realized that by focusing on them, those who are interested will ask. Those who aren’t will end up feeding off the appetizers and will think they accomplished something by stuffing their pockets with business cards they won’t do anything with anyway.
I’m Chief Executive Salesman by day, when I meet with prospects and clients.
When I don my cape and super hero garb at night (networking events), my business card simply has my name, number and social media information. My name tag only has my name. For me personally, I find that opens up a lot more conversations.
I once read that no one cares about what my card says anyway. After applying band aids to me ego, I realized that by focusing on them, those who are interested will ask. Those who aren’t will end up feeding off the appetizers and will think they accomplished something by stuffing their pockets with business cards they won’t do anything with anyway.