Dont get wrapped up in being the BOSS.
As entrepreneurs we often get overwhelmed with the power (or potential power) that comes along with being in charge. We have so many titles that describe us including Boss, CEO, Founder and President. While there is a time and place for all these titles are applicable, oftentimes its not really needed and frankly can cause more harm than good.
Acting Like An Employee
On countless occasions whether it be at a networking event, conference or dinner party, everyone wants to know a couple of things: Your name, what you do and your title. For the longest time, I always gave the honest answer: Dezmon Landers, Internet Entrepreneur, CEO of Simplifyed.com. I would either get two responses: “Wow, that sounds cool! I wanna know more” or “Aren’t you to young to be taking risks and running your own company? Shouldn’t you be working for a REAL company getting some REAL experience? I’m sure your HOBBY probably doesn’t even make any money.”
If you’re anything like me you tend to focus on the negative things and how to make them better (or avoid them) as opposed to putting much thought into things you already do well. So after many negative responses like that over the years I started to wonder why people were so negative when I was honest about what I did.
People are pessimistic and competitive by nature
Unfortunately, this is very true. Have you ever run an idea by someone to see what they thought and they immediately say “That probably won’t work” or “That idea is not realistic” without really knowing anything about the problem your idea solves? We all have at some point and this is the same reaction entrepreneurs receive similar to what I described above. I made a couple of mistakes in my introduction above:
Mistake # 1: I called myself an entrepreneur
This is a mistake because most people are risk averse by nature but entrepreneurs are risk takers by nature. Before the conversation goes any further, there is already a subconscious disagreement about views on life and business. Secondly, the term entrepreneur is kind of vague and could apply to a lot of different businesses. People negatively dismiss what they don’t understand or comprehend, so guide them along to alleviate any confusion. I should have been more specific about what I do and said “Business Developer”.
Mistake # 2: I called myself a CEO
Most terms like Boss, CEO and Founder have an elitist connotation to them and can turn some people off. In my experience, people have tried to poke more holes in my business acumen to really see if I was what I said that I was. The problem here is that those conversations aren’t really that productive and can be offensive on both sides. Rule of thumb: Avoid it at all costs!
So when someone asks me those three important questions of “what is your name, what you do and what’s your title” I simply answer: Dezmon Landers, Business Developer for Simplifyed.com.
Got your point. Best to avoid those two mistakes. In the past, I am usually proud to introduce myself as an entrepreneur and we do ended up in confusion or me in explaining further. Its better to say it specifically.
As an entrepreneur you might want to know about the movie from http://www.TheYESmovie.com. I was an entrepreneur for a long time already but seeing this movie opened my mind about a lot of things, it is from Louis Lautman.
Comment by Matteus — September 10, 2008 @ 5:22 am
As a fellow Seriel Entrepreneur, its important to understand that your title should only imply responsibility and NOT power. Big difference. I choose to say “My name is Shaun Ford, and currently I am building a company called (insert company name). Why? Everyone desires and understands a sense of adventure therefore my statement stricts a balance by envoking curosity rather it be an individual who has a entrepreneur or employee mindset.
Comment by Shaun Ford — September 11, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Wise words from wise entrepreneurs! I might add that while these instances are quite frequent, it is also important to size up your audience prior to engaging in this conversation so that you know whom and whom not to throw these words around with. Wishing my fellow CEO’s the best ; ).
Comment by Mark — November 30, 2008 @ 10:55 pm