I don't know what to call myself

[Deleted]

So, you know, the new gig.

It's just me and my business partner, who founded the business and titles herself as CEO on LinkedIn in addition to some other titles that fit what she does (she has more personality flair than I do.)

And I'm technically the COO per our S-Corp paperwork.  But I'm having a hard time feeling confident about throwing that up there.  Like my previous managers are all rolling their eyes, which shouldn't bother me but it does because I really respect (most) of them.

My previous title was Director level but could have translated to Sr.Dir or VP at other companies. 

Why is this hard. I feel like a fraud.

WWYD. 

[pantsparty]

Isn't the benefit to starting a company determining your own title?

Do what you want.

[sonrisa]

Eh. It's okay to say COO on your business cards, etc. You are. People know that size of company affects these things. In person, with people you know, I'd describe what you actually do day to day.

[Deleted]

If the paperwork makes you COO, you have those responsibilities, and you started the damn company, you identify yourself as COO.

[SKP82]

You get to call yourself whatever you want! Embrace being the COO.

[Deleted]

Oct 31, 2013 15:39:00 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Eh. It's okay to say COO on your business cards, etc. You are. People know that size of company affects these things. In person, with people you know, I'd describe what you actually do day to day.

Ok.  This is what I needed to hear.  I was having this internal conversation in my head but need external validation that people would take into consideration we are not a Fortune 500 shop.

I feel better.

[Deleted]

Oct 31, 2013 15:39:09 GMT -5 cville said:

If the paperwork makes you COO, you have those responsibilities, and you started the damn company, you identify yourself as COO.

Ok.  Ok!

I just had to buy my first laptop.  Ever.  Being the COO is expensive.

(laptops had just become mainstream when I was in college, which is coincidently when I started working and I literally have always had a work issued computer since 1999.)

[sonrisa]

Oct 31, 2013 15:42:47 GMT -5 fields said:

Oct 31, 2013 15:39:00 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Eh. It's okay to say COO on your business cards, etc. You are. People know that size of company affects these things. In person, with people you know, I'd describe what you actually do day to day.

Ok.  This is what I needed to hear.  I was having this internal conversation in my head but need external validation that people would take into consideration we are not a Fortune 500 shop.

I feel better.

They definitely do. Especially in the bay area - this is the home base of the small IT start up world, after all. 

[Birdie]

If you're second in common at your company, and it says COO on your paperwork, then I don't think you're doing anything out of the ordinary by calling yourself COO on LinkedIn or on business cards. Thats what you are after all! If people have a problem with it, they can start their own company and be a CEO/COO too.

[Deleted]

Oct 31, 2013 15:50:40 GMT -5 @scottydeux said:

I'm sure things felt strange to many people in your position, who went on to become extremely successful. You were 'just a regular lady'--a talented lady, nevertheless. But now you are a Fancy Lady. Own it, sister.

Ha!  If we meet IRL I'll tell you my "fancy" story -- I am cracking up at the irony of what you just typed, which of course makes no sense to you and is too hard to explain over the interwebs without getting completely lost in translation.

[Deleted]

Oct 31, 2013 16:07:14 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

I don't think Director to COO (esp of a smaller company) is a crazy step in the least. Believe in yourself! Lean in! Get over the imposter syndrome! etc, etc

You're like my own personal career cheerleader.  Love it.  I have hardcore imposter syndrome, and I so know better.

[pantsparty]

[HiC]

"COO and Fucking Fabulous, bitches!"

Is that an option on there?

[Deleted]

Oct 31, 2013 18:35:03 GMT -5 HiC said:

"COO and Fucking Fabulous, bitches!"

Is that an option on there?

If it isn't, it should be!