What job title does a small business owner have?

I've always dreamt of starting my own business straight out of high school. When you own a small business, what is your formal job title? Is it just 'owner,' or are there other titles involved?

There's really no hard and fast rule when it comes to a job title for a small business owner, as it can depend on the nature and size of the business itself. Here are some commonly used titles:

1. "Owner": This is a straightforward title that conveys the highest level of responsibility in the business. It's simple, direct, and leaves no question about who's in charge.

2. "CEO" (Chief Executive Officer): While typically used in larger corporations, as the owner of a business, you are technically its chief executive. Using this title can convey a certain level of professionalism and seriousness, especially to external stakeholders.

3. "President": This title usually indicates that the person is the top decision-maker within the organization.

4. "Founder": This term is often used if you are the person who started the business. It indicates a high degree of involvement and significance in the creation of the company.

5. "Principal": This is often used in professional firms to represent a principal owner, primarily used in legal, consulting, architecture, and design firms.

In fact, the job title for a small business owner can also be tailored to fit the industry or the nature of the business. For instance, someone running their own photography business might choose the title 'Lead Photographer,' or someone running a bakery might choose 'Head Baker.'

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what title best represents your role and how you want to be perceived within your industry. But, keep in mind, a job title is just a label. What matters most in the end is the work you do to grow your business and serve your customers.