You run a small business. You founded* a small business. You might be in college. Maybe you’re a 57-year-old wedding DJ, p.k.a. Sir Geriatricz. It doesn’t matter.

Just stop calling yourself a CEO.

Unless you’re governing Indians you are the “Chief” of nothing. You just know a little more than others. Or maybe you don’t. (hint: this is called “domain expertise”)

So call yourself the founder, or owner, or whatever. Tell people you “Run a little business that does _.” Just don’t say you’re a CEO.

Nothing screams amateur like glossy business cards and a 2-man team and ‘CEO’ inscribed bolder and bigger than your name.

Being CEO is a pipe dream, not a right of passage for your $100 C-Corp filing.

Focus on sales.

Sales are oxygen with which you grow and hire employees (Indians). Then you’ll be a Chief. Then you can call yourself a CEO.

But for now, just stop.