Do Job Titles Really Matter?

Back in the corporate world, job titles were always very important to me.  I strove to work my way up the proverbial ladder from "coordinator" to "supervisor" to "manager", and felt that each new business card earned with a change in title, was a testament to my success. I was even a little annoyed that I was new granted the title of "director" even though I was, in fact, directing all of the marketing and communications departments for the corporation. Recently I met with a friend who told me of her challenges in balancing responsibilities within her department while keeping everyone happy with their titles. Not always an easy thing to do. While titles can be helpful when you're trying to contact the "right person" within an organization (such as the buyer or decision maker), my attitude toward having a title has really changed over the years.

The title on my business card is "Virtual Assistant". As the business owner, I could call myself pretty much anything: Owner, VP, CEO, Diva ... whatever. I chose to keep it simple - my profession is as a VA; it's what I do.

I am finding, however, that as I VA I tend to morph into whatever positions my clients may need.  While working on their behalf I may be referred to as a Marketing Communications Assistant, Researcher, Project Manager, Author's Assistant, etc. It doesn't matter to me - it's how my clients need me to best represent my role to their customers. After all, I am all of those things, that's the beauty of being a VA.

So do job titles matter to me? No. For the first time in my career I am completely comfortable with where I am and don't feel there are any more rungs to climb. Sure I'll continually strive to grow and improve my business and my skills, but I don't feel that the measure of my success will be in my title. I'm a business owner and I love my job! Though I do admit I am a bit drawn to the title of "Goddess"...

Comments

[Rob]

Hi Goddess,

Glad to hear you are growing comfortable with your new business.

Your loving brother, the Director of Quality & Regulatory Affairs of the ImmuCell Corporation.

[virtual assitant]

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