I went with "Managing Partner". I think it gives the impression of a highly experienced, but hands on business prson.

When you claim yourself as "owner" that really triggers an emotional response in the minds of your card readers, or clients. And it's not a good one.

If your goal is get the business of others, I've found that it's best to be humble. They want a friend who understands their need. Not a captain of a ship.

If you are a virtual assistant, then you are an assistant, not an owner of a business. Be what your customers want you to be.

Just my two cents!

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www.virtualdataexpress.com We get it done!

Originally Posted by ScottyTN

When you claim yourself as "owner" that really triggers an emotional response in the minds of your card readers, or clients. And it's not a good one. If your goal is get the business of others, I've found that it's best to be humble. They want a friend who understands their need. Not a captain of a ship. If you are a virtual assistant, then you are an assistant, not an owner of a business. Be what your customers want you to be. Just my two cents!

Jackie, that's a very interesting perspective... one I hadn't thought of. Thanks for the extra food for thought, as I go through this process!

--Samantha

I have a two sided card. My title is Outsourcing Specialist. On the back, I list what I specialize in.

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Eileen Richard
http://ERVirtualAssistant.SynthaSite.com

I am new to the VA business myself, have another small business unrelated...One thing I have learned is that customers don't really care if your "Owner" or "CEO". What they really want is someone that can fulfill their needs, deliver a product or service in a professional way, and basically just "get er done!"

There is nothing wrong with putting your title of Owner on your cards, just don't over emphasize it, be assistant first, owner second.

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www.virtualdataexpress.com We get it done!

Oh, that's a great take on it. I had this struggle a few weeks ago. I have no business name, but my cards look bare without more info on it. My title? (thanks to the folks who helped me decide)

Administrative Specialist

Amanda

I agree with ScottyTN. I don't think people care about title's-just your ability to get the work done.

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LaTosha Johnson
http://www.targetstars.com

First I was Founder then I was a Ceo and now I am the President lol

This is great advice! I think "Outsourcing Specialist" is a refreshing and to-the-point option!

I would say you are the owner, because you are, you own this business. For me I also put Virtual IT Specialist since that is my specialty area, yes I will take on other VA duties but mostly will focus on the IT side.

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Kristin Kuzik
www.virtualwebconcepts.com

Originally Posted by virtualWebConcepts

I would say you are the owner, because you are, you own this business. For me I also put Virtual IT Specialist since that is my specialty area, yes I will take on other VA duties but mostly will focus on the IT side.

I know that this is a bit off topic but I just checked out your website because we're (the non-profit I work for) considering the idea of outsourcing our IT stuff (sometime down the road) and I was curious about what a Virtual IT Specialist does. Anywho, I just wanted to say that I really like that you list all of the qualities you expect to see in your clients right there on your homepage. I would never have thought of doing that.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

What a great discussion! I haven't made any business cards yet and will probably call myself Owner/Operator or Founder or something like that. I also like Administrative Specialist or Administrative Professional. Hmmmm...Independant Contractor may give the sense of Ownership without actually saying it or having the same connotations. What do you think?

One of my clients just opened up a little store called The Trail Mix and she calls herself the Trail Director. All of the people that work with her are called Trail Guides (cashiers and such). Not that they actually lead hikes or anything (although she'd like to get into that and just adopted a trail) but it kind of goes with her name and the earthy/natural feel of her store. I think it's cute.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

I always use owner/operator. I think that it says everything (that I am the owner and that I also do the work). Just my opinion.

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Shannon

Wow! It's really interesting to see the different viewpoints on this subject. I agree that it's good to show a little humility, but I also think it's important to get across the message that it's you who will be doing the work for the prospective client and it's you who'll be taking responsibility for such work.

I recently had some business cards printed & used the rather austere title of "Director of Business Services". I thought @ the time that it gave an air of ownership and that I would be responsible for the services being provided. But afterwards I had second thoughts and figured that maybe it was a bit over the top.

Previously, when people have asked me what I do I have said that I am a Virtual Business Assistant, putting emphasis on the word, "Business" because I provide more than just virtual secretarial services.

However, I have now settled on the title "Business Services Specialist". It gives me a wider scope than just providing virtual admin/secretarial services and gives me opportunity to highlight the additional services that I provide.

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FVBS

I have just put my name because I don't think it is important to put a title. After looking at other business owner's cards, I decided a title wasn't necessary as most people will assume it is YOUR business.