Profile Title across (specially on Linkedin) is a ludicrous effort by professionals to Brand oneself & even Brag about oneself. Linkedin is flooded with professionals using magnanimous & swanky titles. These titles are endeavors in blowing their own trumpet, attempting a strategy to gloat & seek attention. This in my view is not only a misleading attempt but also unworthy of professionals.
Which Titles are appropriate to use & how to evaluate Titles to distinguish better professionals?
I will put myself on the spot here. I will try to explain my concept on some of the thoughts we need to put before giving titles to ourselves. I am giving below the different titles I use or not use for myself. Also this might assist you in evaluating other professionals & titles used by them. Check my titles on Left column or my resume or my Linkedin Profile here
My thoughts on Professional Titles.
- I believe Title including professional Title isn’t something we can give to ourselves. Titles are given by others. They evaluate your accomplishments, expertise & qualifications.
“Startup Mentor” in my profile is the role I was designated by the DoIT&C, Government of Rajasthan. I was assessed, interviewed & then deputed to be a “Startup Mentor”. - Titles are not futuristic, meaning its not the job which you will perform or do ahead. Titles are earned by performing the work as expected from the owner of the title. Though I affirm with the thinking that you can carry title of your past role. Hence Ex presidents, prime ministers are still addressed by their same previous title.
Though I might never start another venture again in life but as I have successfully founded & ran 7 ventures, it demonstrates that I am a “Serial Entrepreneur” - Professional Titles are not to show off your ability, aptitude, knowledge, experience, etc. Professional Title should denote how you have used those skills & talent to deliver.
I have done business for over 2 decades now, 7 different businesses were set up by me, Cumulatively these businesses have generated more than 100 crore revenues, employed more than 500 employees, acquired more than 200 clients, 1000000 customers. I have setup business in international countries. These achievements show my delivery as a businessman & Hence rightful title in professional profile. “Experienced BusinessPerson“. - Titles are not aspirational nor are they self imposed & self inflicted. Titles can’t be flirtations meaning you have dabbled for few weeks/months of your life in this but not performed the part as desirous, expected to the fullest as expected. The usage of these titles in your profile is misleading. So if temptation is to use it, then use it with relevant caveats.
“Investor” is not something I used as I believe Investor is the person who invests regularly & has earned great returns. I have invested in ventures, land, projects but till date not received great returns. - Titles are given by companies, enterprises, firms & organizations where you are employed. Titles is also tokenism for the industry you are working in. Some titles are given so that the external stakeholders whom you interact with, understand your role. Sometimes are titles are to define the place you have within the hierarchy and for internal purpose.
“Consultant” on my profile is by virtue of getting hired in the BiG 4 consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY). “Project Manager” is as it denotes my hierarchy within EY & also the tasks expected of me including representation outside. - Titles can’t be lifelong. Titles have expiry dates. Titles can change with change in circumstances & events
Once I am not working in a consulting industry, its expected that Consultant title is removed from my profile. Project Manager title given by EY, expires once I leave EY or if I get promoted then am expected - Professional Network like LinkedIn or Job sites like Naukri, Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor are emphasizing usage of Resume or Profile Title to attract job offers and eyes of job recruiters. Hence temporary usage of titles to attract is acceptable as long as there is a legacy of some work done as requisite of the title.
“Government Advisor” used in my title is to denote the work I am doing at Government of Rajasthan & its also in my title as am looking for challenging assignments and projects in the Government sector ahead.
In conclusion, We all are constituents of this Working World. As professional we need to make a Better Working World. The basic requisite of being a professional is that we show integrity. The start of that integrity is by truthfully representing ourselves. The professional title is the first representation we make to the outside world. Lets be conscious to get this right and contribute to a Better Working World.