CEO vs. Presedient

**RamanSidhu** · 09-18-2009 02:45 PM

Just out of concern I was wondering what everyone feels about the difference in being a CEO or President of a company.

What do you believe is a general difference?

What would you rather prefer?

What do you looks better in giving a general impression, in the likes of business?

**peteVA** · 09-18-2009 03:18 PM

While I own the business, I am always the General Manager. That way when I need to have time to consider a deal or a way to say no gracefully I can say I need to take it up with "management" and I will get back with them. I can then blame "management" when I tell them it is no deal, or there is no further discount, etc.

**Gaulkin** · 09-18-2009 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by peteVA

While I own the business, I am always the General Manager. That way when I need to have time to consider a deal or a way to say no gracefully I can say I need to take it up with "management" and I will get back with them. I can then blame "management" when I tell them it is no deal, or there is no further discount, etc.

Make sense please, thank you.

**Mega B** · 09-18-2009 03:43 PM

@peteVA i have to say you have lost me on that one also !!!!

**RamanSidhu** · 09-18-2009 07:20 PM

Agree with both of the two above. Not really an answer i was looking for

**armenh** · 09-19-2009 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by peteVA

While I own the business, I am always the General Manager. That way when I need to have time to consider a deal or a way to say no gracefully I can say I need to take it up with "management" and I will get back with them. I can then blame "management" when I tell them it is no deal, or there is no further discount, etc.

I think he is saying that usually the CEO/President in a company is the decision maker. In his case he owns the company but goes along with being the General Manager, as a cover up. Now when he goes to a client to sell his product or service, he does not need to give a price or quote them on the spot, because a General Manager does not have the authority too. He tells the client I will review it with management and get back to you.

**peteVA** · 09-19-2009 09:18 PM

See there, we beat the 80/20 rule.

We had a 75/25 split on this one. One out of four understood.

You can always "pass the buck" to "management", not only in sales, but with complaints, threats and any situation that might arise. You hold up your hands, swear you understand completely and you are definitely "on their side", but "management" has over-ruled you.

Of course, for trade shows, conferences, etc. where you want to impress, all it takes is another order of business cards with your impressive title of choice.

**Fanatik** · 09-20-2009 01:18 AM

I have been away for a while, but I had to comment on this one. t seems to me that you don't have enough panache or gusto to deal with business decisions in the forefront, so you put off a persona as being just another pawn in the mix. That's about as cowardly as they come.

I don't know what business you own, but using that tactic is simply cowardly - no other way to put it. Is it worthwhile? Sure, if you are a car salesman, you can 'check with management' knowing damn well you're the one that will make the decision... Or hey, wait, you can actually learn some business skills and deal like a real man. Just my 2 coins.

As for the OP -- It really kind of depends what title you'd want to give yourself, the structure of your business, and how well you're established. Calling yourself the CEO of a 1-man shop sounds a bit ridiculous, don't you think? Even President in that manner sounds a bit brash. But who am I to tell you what to call yourself? This question has been answered numerous times on here --- that 'search' function does wonders.

Usually the President or Chairman is of a board of directors (or a board in general), while the CEO is just that - a Chief Executive Officer. Try learning the definitions of each, and deciding for yourself what suits you best in your niche and business. There are a ton of factors that come into play here, and we can't begin to list them all; however, reading a business book or two on management may point you in the right direction.

J

**awayoflife** · 09-21-2009 12:38 PM

Fanatik I hope you were joking with your comment about it being cowardly. It is business, plain and simple. If he says that he is the general manager then he can say that the "management" will need a lower price or better trade terms to feel comfortable in making the deal.
So, its going to save him or create him more money. It's not cowardice, its intelligence.

**Fanatik** · 09-21-2009 07:32 PM

To each their own I suppose. If you don't see it as a cowardly tactic, that's just sad. Instead of saying "I am the decision maker, and here are my terms." - he beats around the bush and says he's got to check with management - when he knows damn well that 'management' is him. A real businessman? Hardly.

Another simple way that business is regularly run is, "Okay, I see your terms; however, let me get back with you and see what I can come up with that may be mutually beneficial." Oh look - now your integrity is still in tact and you're not loading someone full of sh!t.

I guess the old days of building rapport and understanding business deals is long gone... for some people at least. EDIT: look at the guy's website for Christ's sake. I rest my case.

**peteVA** · 09-22-2009 12:25 PM

I'm glad you appreciate my website. Did $10,000 the first month it was up, in less than a year it is doing $40k+ monthly. Sales at 13:00 my time today - $3879.23. Call me janitor, for all I care, I'm banking the bucks. How about you?

The purpose of business cards and such is to get noticed. One of the most successful operations I had was using a letterhead similar to some law firms and volunteer organizations. You know, the type with the left column filled with names and titles for the length of the page.

Well, on that one I was everything from General Manager on down. Shipping clerk, janitor, purchasing agent, etc. Filled the whole side of the page with various titles, all with me as that person.

Can't tell you how many new small business customers that brought in, simply because they could definitely relate.

Did a Yellow Pages quarter page ad (remember those?) where alongside the traditional credit card logos I put a little box saying We also accept CASH! Again, can't tell you how many phone calls started with "Ya'll accept cash, do you?"

It's all about the bottom line, as awayoflife mentions. The one thing I am not is cowardly, in fact if there is one thing I have learned after years in business it's that 98% of people are all talk and no action. They turn tail and run at the first sign of steadfastness on the part of others.

It's not that I am afraid to tell someone I am "the Decider", it is to ease their feelings that I become the general manager. Even as the general manager I manage to be a quite good SOB, but it does make it easier on the potential buyer when I can say that management, or the credit manager, etc. said they would not qualify.

In truth, it also saves some time for me, as that sort of ends the discussion, instead of another round of pleadings.

Fanatik, it would not bother me a bit if you want to keep your butt up on your shoulders, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that is exactly what forums are all about. You keep being whatever you choose to be, and I shall remain the General Manager and my crappy website shall continue to bring me untold wealth and fortune.

I'll match my income and assets with yours anytime you're ready.

**Fanatik** · 09-26-2009 11:52 PM

Here we go with whose balls are bigger. Whenever someone says "I make untold wealth", "I have a fortune from this", etc - 9/10 times you're full of sh.t. Let's give you the benefit of the doubt; It's interesting how you're building all of this so-called wealth with a turn-key website.

With the other tactics you outlined, those are whimsical and thought-out advertising methods that you used to your advantage - they weren't a one-way mirror for people to see. I also agree with you that 98% of people in business do turn tail and run in certain circumstances. I can also tell you that in my experience - people appreciate you not giving them a load of bullsh.t, such as "let me check with my mgmt team" even though you're a damn sole proprietor.

Along with that - sometimes it's advantageous to 'appear' like you're a larger operation than you are - but again, that will catch up with you and break your neck. If you're selling knickknacks, I guess that could work for you for a while. Once you start playing real ball, you'll learn.

**Gaulkin** · 09-27-2009 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by peteVA

I'm glad you appreciate my website. Did $10,000 the first month it was up, in less than a year it is doing $40k+ monthly. Sales at 13:00 my time today - $3879.23. Call me janitor, for all I care, I'm banking the bucks. How about you?

The purpose of business cards and such is to get noticed. One of the most successful operations I had was using a letterhead similar to some law firms and volunteer organizations. You know, the type with the left column filled with names and titles for the length of the page.

Well, on that one I was everything from General Manager on down. Shipping clerk, janitor, purchasing agent, etc. Filled the whole side of the page with various titles, all with me as that person.

Can't tell you how many new small business customers that brought in, simply because they could definitely relate.

Did a Yellow Pages quarter page ad (remember those?) where alongside the traditional credit card logos I put a little box saying We also accept CASH! Again, can't tell you how many phone calls started with "Ya'll accept cash, do you?"

It's all about the bottom line, as awayoflife mentions. The one thing I am not is cowardly, in fact if there is one thing I have learned after years in business it's that 98% of people are all talk and no action. They turn tail and run at the first sign of steadfastness on the part of others.

It's not that I am afraid to tell someone I am "the Decider", it is to ease their feelings that I become the general manager. Even as the general manager I manage to be a quite good SOB, but it does make it easier on the potential buyer when I can say that management, or the credit manager, etc. said they would not qualify.

In truth, it also saves some time for me, as that sort of ends the discussion, instead of another round of pleadings.

Fanatik, it would not bother me a bit if you want to keep your butt up on your shoulders, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that is exactly what forums are all about. You keep being whatever you choose to be, and I shall remain the General Manager and my crappy website shall continue to bring me untold wealth and fortune.

I'll match my income and assets with yours anytime you're ready.

Thats amazing.... your like making so much money every month... wow.... amazing...