For executives, those with a C in their title, or Directors, the bio on your website is a place investors, potential clients, and even potential employers check to learn about your company and you.

A consistent message is essential, and it starts with your name.

Recently, I ran across an executive bio with James in his name title, such as About James Thoroughbred – big and bold, then his bio below. Then, throughout the bio it was a mix of James is doing this, Jim is doing that, and Jimmy did that. I understand wanting to establish an approachable persona in a bio, but you must decide. What do you want people in business to call you? Do they need permission to call you Jimmy? Is James for those under you, and Jim for peers at your same “level?” Jumping back and forth sends a message that you haven’t quite decided on your name role, and Jimmy comes across very differently than James. Jim falls in between.

When people contact me and I don’t quite recall how I know them, there is one thing for sure, if they say, “Sue,” I know it’s from high school. Only high school friends call me that, and they are the only ones I’d prefer to call me that name—a story for another time. I will request that new people call me Susan. Susie is for my closest friends, Binky Patrol friends going back over 20 years, Laguna Beach friends from gallery days, and family. Susan is the safest and always welcomed. I understand the “mixing it up” with Ms. Finch, Susan, but typically, keep it easy – She or Susan is how my bios read.

The same holds true with your title at your company – your role. I hear from founders, CEOs, etc., that “I really hate titles…” Admirable, yes. But, if you list a title in legal documents, on your cards, or profiles, it should also be consistent. Are you CEO, CIO, CTO, CoFounder, Co-President, President, Founder, Owner, or Director of…. ? Do you know what your website states is your position? Does it agree with what you think your position is? If you were to walk on a stage to deliver a keynote, what title would you want spoken during your walk-on music? First, define this internally. I mean internally, as inside you. Then, update your company website. Next, review all professional profiles such as LinkedIn, boards you sit on – their sites, and professional organizations. It’s acceptable to have a few titles, “Co-Founder, CEO, Director – but it needs to be consistent, even the order should be consistent. Be clear everywhere.

Your challenge from this post is to review the bio on your company’s website.

Do you have one name, two names, three names? Is the information current?

Is the title listed there keeping with what your actual role is at your company?

Do you have a press kit for your company? A press kit is a one-stop page with photos to download and bios of different lengths, including a spoken intro for interviews for each key executive. Is that current? If you don’t have one, talk to your marketing professional or have us help you with that. We create these for people regularly giving them bio versions for different audiences, but with a consistent name and title.

Another action suggestion is to create a shared list somewhere with a few columns:

BIO LINK | Contact that updates that page if it’s not through your login | Login info if you managed it |Date of the last time you reviewed it. 

When you have this list and then change your role, or even your company, you can quickly swoop through and update your bio everywhere. Also good to note the last time you updated your headshot – if I saw it and then met you, would I think you were your older brother or would it look like you today?

Start the new year off right with a clean profile – EVERYWHERE. Let people know who you are and what you want to be called in business. It’s OK if you are 50 and still want to be called Jimmy. If that’s who you are – then own it in your bio. Here’s wishing you the best of success in 2025. If you need help with your bio, or want someone to review everything and make suggestions, this is where we shine. Get 15 minutes on my calendar to talk about it.