Business Owner on Resume

Should You List Business Owner on Resume

Including 'Business Owner' on your resume can significantly enhance its appeal to potential employers, especially if you are seeking opportunities that align with your entrepreneurial experience. However, this should be carefully considered based on the specific job you are applying for and the cultural context of the region where you are job hunting.

In the United States, for instance, demonstrating entrepreneurial skills and leadership can be highly valued by employers across various industries. In Europe, where smaller businesses and startups are also increasingly common, having business ownership experience can make your application stand out as well.

However, in some other regions, such as Asia, where large corporations and family-owned businesses might dominate the employment landscape, business ownership may not be as commonly expected or valued among job applicants. In these cases, it is essential to carefully consider how to present this experience to make it relevant to the specific job you are applying for.

Why to List Business Owner on Resume

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Demonstrating your ability to start and run a successful business showcases your initiative, risk-taking abilities, and adaptability—valuable skills in any professional setting.
• Leadership Skills: As a business owner, you develop strong leadership qualities by making critical decisions, managing resources, and inspiring teams to achieve common goals. These skills are highly sought after in the job market.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Starting and growing a business requires overcoming numerous challenges. This experience can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness to potential employers.
• Independence and Initiative: Business owners often work independently, managing their own schedules and tasks. Employers value this level of self-motivation and initiative in job candidates.

Where to List Business Owner on Resume

• Professional Summary/Objective: Mention your background as a business owner briefly in the opening statement of your resume, highlighting the skills and experiences you bring from that role.
• Work Experience: If the businesses you have owned are relevant to the job you are seeking, include them under the 'Work Experience' section, detailing the roles you held, the successes achieved, and the lessons learned.
• Skills Section: List any relevant skills acquired during your time as a business owner in the Skills section of your resume. These could include leadership, management, strategic planning, marketing, and financial analysis.

Examples of How to List Business Owner on Resume

Relevant Business Owner Experience

In this example, you have owned a business directly related to the job you are applying for:

• Owner | XYZ Services LLC (2015-Present)
• Launched and managed successful service company in the competitive industry.
• Led a team of ten professionals, resulting in a 40% increase in revenue over five years.
• Implemented innovative marketing strategies to expand client base by 30%.

Transferable Business Owner Experience

In this example, you have owned a business that is not directly related to the job you are applying for, but the skills and experiences can be transferable:

• Owner | ABC Consulting Firm (2010-2015)
• Established consulting firm specializing in business development and strategy.
• Successfully completed projects for clients across various industries, including healthcare and technology.
• Managed financials, client relations, and project execution to grow the company from start-up to profitability in two years.

What to Avoid While Listing Business Owner on Resume

• Overemphasis: Focus on the transferable skills you gained as a business owner rather than providing excessive details about the business itself.
• Vagueness: Be specific about your achievements and responsibilities as a business owner to showcase your value to potential employers.
• Ineffective Language: Use action verbs and concise language in describing your experience to make it more engaging for readers.
• Neglecting Relevance: If the businesses you have owned are not directly related to the job you are seeking, focus on transferable skills and experiences instead of including irrelevant details.

How to List Independent Consultant (business Owner) on Resume

Best Practices for Listing as an Independent Consultant (Business Owner)

• Highlight Your Business Ownership: Clearly state that you are a business owner and independent consultant in the professional summary or objective statement. This sets the tone for the rest of your resume, emphasizing your entrepreneurial spirit and leadership abilities.

  • Example: Business Owner and Independent Consultant specializing in [specific industry/expertise]. Over 10 years of experience helping clients achieve their goals through innovative solutions and strategic planning.

• Detail Your Business Model: Briefly explain the nature of your business, focusing on the services you offer as an independent consultant. Highlight how you help clients overcome challenges or reach their objectives.

  • Example: Provide consulting services to small businesses in need of strategic guidance and operational improvements.

• List Relevant Skills: Showcase the skills that make you a valuable business owner, such as marketing, finance, project management, communication, and industry-specific expertise.

  • Example: Proficient in [relevant software tools], skilled in developing effective marketing strategies, and have extensive knowledge of the [industry] landscape.

• Document Achievements: Quantify your successes as a business owner by providing specific examples of how you've helped clients or grown your own business.

  • Example: Increased client base by 50% in the first year, resulting in a 300% revenue growth.

• Showcase Testimonials and Case Studies: Include positive feedback from satisfied clients, as well as examples of successful projects to demonstrate your credibility and effectiveness as an independent consultant.

  • Example: Client testimonials attesting to the quality of my work and the measurable results I deliver.

Example 1: Independent Consultant (business Owner) on Business Owner Resume

In this example, a business owner who offers consulting services in the marketing industry has created a resume that emphasizes their entrepreneurial experience as a key selling point.

Professional Summary

• Entrepreneurial Marketing Consultant and Business Owner with over 10 years of experience. Offering strategic guidance and operational improvements to small businesses.

Skills

• Proficient in SEMrush, Google Analytics, and HubSpot
• Expertise in developing effective marketing strategies
• Extensive knowledge of the B2B marketing landscape

Achievements

• Increased client base by 50% in the first year, resulting in a 300% revenue growth.
• Led a successful rebranding project for a local retailer, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.

Testimonials and Case Studies

• "I've seen incredible results from working with [Your Name]. I highly recommend their services." - Satisfied Client
• Case Study: [Short summary of a successful project]

Example 2: Independent Consultant (business Owner) in Business Owner Context

In this example, a business owner who provides consulting services in the IT industry has tailored their resume to showcase their entrepreneurial background as well as their technical expertise.

Professional Summary

• IT Business Owner and Consultant with a strong focus on delivering innovative solutions and strategic planning for businesses of all sizes.

Skills

• Proficient in [relevant software tools] (e.g., Python, Java, SQL)
• Expertise in network design and security
• Strong understanding of business operations and financial management

Achievements

• Reduced client downtime by 50% through effective IT infrastructure planning and maintenance.
• Assisted a startup in raising $2 million in venture capital funding.

Testimonials and Case Studies

• "I couldn't have grown my business without the guidance and expertise of [Your Name]." - Satisfied Client
• Case Study: [Short summary of a successful project]

How to List E-commerce Entrepreneur on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlighting your role as a Business Owner: Start by clearly stating that you are the business owner of an e-commerce venture. This sets the stage for the rest of your resume, demonstrating your entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills.

• Example: Business Owner and E-commerce Entrepreneur at MyOnlineStore.com

• Defining the nature of your business: Briefly describe the type of e-commerce business you run, such as a niche marketplace, dropshipping model, or subscription service. This helps potential employers understand the industry context and the unique challenges faced in running an e-commerce business.

• Example: Specializing in curated fashion accessories for niche markets

• Quantifying your achievements: Provide specific numbers, such as the number of sales, annual revenue, or growth percentage, to demonstrate the success and scalability of your e-commerce venture. This data will help employers assess your business acumen and financial management skills.

• Example: Grew annual sales by 30% in the first year of operation

• Detailing your responsibilities: Break down your day-to-day duties to showcase your versatility as an e-commerce entrepreneur. This may include customer service, marketing, inventory management, and strategic planning. Emphasize how these skills have contributed to your business's success.

• Example: Oversaw all aspects of the business, including managing inventory, fulfilling orders, and developing marketing strategies to drive sales

• Showcasing your e-commerce platform expertise: Mention the specific platforms you use for your e-commerce operations, such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce. This will help employers understand your technical skills and adaptability in using various e-commerce tools.

• Example: Proficient in using e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento to streamline business operations

Example 1: E-commerce Entrepreneur on Business Owner Resume

Business Owner and E-commerce Entrepreneur at MyGreenGoods.com

• Specializing in eco-friendly home goods for environmentally conscious consumers
• Achieved annual sales of $500,000 in the first year of operation
• Managed all aspects of the business, including customer service, inventory management, and marketing strategies to drive sales
• Proficient in using e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento to streamline operations

Example 2: E-commerce Entrepreneur in Business Owner Context

Business Owner at PetPals.com

• Pet supply dropshipping business with a focus on unique, hard-to-find items
• Grew annual sales by 30% in the first year of operation
• Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and drive traffic to the website
• Managed relationships with suppliers and ensured timely order fulfillment and customer service.

How to List Franchise Owner on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight the Nature of Your Business: As a franchise owner, you are essentially operating under an established brand, but your unique role should be clearly outlined. Emphasize your responsibility for managing day-to-day operations, hiring staff, and maintaining the overall success of the franchise within your specified location.

• Manage daily operations of [Franchise Name] located in [City, State], responsible for overseeing a team of 15 employees and ensuring consistent adherence to brand standards.

• Detail the Business' Financial Performance: Provide quantifiable measures of your franchise's success to demonstrate your financial acumen and leadership abilities. Be sure to focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to the industry and your specific role.

• Achieved an 18% increase in annual sales for [Franchise Name] within the first year of ownership, surpassing the company's average growth rate by 7%.

• Describe Your Role in Strategic Decision Making: Showcase your contributions to strategic planning and decision-making processes, as these are crucial skills sought after by potential employers.

• Collaborate with [Franchise Name] corporate headquarters on long-term growth strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in market share within the local region.

• Mention Any Specific Skills Relevant to Your Franchise: Depending on the nature of your franchise, there may be unique skills that set you apart from other candidates. Make sure to highlight these to demonstrate your versatility and value as a business owner.

• Utilize proprietary software systems to streamline operations and optimize financial performance for [Franchise Name], enhancing efficiency across the organization.

• Address Any Challenges or Achievements: Describe any significant challenges you've faced as a franchise owner and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Additionally, mention notable achievements that demonstrate your leadership potential.

• Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing innovative safety measures and shifting to curbside pickup services, resulting in a 5% increase in sales compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Example 1: Franchise Owner on Business Owner Resume

In this example, let's consider a resume for an individual who owns a Subway franchise.

Work Experience

Subway ([City, State]) - Franchise Owner (January 2015 – Present)

Business Owner & Manager of Subway Franchise

• Oversee daily operations for the Subway franchise in [City, State], managing a team of 20 employees.
• Achieved an annual sales growth rate of 12%, outperforming the industry average by 5%.
• Collaborate with Subway corporate headquarters to implement new strategies aimed at boosting market share and improving operational efficiency.
• Utilize proprietary software systems to streamline operations, resulting in a more efficient and profitable franchise.
• Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing safety measures and shifting to curbside pickup services, achieving a 7% increase in sales compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Example 2: Franchise Owner in Business Owner Context

In this example, let's consider a resume for an individual who owns a Taco Bell franchise.

Work Experience

Taco Bell ([City, State]) - Franchise Owner (June 2017 – Present)

Business Owner & Manager of Taco Bell Franchise

• Manage daily operations for the Taco Bell franchise in [City, State], responsible for overseeing a team of 15 employees.
• Achieved an annual sales growth rate of 18%, surpassing the company's average growth rate by 7%.
• Collaborate with Taco Bell corporate headquarters on long-term growth strategies, resulting in a 12% increase in market share within the local region.
• Adapted to changing industry trends and customer preferences by offering new menu items and adjusting marketing strategies, maintaining a steady increase in sales.

How to List Startup Founder on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the 'Startup Founder' Subcategory

• Highlight the role and responsibilities: Clearly state your position as a startup founder, followed by a brief description of the main roles and responsibilities you held. This includes developing business strategies, leading the team, managing resources, and overseeing daily operations.

  • Example: Founder and CEO: Led the development and execution of a unique mobile application for event management, successfully growing the user base from 0 to 10,000 in just one year.

• Quantify achievements: Provide specific numbers or statistics to demonstrate your impact on the business. This can include revenue growth, number of users, clients acquired, or partnerships established.

  • Example: Founder and CEO: Grew annual revenue from $100k to $1M in three years, while increasing the client base by 500%.

• Emphasize key skills: Highlight any relevant skills you developed during your tenure as a startup founder. This could include project management, financial analysis, marketing, or leadership skills.

  • Example: Founder and CEO: Demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities by motivating and retaining a diverse team of 20 employees, effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Include any notable achievements: Mention any awards, recognitions, or media coverage the startup received during your time as founder. This helps to showcase the success and potential of the business.

  • Example: Founder and CEO: Secured $2M in funding from angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as being named one of the top 10 startups to watch by TechCrunch.

• Transition smoothly into 'Business Owner': Since you are targeting a resume for a business owner position, ensure that your experience as a startup founder transitions seamlessly into your qualifications as a business owner. Emphasize your ability to scale and grow businesses, manage resources effectively, and lead teams to success.

  • Example: Founder and CEO (Startup XYZ) turned Business Owner: Proven track record of launching and growing successful startups, with a focus on scalability, resource management, and team leadership. Seeking opportunities as a business owner to leverage my skills and experience in driving growth and profitability.

Example 1: Startup Founder on Business Owner Resume

Founder and CEO (Startup ABC) -> Business Owner at XYZ Corporation

• Led the development, launch, and growth of a SaaS startup specializing in project management for construction companies, increasing annual revenue from $500k to $2.5M in four years.
• Successfully sold Startup ABC to XYZ Corporation, transitioning into a key role as Business Owner.
• Utilize my extensive experience in scaling startups to drive growth and profitability for XYZ Corporation's construction division.

Example 2: Startup Founder in Business Owner Context

Founder and CEO (Startup DEF) -> Business Owner at ABC Enterprises

• Launched a mobile app startup offering personalized fitness coaching, growing the user base from 0 to 500,000 in two years.
• Successfully sold Startup DEF to ABC Enterprises, joining their leadership team as a Business Owner.
• Leveraging my experience in developing and scaling startups, I am driving innovation and growth for ABC Enterprises' digital health division.

How to List Small Business Owner on Resume

Listing your experience as a Small Business Owner on your resume is an opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and the unique qualities you've developed while running a business. Here are some best practices:

1. Quantify Your Achievements

• Highlight the number of years you have been in business, the industry you operate within, and the size of your team (if applicable).
• Detail the growth in sales or customer base over time, as well as any significant milestones achieved. For example, "Grew a one-person operation into a thriving 10-employee business within three years."

2. Define Your Role and Responsibilities

• Specify your primary role(s) as a Small Business Owner, such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing, or customer service.
• Explain how you manage day-to-day operations and collaborate with any team members to ensure the business's success. For example, "Managed all aspects of a successful small retail business, including inventory control, customer service, marketing, and financial planning."

3. Emphasize Your Skills

• Highlight key transferable skills you've developed as a Small Business Owner that are valuable in other work environments, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Provide examples of how these skills have been applied to overcome challenges or seize opportunities within your business. For example, "Developed and executed an effective marketing campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in sales over six months."

4. Showcase Your Industry Knowledge

• Detail the specific industry knowledge you've gained as a Small Business Owner, including any relevant trends, regulations, or best practices.
• Describe how this expertise has contributed to your business's success and how it could benefit potential employers in a similar field. For example, "Staying abreast of the latest digital marketing trends allowed me to effectively reach new customers and grow my online sales."

Example 1: Small Business Owner on Business Owner Resume

Small Business Owner (Retail) | City, State | Year – Present

• Grew a one-person operation into a thriving 10-employee business within three years.
• Managed all aspects of the retail business, including inventory control, customer service, marketing, and financial planning.
• Developed and executed an effective marketing campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in sales over six months.
• Staying abreast of the latest digital marketing trends allowed me to effectively reach new customers and grow my online sales.

Example 2: Small Business Owner in Business Owner Context

Small Business Owner (Consulting Services) | City, State | Year – Present

• Founded a consulting business specializing in marketing strategy and small business development.
• Built a client base of over 50 businesses within two years through targeted networking and referrals.
• Led projects ranging from branding and positioning to operational efficiency improvements, resulting in increased profitability for clients.
• Demonstrated adaptability by pivoting the business model during the pandemic to offer virtual consulting services, expanding the client base and increasing revenue streams.