I've met a lot of self-employed people who insist that they are business owners. They incensed when I patiently explain, that well, yes it is technically true, you do own the business, it's more true that you own a job (the IRS calls this "being self-employed"). In the long run, there is more power in looking at yourself as self-employed than as a business owner.
There is a quick little test to help someone determine whether they are self-employed, or truly a business owner.
Go to the Bahamas for one year.
When you come back...
If your business is making more money than when you left it, then you *ARE* a business owner.
If your business is boarded up, then you *WERE* self-employed.
Simple huh?
I would much rather be a business owner, now if I can just figure out how to successfully delegate.