That nagging voice in your head is costing you real business. You know the one I’m talking about. It whispers, "Who am I to charge these rates?" or "What if they find out I don't know everything?" Welcome to imposter syndrome.
If you've ever felt like a fraud despite your business successes, you're definitely not alone. Research shows that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point. For entrepreneurs, these feelings can be particularly damaging, creating invisible barriers that prevent business growth and limit potential.
What Imposter Syndrome Can Look Like
Imposter syndrome shows up differently for every business owner, but the damage is always real. Some common thoughts include:
- "I'm too young/old to be taken seriously"
- "Everyone else seems to have it figured out"
- "What if my clients realize I'm not as good as they think?"
- "I don't deserve this success"
These thoughts can actually manifest into lost revenue over time. When entrepreneurs hesitate to raise prices, pursue bigger clients, or expand their services, you lose and imposter syndrome wins.
“I still have a little imposter syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.”
-Michelle Obama
-Michelle Obama
Befriend Your Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like an imposter isn't always bad. Sometimes it means you're growing and stepping outside your comfort zone. If you never feel uncomfortable or question your abilities, you’re playing it too safe. Your abilities and experiences never expand, and neither does your business.
What will help you beat those feelings is recognizing when these feelings serve you versus when they sabotage you. Healthy imposter syndrome pushes you to learn and improve. Toxic imposter syndrome paralyzes you and stops you from taking any action.
Think of it as your internal growth meter. A little discomfort means you're expanding. Complete paralysis means it's time for intervention.
Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic
Use Reverse Psychology
When you catch yourself thinking "I'm not ready", immediately replace it with "I am ready." The first two letters of "imposter" are "I-M," so use them to your advantage. Remind yourself that "I am capable", "I am valuable", or "I am moving forward".
The words we tell ourselves, about ourselves, are powerful.
Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who understand the journey. Join local business groups, find a mentor, or hire a coach. Having people who've walked similar paths can provide perspective when your inner critic gets loud.
Remember that It's All Smoke and Mirrors
Social media and networking events often showcase highlight reels, not behind-the-scenes struggles. That entrepreneur with ten locations and a large team might be dealing with cash flow issues or partnership problems you can't see.
Don’t compare yourself to them. If anything, see them as an inspiration, something to strive towards.
The Entrepreneurial Advantage
Entrepreneurs and small business owners have unique advantages in overcoming imposter syndrome. Our values that we create for our business, humility or resilience or collaboration or whatever values you have, will always win over loud self-promotion.
Authenticity works in your favour and makes more of an impact than a perfect polish. Clients appreciate honest communication about limitations and genuine commitment to improvement.
Be a Confident Imposter
Imposter syndrome loses power when you acknowledge it without letting it control you. Every successful business owner has felt like a fraud at some point. The difference lies in taking action despite those feelings.
Your business needs you to show up, imperfect and real, warts and all. Your clients want to work with someone genuine who understands their challenges. Stop waiting until you feel “ready enough”. You already are.
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I am also very excited to announce that I am bringing back the ONtrepreneur Bon Fire Series this summer and it is completely free! This program will help you navigate your business and keep momentum going during the summer months.
For more information about this free summer program, or if you find it challenging to run a business during summer, reach out to me at marshall@marshallstern.net for more information.
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