I recently had a huge realization about the clients I LOVE working with. They’re ambitious visionary creatives who’ve bumped up against an obstacle on the path to realizing their goals. Maybe it’s a knowledge gap, a confidence issue, or they just need a fully invested partner to help them figure out a way past, around, or over said obstacles.
These clients view me as a thought partner rather than teacher and challenge me to show up and do my best co-creative work with them.
Some of them have PhD’s and MBA’s (letters I do not have after my name), something I’m not ashamed to admit has intimidated me at times. It’s only after successfully coaching many such clients that I’ve allowed myself to believe it’s not some terrible mistake. That I am the right person to help them clarify their vision, chart a clear path to their desired outcome, and support them every step of the way.
Can you relate?
If you’ve ever resisted:
- Positioning yourself to a more established ideal client profile because you’ve grown out of your existing clients
- Raising your rates because you think your clients would never pay
- Creating an offer or service that you’re not 1000% sure you can pull off (though you secretly know you can)
- Setting clear boundaries and expectations by asking clients to sign a contract, honor your process, and pay your full fees on time
- Saying “no” to clients who are no longer (or ever were) your ideal clients
…then you can probably relate!
The imposter syndrome is real.
But there’s good news. Once you learn to spot your imposter syndrome in action, call it out for being the jerk that it is, and replace it with a better thought, you can actually get on with the work of up-leveling your business, charging what you’re worth, and landing great projects and clients.
If you’re in a growth stage in your business and life, chances are you’ve got an imposter complex waiting to get its ass kicked.
Read on for 3 ways to overcome yours…
1) Discern Imposter Syndrome From What’s True
The imposter syndrome usually kicks in when we’re on the brink of doing something new, big, and scary. Thoughts that have “imposter syndrome” written all over them include:
- I don’t have enough expertise to position myself as an authority in this field.
- Budgets are getting smaller and smaller.
- What makes me think people will pay MORE for what I do?
- I’m too old/young/far from a major city etc. to build the business of my dreams.
To do: When you notice one of these red-flag thoughts sneaking into your mind, ask yourself the following:
Is it true?
Now the feeling might be real, but is it actually true?
I find it helpful to remember that if you feel like an imposter it’s because you have an abundance of integrity and delivering (scratch that, over-delivering) on your promise. People with integrity usually aren’t imposters.
What would I need to do to feel I’ve got this?
Maybe there is a gap in your knowledge that might be bridged by a few great books or an inexpensive course. Maybe it’s a larger investment like the one I made in a year-long ADHD coach training certification in 2022 or a high-quality coaching/membership program. Identify what actions would bridge the gap for you, do your research and think about it (because the imposter syndrome will ALWAYS tell you the only answer is the PhD, LOL). If in doubt, start with a small investment and build from there.
2) Imposter Syndrome Antidote: A Buttoned Up Process
One of the imposter syndrome’s favorite scripts is that you don’t have your sh*t together. After all, why would high-caliber, high-paying clients want to work with someone who’s all over the map? Why indeed! One of the best antidotes to this script is taking positive action and creating a process that delivers an incredible client experience (check out my recent blog post on delivering an A+ client experience). This is one of the best imposter-busting, business-building actions you can take.
To do: Write down every step a client takes, from first contact with you, to getting final files, an appointment on your schedule, or a product in the mail. Include everything from your initial sales call, to proposal creation, negotiation of fees and terms, project management, and client care. It’s going to be a long list. Next up, see how you could streamline and systematize the process so it’s the same each time. I like a flow chart for this step and use Miro. Finally, research software, automation systems, CRM’s, etc. that could streamline and systematize these tasks, freeing YOU up to do your amazing work.
3) Surround Yourself With Business Owners Who Are Further Along Than You
One of my best qualities is my laziness. Don’t get me wrong, I have a strong bias for action and work hard, but if I can find someone who’s already done what I want to do, I’m not going to waste time re-inventing the wheel. I’m going to ask them to tell me exactly how they did it, and I’m going to do that. And it goes both ways. When people ask for advice, I give it freely and without fear.
To do: Find at least three people who are further along than you in a certain area and meet with them regularly. It might take the form of a mentor, a group coaching program, accountability partner, or mastermind. Meet with these people regularly, check your ego at the door, and absorb their wisdom while sharing freely of your own (because you have tons to share too!). The imposter complex is real and it’s not going anywhere, so learning to recognize and handle it is an entrepreneurial life-skill.
If you’re in the process of up-leveling and experiencing growing pains that threaten to slow your roll, now might be the perfect time to get support. If the idea of having a thought partner with industry specific experience, a can-do attitude, and unwaveringly upbeat disposition in your corner, let’s talk.