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Imposter Syndrome Flip the Script Fall 2018
Imposter Syndrome – Flip the Script!
Feel Like a Fraud? It Happens to the Best of Us.
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by : Elyse Tager|Business Coach | Republished from 2018
Definition:
Wikipedia: Impostor Syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychosomatic pattern in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud.”
When I start working with clients, one of the first subjects we deal with is the mindset. One of the topics that always, always come up for the female entrepreneur is “Who am I to think I can do this?” or teach this or provide this service, or whatever. The fear is all the same. Moreover, if you let that fear run your show, it will keep you from reaching for your dreams.
The truth is, the further you go in your business or career, the more risks you may have to take and the more likely it is that “imposter syndrome” will show up. If you have experienced feeling like a fraud at any point in your life or career, chances are you have chalked up your accomplishments to luck, charm, connections, or some other external factor. Psychologists tell us that the personality types most likely to have “imposter syndrome” are perfectionists and overachievers. That’s right: The superwomen.
That sounds like most entrepreneurs to me! So let’s talk about how to break through it. Identify what is shaking your confidence. The more you can pinpoint and define the issue, the more you can confront it head-on with some actionable solutions.
1. Remember your real life value and all that you have achieved.
I’ve started a “Look back 2018” document where I record everything that I have accomplished, big or little, business or personal. I add to it on an ongoing basis. It builds confidence!
2. Stop comparing yourself to others. I know, easier said than done.
There will always be someone else that is farther along than you are, so what’s the point? Stay focused on your path and capacities. You may need to opt out of newsletters and curtail your social media habit to keep your eyes on the prize.
3. Look at your language, both internal and external.
“I think, I feel, it may just be me, but...” Stop right there. Consciously upgrade your language with more confident, assertive phrases, and you will reframe your self-image. “In my opinion,” “I have a question, and I’m sure I’m not the only one,” are examples that communicate much more strength. Be on the lookout for words and phrases you can eliminate or tweak.
4. Understand that there is no “right way.
” I’m sure there are multiple techniques for conducting specific surgeries! If you perceive that someone has “cracked the code,” or are the ultimate expert, try looking to them for guidance and influence, rather than making yourself wrong.
5. Take a calculated risk.
What would you do if you were not afraid or insecure? Write it down, tell someone else, and take even a small step in a new direction. If you don’t succeed, so what? Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Don’t let Imposter Syndrome rob you of your progress and ultimate success.
6. Everyone starts somewhere.
Your perspective and point of view will be unique and will resonate with just the right people. If it doesn’t, then they are not the right client or customer for you.
7. Think you are the only one?
Famous actors, artists, CEO’s and the most successful people are the most likely to experience “imposter syndrome.” Consider it a symptom of success. You are in good company! However, manage it, so it is only a tiny voice that does not cripple your progress. Assume the power pose! You got this! Learn more about “Imposter Syndrome” at https://www.elysetager.com.
by : Jesse L. Lee| Editor-In-Chief | Republished from 2018
The meeting with Margaret Jackson, Publisher of the Small Business Concierge took place over the phone. I had set up the phone interview at a time when she was as busy as she could be with tight deadlines set and no wiggle room to work with. Likewise, for me, I was up against a very tight deadline to satisfy a dissertation deliverable.
Margaret was gracious and patient. I had shared with her the focus of this initial interview would be to share about her, this Small Business Concierge company, and tidbits of interesting business experiences she has had that propelled her on to this big stage. At about the time when deadlines were so close it seemed almost impossible to get the interview completed, a way out of no way happened. We burned the midnight oil to make it happen.
Jesse Lee: Thank you for this opportunity to interview you and pick your brain. Margaret, tell us who is Margaret Jackson? Margaret Jackson: Thank you, Jesse. I was born as a twin and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. I grew up thinking that I was not ever going to be smart enough to have a career that I could be proud of until my high school drama teacher Arlene Hawks gave me advice on going to a top junior college in Illinois. I knew at that moment that she saw something in me and believed in me. When I graduated from high school, my grades were not good, and I got rejected from every college that I applied for admission to. But, I hadn’t properly prepared, and I didn’t know that I needed to prepare for life after highschool as a student. I keep my high school transcript as a reminder of where I started and where I am today. I am not at the finish line, but I am not where I used to be. It took all the courage that I could muster-up to take that first step after all of the college rejections and then going to the top community college in Illinois, College of DuPage it changed and shaped my life. I became a high preforming student, and I fell in love with the art of learning. Thank you, Arlene Hawks for seeing my value, when no-one else could see it, including me.
Jesse Lee: What is your background? Margaret Jackson: I have formal training in Film, Film/ TV, and Business. I used those disciplines to start my first small business in 2001, as a multi-media television/ audio production company. In 2007, we were on the success path. I had built the company from $150.00 to a six-figure company, wrote a 54-page business plan that allowed us to secure $225,000.00 in bank loan and line funding, as the economy was crashing. Little did we know, that our run at becoming a $1 million production company was going to be thwarted by a severe economic downturn.
Jesse Lee: Margaret, tell me what drives you? Margaret Jackson: My faith and the destiny that God put on my life. I believe that I am supposed to be the small business, women in business, youth advocate/cheerleader and mass-media platform provider that supports the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and dreamers. I subscribe to everyone living the most optimal career life possible. I believe you only have one shot at it, so make it count. The realization that one life has the power to change the world and focusing on it eliminates the roadblocks of race, gender, discrimination of all kinds and all excuses.
Jesse Lee: Why did you start the Small Business Concierge? Margaret Jackson: About five years ago, I was sitting at IHOP, having my strawberries and pancakes. I began asking myself, what obstacles do small businesses face? I came up with a mix of answers. I wanted to develop solutions that changed the game for small businesses and women in business.
Jesse Lee: What are the pros and cons of business ownership? Margaret Jackson: Pros 1. You own your own business Cons 2. You own your own business. It is a great responsibility to own your own business the pros and cons are endless. If a person chooses business ownership, count the cost, grow a thick skin, it will come in handy and don’t give up on building your business dream.
Jesse Lee: In the past, what was the most significant obstacle to the success of one of your businesses and how did you overcome it? Margaret Jackson: The most significant obstacle is getting past business ownership fears. Learning my true value through my faith and believing that I am born for greatness made all the difference. I focused on the truth about who I am and my self-worth. Obstacles will always be there, so I lean into the barriers and jump over them as they come.
Jesse Lee: What do you think small businesses need to know about management, operations, and personnel?
Margaret Jackson: Great question. Learn all that you can about how to operate a small business.
Use local resources, like SCORE, SBDC, SBA, Workto-Future, Small Business Allys within your city. A small business owner does not have to go it alone.
Managing and operating a business is a serious responsibility and should not be entered into lightly. A well thought out business plan helps because it is the roadmap for their business. A business owner should critically think through and document how they intend to manage and operate their business. There aren’t a one-size fit all managing and operation styles, but there are fundamental principles relevant
to all companies, take the time to learn them. Personnel, remember, they are the team for the dream treat them well. Stay in compliance with employment and contractor laws. Your personnel will perform with commitment and confidence at a higher capacity knowing that the leadership of the company appreciates them. Make it a priority to tell your team, how they are appreciated and valued. Win together. Build a workplace community that your personnel will want to be each day. Google and Salesforce are excellent models on how well they treat their people.
Jesse Lee: What do you think it takes to maintain growth? Margaret Jackson: Develop a solid brand image. Marketing, Branding and consistently advertising seems to be a low priority for small business owners. Small businesses hop around hoping to hit that mother load, and it doesn’t happen that way. Sales study’s tell us that customers need 5-12 contacts with your brand to think about buying, some say 18 contacts. The point is, customers need consistency and frequency in becoming familiar with your product and brand. You want growth, develop your brand, work the brand, plan your marketing, and monitor your advertising. Growth is not by accident; it is strategic and methodical. Jesse Lee: Does strategy need a strategy? Margaret Jackson: Yes, your strategy needs a strategy starting with the master strategy a business plan.
Jesse Lee: What pitfalls arise when you do not have a marketing strategy? Margaret Jackson: Budgeting pitfalls, loss of new business opportunities, unmet goals, lack of a clear target market, for starters. Small businesses shun making marketing a top priority and without it, the course, inadvertently, has been set for an under-performance business or limping along. Your marketing strategy has to be a top priority it is the pathway to developing strong brand awareness, branded trust, and ultimately increased revenue, as the company implements their marketing strategy. How do you sell consistently and frequently if customers do not know you’re there? You can’t.
Jesse Lee: What are the critical success factors that contribute to business success? Margaret Jackson: First the small business owner has to be committed and focused. Second have an explicit understanding of your business model. 3. Bite the bullet and construct a solid business plan, and marketing plan. 4. Get business support from the local city, county, and state business development resources to build strong business infrastructure at the start of the business. 5. Hire smart, stay away from too much nepotism, select a team for the dream. 6. Execution is strategic make every move count in your journey toward business success. 7. Be patient ebbs and flows happen in the business ride it out.
Jesse Lee: What are the biggest business challenges today? Margaret Jackson: Staying relevant with the changing technology and knowing which is the best technology available in supporting small business management and operations. For example, Salesforce for small business CRM sales tool, Fundbox stabilizing the small business cash flow challenges, Intuit Online Quickbooks that supports managing the company’s bookkeeping needs, and Go Payment for on-the-spot customer transactions using your smartphone device. Jesse Lee: What is your best advice for start-up businesses? Margaret Jackson: Get help! Locate the nearest America SBDC and request their free small business support before starting the business. Sign on as a pre-venture. Get it right from your very first step.
Jesse Lee: What do small businesses need to know about the Small Business Concierge? Margaret Jackson: It is their voice, it is their platform, it is their opportunity to springboard off of it and be the next game changer for their industry. Jesse Lee: Do you have a right to win in your chosen market? Margaret Jackson: Absolutely! If you are going to win you have to go into it knowing that you can, win and that you have a right to win.
Jesse Lee: Margaret, thank you for your precious time. I am pleased to hear your responses to my questions. Small businesses are an essential key to the success of our national economy. If possible, I would like to interview you again in the future as your busy schedule permits. Margaret Jackson: Thank you, Jesse for your time as well. Sure thing, let’s do circle-back in the future. So goes the Margaret Jackson interview. I have known Margaret for several years. I am not astonished that she has grown, matured, and prepared herself to win big. Why? I think because she does not stop working to achieve her goals. She is not afraid to dream big. She uses her intuition and ingenuity to work around problems. Plus, she surrounds herself with positive people who believe in and encourages her. You can achieve the extraordinary too; she would be first to tell you.
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