58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner
Who is going to purchase a product from me?
Why am I putting myself out there like this?
I am just a fraud.
Imposter syndrome is real, but so is your ability to overcome it! In this episode, Heather addresses the common feelings of imposter syndrome when starting a business.
She offers strategies to overcome self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the customers you aim to help rather than on your own insecurities. By directing attention to the specific problems and needs of your target audience, you can push through initial challenges and eventually gain confidence from the positive impact your work has on others!
Key Takeaways:
- (03:05) Focusing on helping others instead of your own insecurities
- (04:05) The point in business when imposter syndrome goes away
- (05:15) Focusing on the person you are trying to serve
- (09:55) Knowing you’re not alone; these feelings are normal
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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for Aspiring Teacherpreneurs
Starting an online business can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience.
For many teachers, the idea of stepping beyond the classroom to venture into the world of teacherpreneurship can be fraught with self-doubt and insecurity—commonly known as imposter syndrome.
In this episode, we’ll delve into how to combat those nagging feelings of inadequacy and turn your teaching expertise into an online business that not only fulfills you but also impacts lives.
Understandig Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is very common!
When starting a new venture, it’s entirely normal to question your capabilities and fear that you’ll be “exposed” as a fraud. These feelings are not unique to you; they’re a universal experience among entrepreneurs.
“Everyone feels this way when we’re just getting started in our business,” Heather reassures. Knowing others share these feelings can be a powerful first step in overcoming them.
Taking for Granted What You Know
One of the reasons we might feel like imposters is that we often undervalue our own knowledge.
Heather talks about how many teachers take for granted the myriad little things they know and can teach, thinking, “Of course, everyone knows that.” The truth is, these small nuggets of wisdom can be groundbreaking for others.
Recognize that what seems trivial to you could be incredibly valuable to someone else.
The Path to Confidence: Customer Feedback
Heather emphasizes that the turning point in overcoming imposter syndrome often comes from customer feedback.
“Once you have customers who purchase these products that you’re going to create and then they come back and tell you how that product has, like, completely changed their life, that’s the moment you stop feeling like an imposter,” she shares.
This feedback is not an instant fix but a powerful eventual reality that can bolster your confidence.
The Long Road and the Light Ahead
It can be challenging to push through the initial phase where feedback is scarce. Heather advises patience and persistence.
Think of the testimonials and success stories that will one day validate your efforts. This “light at the end of the tunnel” can keep you motivated even when your own confidence falters.
Shifting Your Focus: From Self to Service
Put the customer first.
Heather suggests a key strategy for overcoming imposter syndrome: shifting your focus from yourself to the person you’re trying to help. This shift can make showing up and delivering your valuable content much easier.
When Heather’s nerves about appearing on camera got the best of her, she would remind herself about the frustrated mom on the other side of the screen who needed her help.
Visualizing and prioritizing your customer’s needs over your self-doubt can make a significant difference. “You can’t just leave them hanging when you have the solution for them,” Heather stresses.
Narrowing Down Your Target Audience
To effectively focus on your customer, you need to know exactly who they are.
Heather recommends getting very specific about your target audience. Instead of thinking broadly—like “teachers” or “moms”—hone in on a particular segment, such as a first-year teacher struggling with classroom management or a mom whose preschooler is having trouble learning to read.
This specificity helps you understand your audience’s unique challenges and tailor your content to meet those needs, thereby increasing your impact and reinforcing your value.
Practical Steps to Keep Going
Heather acknowledges that battling imposter syndrome is an ongoing process and shares practical steps to manage it.
She suggests using verbal affirmations to keep your focus. “Say it out loud to yourself whenever you feel those insecurities, that imposter syndrome popping up for you,” she advises.
Additionally, Heather highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting to feedback. Sometimes the journey involves pivoting your approach and content based on customer needs, without changing who you fundamentally are.
Feeling like an imposter is a natural part of the business journey, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
By recognizing the value of your knowledge, focusing on your customers, and using feedback as a confidence-building tool, you can overcome imposter syndrome and build a fulfilling, impactful online business.