Episode 131 – Managing Imposter Syndrome In Your Consulting Business

In today’s episode, I share an in-depth review of imposter syndrome. In many ways, imposter syndrome is an elegant way to avoid fear. It is a way for independent consultants to avoid rejection. However, self-doubt and feelings of insecurity are normal. All consultants experience imposter syndrome while developing, growing, and scaling a successful business.

First, surprisingly, imposter syndrome can be a good thing. It means you are stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to a new level.

The problem with imposter syndrome occurs when a fraud complex goes unmanaged and limits your business by cutting into your earning potential and skill utilization.  

This episode is not about avoiding imposter syndrome. Instead, I share ways to balance the imposter syndrome so that it doesn’t overtake you and cause you to limit your potential and the growth of your business.

Key topics I discuss in the episode include:

• Defining imposter syndrome
• Why imposter syndrome matters
• How to recognize imposter syndrome
• Real client examples where I helped coach them through imposter syndrome
• A formula to manage imposter syndrome

Tune in to this week’s episode to learn how to recognize imposter syndrome and its impact on your consulting business so that you can tap into your true earning potential.

KEY POINTS IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:01] Episode Agenda
• [04:52] Companion Resource Recommendation – Independent Consultant Scalability Scorecard
• [06:03] What is Imposter Syndrome?
  • [06:16] Common definition explained
• [08:58] Why Does Imposter Syndrome Matter?
  • [09:09] Reason #1: You are under-earning
  • [09:46] Reason #2: Underutilization of skills
  • [11:33] Reason #3: Emotionally unfulfilled
• [14:32] Who Suffers From Imposter Syndrome?
  • [14:35] Anyone who pushes themselves to the next level
• [15:30] Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
  • [16:14] Look at your inner dialogue
    • [16:55] Example: Clients won’t think I have the right background 
  • [17:45] Look at your emotions of self-doubt
  • [21:52] But Melisa…
    • [23:15] Example about debunking feelings of being unqualified selling 
• [26:00] Client Examples of Imposter Syndrome
  • [26:05] #1 Client wanted to move from staff augmentation to retainer work
  • [32:15] #2 Client is insecure about raising prices
• [36:20] Formula to Manage Imposter Syndrome
  • [36:46] Expect imposter syndrome
  • [37:10] Be aware & notice where you are limiting yourself
  • [37:40] Put in steps to manage it
  • [37:45] Disprove it

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE —

• I invite you to book a Strategy Consultation call with me. On this call, we’ll dive into your business, get clear on your goals and challenges and determine an action plan for you so that you can create the business impact, income, and flexibility that you desire. To book yours, click here.
• Start by answering questions on the Independent Consultant Scalability Scorecard

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

1. Discuss working with me as your coach – Click here to schedule your consultation
2. Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel 
3. LinkedIn 
4. Website 

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