It Is a Sign

Though feelings and emotions tied to imposter syndrome can be difficult, they can be a sign!  A sign that you care and this is critically important in influencing others and running a business! 

Check out more at Inc. article “3 Reasons Imposter Syndrome is Actually a Professional Superpower” those reasons include how the syndrome “…signals ambition and competence” https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/imposter-syndrome-hiring-tyler-cowen.html 

Acknowledge Your Feelings and Have Empathy

Imposter syndrome happens to all of us at some point. Even Michelle Obama experienced it in her career. If you find yourself having thoughts like you aren’t qualified to run a business, acknowledge your feelings and then show yourself empathy. It’s okay to feel that way, especially if you’re a woman of color as your career path is often harder. Once you acknowledge your feelings, you can work through them effectively. 

Network With Other Female Entrepreneurs

Foster a good support system. Network with other female entrepreneurs, women and business owners who inspire you to remind you of how strong and resilient you are. Your support system will help you realize that you are not alone. These should be a network of women who will motivate you during your toughest day.

Let Go of Perfection

Are you a perfectionist? Do you have a standard for how you’d like things to always be? Consider letting go of perfectionism or impossibly high expectations. Remember you and your business deserve success. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from being the best entrepreneur you can be. 

The Women’s Business Center celebrates female entrepreneurship and all that you offer as business owners! We have workshops and networking events across the country to help you to grow your business and hopefully help keep imposter syndrome feelings at bay. Join our business network to support women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs, as well as to access workshops and webinars.

For more tips for dealing with imposter syndrome or for help to grow your business skills, contact us today!

How to Navigate through the Holidays as a Female Entrepreneur 

• Plan in Advance – Summer is not too early!

If you have an employee or contractor who can help cover for you in your absence, lock in a commitment now. Think about what you really need. Do you just need someone to pick up mail? Take phone calls? Or actually work in person? Don’t spend unnecessarily on support, especially if business is likely to be slower.

• Schedule some time off

If your company is taking time off for the holiday, so should you. Plan leave days for yourself and your staff ahead of schedule. Some companies don’t close for the holidays. If this is your company, create a leave schedule around the business needs and seasonal celebrations. If some staff don’t have plans for Christmas Eve, for example, they can swap out days with staff who do. Don’t forget to let your customers and clients know you’re on leave well in advance.

• Send holiday cards

Skip the shopping queues and send your clients and partners holiday cards for the season. There are plenty of online websites that let you choose a card design and physically post them for you. Your staff and client base will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and you don’t have to spend hours shopping for gifts.

• Start decorating early 

Don’t wait until the last minute and feel rushed to start buying decorations. Buying items before Halloween can save you a lot of time and money. Get seasonal decorations for your work or home out of the way especially if you know you are going to have a busy month ahead.

• Build in self-care

Holidays can be stressful especially if you have to focus on your business and family. Take a self-care time to just focus on yourself even if that is 5 minutes a day. Journal, meditate, go to a spa, watch a movie or just stay in bed. Remember, things can’t run if you are not refreshed and rested so have a self-care plan! 

Even a successful female entrepreneur needs help sometimes – contact us if you need assistance with your business today!