“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”
Roy T. Bennett
The art of self-promotion is the #1 most important thing for entrepreneurs to master in order to align their businesses with their passions and values. But ask anyone who has tried- selling yourself is SO much easier said than done. In this post we'll share some strategies to help soul-preneurs enhance their confidence and effectively promote themselves and their soul-led offerings.
"If you deliberately plan on being less than what you are capable of being of then you'll be unhappy for the rest of your life."
Abraham Maslow
The Myth and Illusion of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome, a term coined by psychologists in 1978, describes the persistent feelings of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a "fraud" despite evident success.
While these feelings are real, the notion that many of us are true "imposters", or actually incompetent or incapable, is simply not true. There's no external evidence you're an outsider or that you don't belong.
EVERYONE, even the most confident, accomplished and successful people, experiences self-doubt, fear, anxiety and insecurity at times. It's just part of the human experience. Everyone is battling their own limiting beliefs. And if you're a woman, this is even more so, thanks to our misogynistic society and patriarchal conditioning.
Success is not accidental; it results from hard work, dedication, and continuous learning.
Every day as an entrepreneur you're bravely and courageously...
expanding your threshold of knowledge, truth, authenticy, creation and impact.
venturing into the unknown, discovering new territories
pushing the limits of your safe and familiar comfort zone
doing something beautiful and powerful by engaging in something NEW, complicated and scary
To manage and overcome the feelings of "Imposter Syndrome" or regular ol' discomfort it's crucial to embrace a Growth Mindset. Shift your focus from fear to evolution, viewing challenges, mistakes and failures as the best and most natural parts of life and the ideal opportunities for personal and professional learning and improvement.
So spread the word, tell all your friends: There’s no such thing as imposter syndrome! If you're nervous or scared its simply because you haven’t been here yet, you haven't done this before.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Susan Jeffers
Understanding Self-Esteem & Self-Belief
Self-esteem is crucial for soul-preneurs because it allows you to better navigate the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey. Believing in yourself means trusting your intuition, making bold decisions, persisting through challenges, and fostering a mindset that embraces on-going growth and learning. Ultimately, this is the fuel that drives soul-preneurs to create meaningful and transformative businesses and change the world for the better.
What does true self-esteem look and feel like?
SELF ACCEPTANCE
showing self kindness
embracing individuality
celebrating your strengths
forgiving self for mistakes
SELF-CONFIDENCE
setting and working towards goals
challenging negative thoughts
celebrating achievements outwardly
leaving comfort zone
SELF RESPECT
asserting personal and professional boundaries
prioritizing self care and wellbeing
communicating your needs
treating self with grace and honor
SELF WORTH
practicing self-affirmations
reminding self of value
engaging in activities you enjoy
surrounding self with positive people
SELF COMPASSION
practicing self care
acknowledging emotions and needs
offering self-encouragement
seeing mistakes or failures as opportunities for learning
SELF TRUST
aligning Actions with Words
learning and reflecting
setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
reinforcing belief through positive self-talk
"Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy."
Wayne Dyer
Setting the Foundation
Knowing Your Self
Grab your journal. If you don’t have one, buy the most beautiful one you can find. It has to be really special! On the first six empty pages, write these titles:
What am I good at?
What have I accomplished recently that makes me proud?
What skills do I have that are useful in my life?
What are the good things about my personality?
What do I like about myself physically, emotionally, or personally?
What do people say they appreciate about me?
Schedule time in your calendar to reflect and answer these questions. Read your answers 3 times a day for the next 3 months and see what happens to your self-esteem!
Defining Your Why
It's imperative to first understand the deeper purpose behind your business. For most soulpreneurs, it's to make their mark on the world and leave a positive impact. Remembering why you started is the ultimate driving force to keep you going for the long-haul each day.
Shift your focus from self-promotion to value-proposition. It's not about building yourself up, but actually benefiting others with your one-of-a-kind strengths, skills, and talents. Focus on what sets you apart from others, and the inherent value your offerings can bring.
"Because he believes in himself, he doesn't try to convince others. Because he is content with himself, he doesn't need others approval. Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him"
Lao Tzu
Get Prepared
Feel nervous, scared or awkward may be an indication that you're simply not set up to succeed yet. Focus on establishing the essential processes, systems and solutions to feel more adequaately prepared, solid, and supported. And if you identify major knowledge gaps, just know this could be an opportunity for upskilling...or outsourcing!
Visualize Success
Ask yourself every day, "What would my most impactful and confident version of myself do today?" A daily visualization and meditation practice can help build your confidence and reduce anxiety. Every day, imagine yourself confidently promoting your offerings, receiving positive responses and reviews, and building your wealth.
Set Small Goals
Start with achievable and comfortable goals, like promoting yourself in familiar environments, within your existing networks, or on platforms where you naturally feel at ease. As you accomplish these goals, you'll gradually grow your confidence and then be able to build up to bigger, more expansive goals. You may always have a lingering feeling of intimidation, but you'll at least have the data to show how capable you are.
Build Resilience
You've got to overcome your fear of judgement or criticism from others. Accept that not every promotional effort will yield immediate success, and not everyone will resonate with your offerings. Instead focus on reaching your specific target audience and helping those who DO connect with your energy, your message, and voice. THOSE are your people.
"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness."
Oprah Winfrey
Amplify & Elevate
Share Stories
Whenever possible, share personal stories and first-hand experiences to make you feel more relatable and engaging. Every entrepreneur feels self-doubt and insecurity, and it's ok to be vulnerable and talk about it on occasion!
Connect and Collaborate
Network with other like-minded entrepreneurs to amplify your reach and impact. Partnerships and collaborations can boost your visibility and help you get the practice of team or project coordination.
Also, don't forget to reach out to mentors, peers, colleagues or coaches for guidance and encouragement. External support can provide fresh perspectives and boost your confidence further.
Upskilling & Upleveling
Invest in continuous learning, improving your skills and expert knowledge base. The more knowledgeable, experienced and informed you are, the more confident you'll feel discussing your work or specialty.
Adopt "Success Syndrome"
Reframe your internalized toxic "imposter syndrome" narrative. Start seeing yourself as an incredibly blessed and fortunate person, literally repeating to yourself and others “I’m so lucky, everything always works out for me!” Wait and watch as miracles continue to show up financially, relationally, and situationally.
Remember, your beliefs create your reality. You can become an energetic match to your desires by aligning your thoughts and feelings to what you want to attract, whatever is your desired outcome.
2-5-5-10 Method
This exercise can help boost your confidence and power before an important interview, meeting or presentation.
2 Minute Power Pose
5 Declarations
"I will feel/believe/accomplish..."
"They will feel/believe accomplish..."
5 Affirmations ("I am...")
10 Deep Breaths
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
Maya Angelou
Friendly Reminders
Practice Self-Compassion
Practice unconditional self-love and self-acceptance. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that "failures" (yes, they're usually an illusion), mistakes, and missteps are normal and natural. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer to a friend facing similar mindset challenges.
Remember, not only do you DESERVE success, but you're also doing the best you can, and that's more than enough! Release the impossible, unrealistic and unattainable standards of perfection that you or others have placed upon you. Lastly, stop relying on external validation to fuel your worth. Your value is already inherent inside of you, no matter what you're doing, or not doing.
Positive Self-Talk
Challenge those moments of negativity and self-criticism or shame with positive affirmations. Repeat daily til you believe it at your core!
I love what I have and what's still on it's way.
I love where I am and where I am going.
I like what I do and I like how I do it.
I like my mistakes, and I like their pace, and their lessons.
I know who I am, I love who I am and I love who I am becoming.
I don’t want to be anybody else but ME.
Reflect on Your Progress
Regularly reflect on how far you've come since you started. Recognizing your growth and your ability to overcome past challenges and failures can reinforce your confidence and encourage you to keep improving and persisting.
Also, don't forget to CELEBRATE each accomplishment and achievement, big or small. Collect positive feedback from clients, customers, or supporters and refer to it often. Reminding yourself of your wins and successes can boost your self-assurance, while gratitude can help maintain a positive mindset and momentum forward.
Authenticity Matters
Remember to always be genuine and authentic in your self-promotion. Authenticity resonates with others and can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, thus attracting the customers that are meant for you.
We cheer for athletes regardless of whether or not they reach the finish line. Do the same for yourself.
Avoid Comparison
It's a trap! When you find yourself comparing your situation, skills or experience to someone else’s - stop right there! Remember that everyone is on their own personal journey which is unique, with their own wins and struggles along the way. What you observe about someone else, is never the same as how it exists for them. And what someone observes about you, may not be the same truth that exists for you. The only comparison you should ever be doing is this: who you are today vs. who you were yesterday. That is the only thing that really matters.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice self-promotion, the more confident you'll become. Consistency over time can gradually reduce self-doubt.
“Self-trust is the first secret of success"
Ralph Waldo Emerson
You are Your Own Worst Enemy
You don't need more time, confidence, or clarity to increase your confidence.
What you ACTUALLY need?
To release perfectionism
To stop overthinking
To avoid comparing
To take action instead of procrastinating, self-sabotaging, avoiding or complaining
These are actually the things stopping you from taking steps forward.
And we do that through the INNER WORK: self-compassion and self-healing.
Stop externalizing an internal problem and give yourself what you actually need instead.
"You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens."
Louise Hay
Wrapping It Up
Cultivating a belief in your own value and capabilities enables you to better serve your client and community with your heart-filled purpose and mission.
Remember that building confidence and mastering self-promotion is a journey. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
You are brilliant and an expert at what you do. You've spent so much time learning, honing your skills and becoming the best at your craft.
Don't believe me? I'd love to be a cheerleader for your journey.
"Believe you can and you're halfway there"
Theodor Roosevelt
Erin Ratliff is a holistic business coach and organic growth & visibility marketer serving energy-sensitive, earth-loving, heart-led soul-preneurs, self-starters, and founders with the mission of personal and planetary healing.
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