When I first started my marketing communications firm in 1984, I didn’t think about whether I could do it or not, I just knew the wolf was at my door. The large corporation I worked for was leaving town and I wasn’t going with it. I needed work and I needed it fast, so I hung out my shingle without a lot of thought. It was later that the terror set in.
Because every project meant I could buy toothpaste or peanut butter for the kid (and maybe both!), I took everything that came my way, saying “yes,” whether I thought I could handle it or not. This quickly led me into situations where I was clearly over my head — or at least I thought so at the time. Soon I was “acting as if” most of the time and was forced to become very resourceful at finding ways to solve client problems. Despite the fact that I didn’t know “how” to run a business, I plowed ahead — pretending that I did, and hoping no one would find out otherwise.
After being in business for about four years, I ran across this short poem — I wish I could remember where — and it stopped me in my tracks.
When I grow up
I’ll carry a stick
And be very dignified.
I’ll have a watch
That will really tick.
My house will be tall
And built of brick.
And no one will guess
That it’s just a trick
And I’m really myself inside.
— Anonymous
Funny thing is, by then, my business was doing really well. I had several full-time employees, steady clients, and a reliable income. By taking on every challenge, I had proven to my clients that I could do it — I could solve their problems, I could run a successful business.
It really wasn’t a “trick” anymore. I did it. Me.
The final step was for me to realize that it wasn’t a trick. I needed to believe it, myself. I could stop pretending and just believe I could do it.
This is something I run into with my coaching clients a lot. And I really try to identify it early, this “I-don’t-know-how-to-run-a-business-so-I-might-fail-or-maybe-I’m-not-cut-out-to-do-this-and-who-am-I-anyway-to-be-thinking-I-can-ask-people-to-pay-me-like-I’m-some-sort-of-guru-or-something?” thing.
Is this you? Somewhere deep inside, at some level, do you fear that people might “find out” you don’t know what you’re doing?
When, in truth, you really do. You know something really well — or you wouldn’t be running a business. Seriously. I’m right, aren’t I?
There’s no trick.
Here’s the best business strategy I can give you, my Business Strategy 101:
Make sure your business is based around something you do really well, and that you have a passion for it. Then believe you can do it better than anyone else can.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Marcia,
What an inspiration! I think especially for women biz owners, the “fraud factor” is huge– thinking we’re faking it and will get caught out. I know I have that feeling sometimes. Really good reminder to acknowledge our strengths and pat ourselves on the back for all we do.
Thanks!
Bobbye Middendorf
The Write Synergies Guru
Bravo, Marcia! This is a profound and wonderful story. I’m so glad I read this!
I’m not really sure what it is that steals our confidence away or robs us of our self esteem. I have to underscore what you’ve noted about everyone knowing how to do “something” well. Of course, we do! It could be baking cupcakes or dog grooming or palm reading! Doesn’t matter.
The resounding message I’m taking away here is one that we’ve heard before but you’ve found a way to make it stick and get people to take action – “Believe in yourself and Follow your passion!”
I love reading your words,
Melanie
Hi Bobbye,
I KNOW! Why is that? This “imposter” syndrome has got to stop!
Melanie,
Yes. Yes. Yes. We all have something to teach.
Thanks, ladies!
M