The secret to beating imposter syndrome and promoting your unique offerings, be it an online program, a book, or something else, hinges on one simple principle: do amazing things, then talk about them.
While this seems straightforward, the act of ‘doing’ can often be the stumbling block, especially for those who battle imposter syndrome. This psychological phenomenon often holds back potential thought leaders and public intellectuals from acting on their expertise, creating a paralysis that thwarts progress.
The way to overcome imposter syndrome is to be so good that it would be unreasonable to 1) believe you didn’t deserve the opportunities you were getting and 2) unreasonable to think you weren’t good enough.
Here are four tips to beat imposter syndrome:
1) Make Promises You Can Keep
Beat imposter syndrome by being a person of your word, especially when it comes to selling. When it comes to projecting credibility and attracting an engaged audience, one rule stands out: only make promises you can deliver on. The promise to help you secure high-level media coverage is one I make confidently because I’ve accomplished it successfully time and again. I firmly believe in the enormous potential of developing a personal brand that could, given the right strategy and consistent effort, become a six-figure asset. Yet, the promise of such a return should never be doled out casually or hastily.
It’s essential to tread carefully in this arena. Overpromising immediate, astronomical returns can set unrealistic expectations. The fallout could be more than just disappointment; it could erode trust and credibility. It’s crucial to ensure that the promises you make align with your proven record. The focus should always be on consistent, sustainable growth.
2) Real-Life Achievements Speak Volumes
Doing big things consistently, silences self-doubt. Recently, I had the opportunity to help my son get media coverage and visibility for his first book. I implemented the same strategy I teach my academics when it comes to increasing visibility and authority. Although self-published, I secured an appearance for him on Fox 29 Good Day Philadelphia, discussing his book.
This stands as tangible proof of what I do as the owner of Power Your Research. Doing the work for clients and in my personal life, endorses the system I teach in the Power Your Research program, where followers will implement the Power Your Research process of getting major media coverage and visibility across high-credibility platforms.
READY TO JUMP ON A FREE ZOOM CALL TO DISCUSS BUILDING YOUR BRAND? CLICK HERE.
3) Build A Track Record
Have proof. The strategy I’ve developed to teach academics how to increase their visibility, authority and income is not just theoretical; it’s a tried and true method, borne out of multiple successful experiences. There are certainly academics out there that still are not on board with getting media coverage and visibility for their research or putting in so much effort outside of academia.
However, I can confidently counter this skepticism, because the approach I’ve devised for academics is reliable and has been proven successful multiple times. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to land media placements in the largest outlets without paying a publicist thousands of dollars a month. My personal track record speaks louder than any voice of doubt that might pop up in my head.
READY TO JUMP ON A FREE ZOOM CALL TO DISCUSS BUILDING YOUR BRAND? CLICK HERE.
4) Show and Tell – The Winning Formula
Win and share your wins. The core strategy is simple: do your thing and share your journey. The credibility you establish through action and the value you provide by sharing your experiences form the backbone of your brand. However, tread cautiously. The path can become precarious when you begin discussing things you haven’t done or making promises you can’t keep. That is when you start to feel nervous. The aim should always be to teach and promote things you have done yourself. Do not overpromise.
READY TO JUMP ON A FREE ZOOM CALL TO DISCUSS BUILDING YOUR BRAND? CLICK HERE.
Onward to Success
Are you primed to claim your position as a thought leader or public intellectual? Are you ready to confront and overcome imposter syndrome, staking your claim in your field of expertise? Keep in mind the proof lies in the doing. Start with tangible action, share your progress, and let your achievements tell their own story. Embrace honesty, and success will follow in your wake.
READY TO JUMP ON A FREE ZOOM CALL TO DISCUSS BUILDING YOUR BRAND? CLICK HERE.
About the Founder of Power Your Research, Dr. Sheena C. Howard
Dr. Sheena C. Howard is the first Black woman to win an Eisner award at San Diego Comic-Con for her first book, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation (2014). The Eisner is considered the ‘Oscars of Comics.’ Howard has published comic books for both Marvel (Illusion of Fairness, 2023) and DC (Fresh Air in Philly, 2021, and others) comics. She has written a graphic novel and stage play for DMC (from RUN-DMC), published with Bloomsbury (Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation, 2014), Chicago Review Press (Encyclopedia of Black Comics, 2017), BenBellaPress (Why Wakanda Matters, 2021), and more. In addition, her work has received numerous book awards, including an American Library Association’s Outstanding Reference Sourcebook award and more. Her books have been featured in Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. She is also the subject of an Emmy-nominated episode of State of the Arts. Finally, Dr. Howard writes and ghostwrites for celebrities, CEOs, and social impact companies that seek to empower, inspire and motivate.
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