👉 And if you're already a loyal reader, thanks for being here 🙏
Reader,
Have you ever typed out a LinkedIn post, hovered over the “publish” button, and then deleted it?
I have too. (Multiple times!)
Even after almost three years of posting, that little voice still sneaks in...
“Who are you to share this? Are you even expert enough?”
That voice has a name: imposter syndrome.
And it doesn’t care how experienced you are.
It shows up when you’re just starting, when you have thousands of followers, and even when you are invited to speak on stage.
(That’s been my experience.)
But the theme I notice over and over again to rise up against imposter syndrome is…
Taking action before feeling ready.
That's the "hack" if you will.
Recently at CEX (Content Entrepreneur Expo) in Cleveland, OH, I was surrounded by incredibly smart creators. I caught myself thinking, “Who am I to be in the same room as these people?”
The imposter syndrome was loud.
But then I reminded myself of something important...
Confidence builds only when you take small, steady actions. And I was taking action by just being there, striking up conversations, and soaking up as much as I could.
That quick pep talk helped me push past the doubt and stay present. And that's what I want to share with you today.
Here's how you can help quiet that imposter syndrome, especially building a personal brand on LinkedIn...
#1. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
☝️ This is probably my solopreneur/creator motto, if I had one!
Sharing pieces of your story or expertise on LinkedIn can feel...scary.
Unlike posting pictures on Facebook among friends and family, posting on LinkedIn is tied to your professional identity. Colleagues, future clients, or even a past boss might read it.
And that reality can make you pause and think...
“What will they think? Is it too personal?”
But if anything, I've continued to experience that growth requires a level of sharing on your part. And there are more of those rooting for you than you think...even the quiet lurkers.
Clients of mine have also validated that my openness and consistent sharing of my story on platforms like LinkedIn have been the nudge for them to choose me over others offering similar services.
Case in point: Sharing your story may be uncomfortable, but it's what people often remember and becomes the foundation for some of the best relationships.
#2. Comment before you post to build confidence
Publishing a post can feel like standing under a spotlight.
The pressure is real.
If you aren't ready for this step, I suggest commenting.
Now is the perfect time to leverage this strategy and increase awareness of who you are and how you help.
Not to mention, even the biggest gurus on LinkedIn are talking about how important commenting is as far as an awareness strategy...
Jasmin Alic, 329,000+ LinkedIn followers
When you leave thoughtful comments, you are putting your voice into the conversation without the full pressure of creating a post.
You are also signaling to others, “I'm here, I care about this topic, and I want to add value.”
Over time, those small acts build courage, while also building your personal brand in a way that feels more approachable.
Sometimes the best way to beat imposter syndrome is by raising your virtual hand with a comment.
3. Focus on connecting, not just creating
We often think personal branding is only about the content we post.
While content matters, I think the real intent is to connect with others. That’s what ultimately can fill your cup day-to-day.
I remember when getting my MBA, and I had an advisor who used to tell me, “You have to network.”
Reflecting on that word today (networking), feels too stuffy…too forced. I even felt it then, carrying around my resumes at the college job fair.
But the more I’m on LinkedIn and helping others, the more I think that what we’re all craving is genuine interactions.
And that happens with…
Sending a sincere message.
Replying thoughtfully to someone’s update.
Following up in the DMs with curiosity.
The goal is not to create and ghost, but the goal is to have a sincere interest in the other person and help them succeed.
#4. Share what you know
Another way imposter syndrome tries to hold you back is by telling you..."You don't know enough."
It's exactly what gave me pause at CEX.
Here are these creators with all this great wisdom, and who am I to be leading any others when it comes to their LinkedIn strategy or building a business?
But here's what I think most of us need to remember deep down inside...you have lived experiences someone else is waiting to hear about.
And honestly, you just have to be a few steps ahead for that person to find it valuable.
So stop thinking you need to wait to have all these years of experience under your belt.
Share what you know today. And when you experience those confirmations of “I get it now!” in your audience, you’ll be so glad imposter syndrome didn’t win out.
#5. Be able to spot and celebrate the small wins
To build confidence in combating imposter syndrome, I've found that it also grows as you begin to notice and celebrate your progress.
This has been a huge mindset shift for me. The little things DO matter.
Did your post get a few thoughtful comments? Celebrate it.
Did someone new connect with you? Celebrate that too.
Did someone hit “subscribe” on your newsletter? That's proof your voice matters.
These moments add up, but you've got to notice them.
And pretty soon, when you do, you've got a bank of items you can reference.
All of this becomes evidence that you are making an impact. And the more you take note of this evidence, the quieter imposter syndrome becomes.
Today, I celebrate you who have made it this far reading my newsletter!
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome is real, and it can resurface repeatedly. From my experience, it's never completely gone. And everyone I’ve spoken with has felt this way.
But you don't have to let it linger and try to derail you further.
So here is my encouragement for this week...
Get comfortable with the uncomfortable (and take action)
Comment to continue to grow confidence
Focus on connecting with genuine conversations
Share what you know - someone needs it
Celebrate the wins...and often
You have stories and lessons that can help someone else.
And imposter syndrome has NO business sticking around too long.