How can you network effectively when dealing with imposter syndrome?

One thing I learned is to focus on the other person. Show interest in their experience and perspectives. You can treat networking as an opportunity to ask questions with no strings attached. You can also start with with one-on-one meetings or small gatherings where you can feel more comfortable. Use coffee chats is a way to build confidence. Finally, set goals such as making a certain number of connections within your industry.

One thing I’ve found helpful is maintaining a personal achievements journal. Regularly revisiting this record of skills, successes, and positive feedback boosts confidence and clarity about my value in professional settings.

I find that people that contribute and add value still suffer from the impostor syndrome. A good strategy in any role would be to list all contributions, no matter how small, while highlighting which of these are achievements. In that way, one can look back and have an overview that will for sure boost confidence. From the list one can derive the strengths that are proven. One can strive to apply one's strengths that were not yet demonstrated.

Networking involves: 1. Bit of courage - most people are nervous introducing themselves 2. Ask an open ended question like a) what do you do or what do you think about...? 3. if the answer is short 4. say "tell me more" or "in what way" 5. listen actively 6. to keep the conversation going, say back a word or summarise what was said 7. Getting the person to a yes in words or body language is the ??? key to any good conversation Most people socially listen and you will stand out as someone who cares, especially if you do this time and time again and you will be remembered.

The place that I always try to start is not actually be thinking about myself at all, but rather to focus on individuals and what they are saying. By listening deeply to understand their perspective, whether I currently agree with it, or not, and asking sincere questions for clarification where needed, I 1. affirm them as a person 2. build a bridge between us for further, hopefully constructive discussion 3. buy the time and opportunity to assess their openness to a deeper communication that is mutually beneficial. If they respond by asking my opinion, I offer it politely as an alternative option for them to consider. That is very likely to open up an opportunity for further constructive conversation. If not, I withdraw and move on.

Getting to know other people in your field, following their posts and interacting/supporting their contributions allows you to increase your understanding and knowledge but also helps you to see how much you do know. It's a good way to support each other and bounce ideas in groups dedicated to expanding your field.

"It is lucky to find someone who shares the same mindset as you". It can take a long time to find people who not only share your values but also your challenges. This is even more complicated in a business context because mutual efforts must lead to an outcome/result. Although sustainability has become an important issue, the main goal of any enterprise (except for philanthropy) remains profit, and there is always an element of competition when finances are involved. However, as professionals, we also have a personal responsibility to be happy. Happiness is multifaceted and includes well-being. To maintain our well-being, we must surround ourselves with positive, respectful, and supportive people and not tolerate a toxic environment.

One thing I’ve found helpful is actively seeking communities where shared passions and challenges are the norm. In my professional journey, participating in industry-specific groups and events has been invaluable. These platforms offer not just networking opportunities, but also a sense of belonging and understanding. It's crucial to surround yourself with individuals who are not only supportive and respectful but also resonate with your aspirations. This approach helps in building genuine connections, where the focus shifts from trying to impress to engaging in meaningful exchanges. Finding your tribe in this way can significantly alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome.

An alternative approach is to find a mentor, especially if it is someone that one looks up to. With the mentor's help one will certainly improve and also be more confident on one's skills and how they are valuable to the current role.

It's okay to feel like you're alone, this means you have to start following people of interest to continuously ignite the excitement you have within the field. Overtime, through this excitement, you will start building a tribe or join a preexistent tribe where you can see yourself adding value.

There are many courses including free government funded courses that can help you increase your knowledge in areas you want to develop and then implement in your business. You could also sign up for masterminds or 5 day challenges to build your network whilst developing your practical knowledge with others in a supportive environment.

The first thing to consider is that everyone deals with imposter syndrome. The best way to network in this context is to approach each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow instead of simply a way of demonstrating your personal knowledge, skills, and/or experiences. You don’t need to impress the people you are networking with and worry about your imposter syndrome, instead make the conversation like you would with friends, because that’s really what you’re doing, making a friend in a professional (or similar) setting.

LinkedIn is a great way to flex this muscle! Like building strength in any area, repetition of a task gets easier with time. Perhaps it might be posting some feedback you received at work, or posting an acknowledgement of your work anniversary. These small things are easily relatable to your audience. By starting small you not only build your confidence but you build your online presence and start to create your online voice.

You've been on your own path and you've experience to bring. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room

Some things that I find help when it comes to reframing are: 1. Everything that happens in our world is a matter of perspective. 2. As such, there are always at lease 3 sides to every story, yours, theirs and the truth. 3. We really do learn new things every day, our brains are constantly learning and adapting. 4. We usually learn the most when things don't go to plan. Try to trust the process, you will come out the other side stronger. 5. People that appear successful have failed 100s or 1000s or times to get to where they are. 6. Things going perfectly often means you are not stretching yourself enough, when we stretch our capabilities we learn, grow and become better versions of ourselves.

Everything is about perspective. The path god has planned for you will require some level of stress but through it all, it will work out every single time.

One thing to appreciate, EVERYONE has had to deal with imposter syndrome. It could be work related, sport related, family/friend related. Given that truism, its easy to see everyone in a room more like peers, wit ha good portion concerned about the exact same problem. You might even want to use that as networking opener.

One aspect often overlooked is the power of reflection in combating imposter syndrome. Taking time to reflect on experiences, challenges overcome, and lessons learned can be incredibly empowering. It's not just about celebrating successes, but also understanding and acknowledging the journey that led to them. This reflection can foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and confidence, crucial for effective networking. Additionally, sharing these reflections during networking can resonate deeply with others, creating a more authentic and meaningful connection. It’s about embracing and sharing your unique journey, which can inspire and encourage others facing similar challenges.