Imposter Syndrome & Learning from Mistakes

In 2014 I spoke at my first out of state conference over in Melbourne. I was excited to be invited to share my expertise with professional speakers from around the country and overseas, but I was a little nervous about speaking in front of professionals.  

Being such a well-respected conference, full of people I had followed for a few years, I was feeling a little nervous. I had spoken at plenty of events locally and virtually, and trained hundreds of people but I still felt a little unsure of myself in front of such an esteemed audience. I put myself under pressure and focussed on my content, and tried not to think about the level of speakers also on the program, and who could be in the room.

The night before I ran through my well-branded slides, I knew my content and was comfortable with the value I was adding, but of course, I kept making tweaks to make the presentation even better!

On the day, I managed to get lost at the venue, and ended up in the wrong room, at a completely different conference, and didn't realise until I was setting up my laptop! Flustered I left the room and asked for directions, almost running to the right room at the other side of the complex. I was late, hot and feeling like a complete imposter. I wanted to cry. But I put on a big smile, apologised for being late, and quickly got set up. Fortunately, the breakout room MC, a tech-savvy professional speaker had started a conversation with the audience about LinkedIn. She got them warmed up and engaged, ready for my session, for which I was grateful. 

I had worried that no one would attend my breakout session. Two other very interesting presentations were happening at the same time. But I ended up with a full house!

Once I got going, I let go of the feelings of self-doubt, not being worthy and feeling like a failure. I stepped into my expertise and energy, and was fully present in the room. 

Why am I sharing this story now? I attended a training session this week with this fabulous expert, who reminded me how we first met. It made me reflect on just how far I have progressed on so many levels.

What did I learn from that event and conference?

1. To know the venue, and know exactly where you are speaking.
2. Arrive early and be in the room for the previous session.
3. Get a feel for the audience and energy in the room.
4. Know your support team.
5. Focus on being present and the things you can control.
6. Reflect, look for learnings and adapt.
7. Back yourself.

I have such gratitude for all the lessons I have learned along the way, and the people around me along this journey. This conference had a massive impact on the way I saw myself. So many professional speakers were so generous with sharing their wisdom, many are now not just colleagues but friends. I entered as a passionate, specialist ready to serve. But I left as a professional speaker.

If you are doubting yourself, and suffering from imposter syndrome, acknowledge it but put it aside and step over it and have the courage to give it a go. Back yourself. You have so much value to share. Seek mentors and coaches to help you get out of your own head and into action.

What has been one of your standout, pivotal moments that helped you step into your expertise?

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LinkedIn has become an essential part of modern business marketing. It is important to keep your LinkedIn presence up to date. If you are unsure how to build your presence, seek expert help or book a LinkedIn Review to get a head start.

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Jo Saunders is an international LinkedIn expert, marketing strategist and social media educator who has been helping people connect since the early 90s.

Known as the LinkedIn Demystifier, Jo Saunders guides graduates, professionals and organisations through the complexities of LinkedIn and social marketing tools to energise their brand, establish credibility and earn influence through the power of Connectfluence.

She is the co-author of 'Get Good or Get Off - A guide to getting it right on social media', video series the #ConnectionCouch and was named #2 LinkedIn Expert in Asia Pacific for 2018.

• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/josaunders
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JoSaunders
• Web: www.wildfiresocialmarketing.com