Battling Imposter Syndrome as a Business Owner: You’re More Capable Than You Think!

It's been a while since I last wrote a blog, apologies- it's been hectic juggling family and MOA. I have been busy, rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in which has left little time. I need to delegate. Recruitment has begun, watch this space...

Ever felt like you’re just winging it in your business? Like at any moment, someone’s going to call you out for not knowing enough, not doing enough, or not being qualified enough? Welcome to the world of imposter syndrome—and trust me, you’re not alone.

The hard work has been paying off here. MOA have onboarded new clients including two accounting firms to fulfil book keeping for their SME's, it truly is an exciting time. I see it as exciting now- but for a while, imposter syndrome was a real thing that threatened to sabotage the results of showing up and bringing my A game everyday. I just wanted to share my experience, if it can be of benefit- then I am all for sharing.

Quick back story, one of the two accounting firms I have had the pleasure of welcoming to MOA is the lead Accountant for one of my bookkeeping clients. Corporation Tax is due shortly and we are working together to get this across the line on time. One of the partners rang in a blind panic, she claimed that she had "broke Xero." I was taken aback, why was she calling me?! After the initial shock, we "fixed it" I reassured her that you can't break Xero. FYI even if you get thoroughly hacked off with a bank reconciliation and set about your computer with a sledgehammer- it's cloud based and retrievable, but I do hope your computer is insured. There is very little that can be undone on Xero. We finished the call and I continued with my day. Accountants to me are like superhero's, the things they know about tax relief and offsets blows my mind. Sorry Superman, but you are not my type of hero, so to receive this SOS call did blow my mind. They were asking ME for help, WOW.

Later that week, I received a phone call from the same firm asking how I would feel about delivering one on one workshops to their clients who are on Xero and wish to do their own bookkeeping. My brain stopped me from blurting out, "ring the Xero helpdesk" or "watch a YouTube tutorial" I took a deep breath and simply said, "Yes." The freaking out began after I hung up.

Despite what I know to be consistently true, Accountants don't usually use Xero or Quickbooks or other programmes that us mere mortals use; They export data and create magic all by themselves with their mega brains. The nuts and bolts of these accounting software platforms available are irrelevant to these genius individuals, until they have to use the data entered to compile end of year accounts. Then they have an issue. That's where good bookkeeping comes in, hey presto- they called me!

Whether you're a start up founder, a solopreneur, or a seasoned business owner, imposter syndrome creeps in when you least expect it. And guess what? It’s especially common when you’re scaling up. So, how do you push through the doubt and keep growing your business? Let’s break it down and talk about it.

1. Recognize That You’re Not Alone

Every business owner, at some point, has felt like they’re faking their way through it. Even wildly successful entrepreneurs admit to feeling like frauds. The difference? They don’t let those feelings stop them.

Instead of asking, “Why am I feeling like this?” ask yourself, “What evidence do I have that I’m not good enough?” You’ll likely realize that the only person doubting your skills is you!

I sat with this. Looked back through my curriculum vitae and all of my certificates and accreditations. Yep, I was qualified, yep Xero is my go to platform, I have 20 plus years in finance (yikes I'm getting old) and realised, no, not faking it.

2. Focus on the Facts, Not Feelings

It’s easy to get caught up in emotions, but numbers don’t lie. If you’ve made sales, built relationships, or successfully managed your bookkeeping, you have proof that you’re doing something right.

Here’s a little trick: Keep a “Success Log.” Every time you land a new client, solve a problem, or receive positive feedback, write it down. The next time imposter syndrome hits, pull out that log and remind yourself of how far you’ve come. This isn't a do as a I say and not as I do, here is my success log, I took the time to hit pause and put pen to paper.

Write your success log and share it in the comments, I would love to help you celebrate the wins!

3. Delegate and Get Support

A huge trigger for imposter syndrome is trying to do everything yourself. News flash: You don’t have to!

• Struggling to stay organized? Hire a Virtual Assistant to handle your admin.

• Feeling overwhelmed by numbers? Get a bookkeeper to keep your finances in check.

• Need accountability? Find a mentor or join a business network.

Getting support doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you smart. The most successful entrepreneurs know when to delegate so they can focus on what they do best.

The recruitment process here at MOA has begun, my baby is growing and I need help. On that note, if you are based in or around the North West and think you have what it takes to be a virtual assistant, please reach out and call me. I am really keen to speak to people who want a flexible role with the ability to work independently, I love creativity and am not one to micro manage.

I am a member of the Mum's in Business Network, whilst I am a little up and down with my participation I love this group of mumtrepreneurs, they are a a much needed support at times and empowering others is a profoundly positive experience.

4. Reframe Mistakes as Learning Experiences

Mistakes happen. Failed launches, messy books, awkward client calls—we’ve all been there. But instead of seeing these moments as proof that you don’t belong, use them as stepping stones.

Ask yourself: What did I learn from this? Growth comes from doing, not from getting everything perfect the first time.

My biggest mistake had been saying yes to everything that came my way at first. I am now at a point where I am focusing in on bookkeeping and other specialist tasks and looking to delegate other parts like social media and diary management to someone who would like to work with me and excels in these tasks! You aren't getting me off the blogs though, I like this bit- sorry!

5. Celebrate Every Win—Big or Small

We’re often so focused on the next goal that we forget to acknowledge how much we’ve already achieved. Take time to celebrate every milestone, whether it’s signing a new client, mastering your bookkeeping system, or simply making it through a tough week.

I incorporate this into something I already do which is at the end of the day, I log down one positive thing that happened. Amazingly, even on a god awful day, there is always some good, sometimes you just need to stop and reflect. My list is a mix of business and personal wins, I keep it on my phone and it's become habitual. I set my alarm every night, put it on do not disturb and write down my positive in my phone notes. I find this a great way to end the year and start a new one. My memory is shockingly bad, when I sit on 31st December and reflect on the year gone, I tend to draw a blank on most of the good things that happened. This way, I have a full list of 365 good things that occurred rather than focus on the negatives. If you are reading this and think you might have a go, don't wait till the 1st January, start today you won't regret it! This list was also really useful when imposter syndrome crept in.

You Deserve to Be Here

The fact that you’re reading this means you care about your business, your growth, and your success. That alone is proof that you belong. You are capable and deserving of success- we all are.

So, the next time imposter syndrome tries to sneak in, remind yourself: I am capable. I am learning. I am growing. And I deserve to be here.

Now go out there and keep building the business you were meant to run!