Imposter syndrome—a nagging, self-doubting feeling that you’re not good enough, don’t belong, or aren’t as competent as others think you are—has a way of creeping into pivotal moments, tarnishing your confidence. 

It shows up in the rooms where your success is on the line:

• Asking for a raise or promotion

• Presenting a pitch for funding or sales

• Speaking up in leadership meetings or negotiations

For women, imposter syndrome seems to rear its ugly head more frequently. This isn’t surprising given the societal and systemic barriers women face in male-dominated spaces. But the result is a startling truth: many women are not getting paid what they deserve.

It’s time to flip the narrative. To sell more, succeed more, and grow more, you need to confront imposter syndrome head-on and cultivate an unshakable inner confidence. This is the foundation for commanding any room and earning what you’re worth.

The Profitability Problem

You can be deeply passionate about what you do, but passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Without profit, you don’t have a sustainable business. For women in particular, balancing passion and profitability often feels like walking a tightrope.

As Samantha Skey, CEO of SHE Media, a top 10 lifestyle media company empowering women and female-owned businesses, puts it: business is equal parts passion and sales. You can’t have one without the other.

This balance is tricky because women are frequently conditioned to downplay their accomplishments, avoid being “too pushy,” and prioritize relationships over transactions. But sales isn’t about being pushy. It’s about building relationships, communicating effectively, and confidently showcasing your value.

Owning The Room With Confidence

Confidence is the secret ingredient that makes sales feel natural and empowering, not forced or intimidating. But how do you cultivate it when imposter syndrome whispers that you don’t belong?

Samantha shares these actionable strategies to develop your inner confidence and trust your expertise:

1. Recognize Imposter Syndrome For What It Is

The first step is awareness. Imposter syndrome is a liar. It tells you that your successes are flukes and that you’re not as competent as you think. Asking yourself, “Is this true?” after a negative thought enters your mind is a great way to diffuse it. 

Understand that these thoughts are normal but not factual. Everyone, even highly successful people, experiences self-doubt at times. Recognizing that you’re not alone in these feelings can help diminish their power over you.

2. Embrace Your Experience

Your journey, skills, and expertise are uniquely yours. No one else has the exact same combination of knowledge and life experience that you bring to the table.

When you walk into a room, remind yourself: I deserve to be here because of what I know and what I’ve accomplished. This is not arrogance; it’s an honest acknowledgment of your value.

3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Confidence doesn’t come from winging it. It comes from knowing your stuff inside and out. Preparation allows you to anticipate questions, demonstrate expertise, and stay calm under pressure.

When pitching a new idea or negotiating a deal, rehearse your key points. Practice until you feel grounded in your message.

4. Leverage Your Network

Sales is about communication and relationships. Women naturally excel at fostering connections and building trust, which are critical components of successful sales.

Tap into your network to gain insights, support, and referrals. The relationships you’ve nurtured are one of your greatest assets. Use them strategically and generously.

5. Develop A Bold Sales Muscle

Sales doesn’t have to feel slimy or aggressive. Instead, think of it as helping others solve a problem or meet a need.

Adopt a bold, shameless sales approach that’s rooted in service. You’re not asking for a favor; you’re offering value. Practice making offers with enthusiasm and clarity, knowing that what you bring to the table has the power to transform.

The Feminine Superpower In Sales

One of the most empowering takeaways from Samantha Skey’s perspective is that women have innate strengths that make them exceptional in sales:

• Empathy: Women often excel at understanding their audience’s needs and pain points. Use this to your advantage by tailoring your message and demonstrating how your offer aligns with their goals.

• Collaboration: Instead of approaching sales as a one-sided transaction, think of it as a collaborative process. How can you and your client work together to achieve success?

• Resilience: Women are no strangers to overcoming challenges. Channel this resilience into persistence. Not every pitch will land, but each one teaches you something valuable.

5 Actionable Steps To Overcome Imposter Syndrome

If imposter syndrome is holding you back, it’s time to take proactive steps to banish it for good:

1. Document Your Wins
   Keep a running list of your accomplishments, big and small. Review it regularly to remind yourself of how much you’ve achieved.

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
   Replace self-doubt with affirmations. For example, instead of thinking, I’m not good at sales, say, I’m learning to become an exceptional salesperson.

3. Seek Mentorship
   Find a mentor or coach who can help you identify your blind spots, boost your confidence, and navigate tricky situations.

4. Take Up Space
   Physically and verbally, assert yourself. Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak with conviction. These small actions send a powerful signal—to others and to yourself—that you’re confident and capable.

5. Focus on the Mission
   When nerves strike, redirect your focus to your mission. Why are you doing this work? How does it help others? Connecting to your purpose can anchor you in moments of doubt.

Selling With Confidence

Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a permanent roadblock. By building your inner confidence and embracing your strengths, you can step into any room with authority and purpose.

Selling isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the most authentic. When you show up as your true self—knowledgeable, passionate, and prepared—you naturally inspire trust and enthusiasm.

So, are you ready to develop a bold, shameless sales muscle? The time to start is now. Your business, your bank account, and your future self will thank you.

Join me and many other female founders inside of the She Sells Society, a membership for women in sales to create an aligned approach to selling. If you’re ready to elevate your sales, let’s have a conversation and see if this offer is right for you! Join the waitlist now.